a history of thailand

It is difficult to follow because while it follows general chronology many sections go back to time frames previosuly covered by there could be more written to connect each section to one another. That said, I have definitely read better national history books for other countries, and regret that I didn't get quite as much as I would have hoped out of this one. “The American era and development, 1940s to 1960s” and “Ideologies, 1940s to 1970s,” this jumping back and forth in time doesn’t exactly make it a very accessible read either. What tourism affects. Since then, there have been over 20 military coups in Thailand’s history. A history that spans the early regional kingdoms (briefly) through the early unified kingdoms of Ayutthaya and Thonburi and the 200-plus-years-old Bangkok Chakri dynasty up to King Bhumipol's late 20th-century reign and the 2001 election of Thaksin Shinawatra as prime minister. I was hoping for an even-handed treatment, but found that mainly in the first half of the book. A history that spans the early regional kingdoms (briefly) through the early unified kingdoms of Ayutthaya and Thonburi and the 200-plus-years-old Bangkok Chakri dynasty up to King Bhumipol's late 20th-century reign and the 2001 election of Thaksin Shinawatra as prime minister. Thip Samai Pad Thai Restaurant in Phra Nakorn, Thailand. and cultivated rice during the fourth millennium B.C. Check out the new look and enjoy easier access to your favorite features. Later on there is a marked anti-American slant, and the authors also appear remarkably naive about the communist movement in Thailand, especially considering how things developed in some of its neighbouring countries, something that is hardly given any attention at all. The history of Thailand from 1932 to 1973 was dominated by military dictatorships which were in power for much of the period. At first what is now Thailand was divided into small states called Meuang. The authors also survey the country's transformation accompanying massive social evolution over recent decades. For up to one million years prior to the arrival of Homo sapiens, the region was home to Homo erectus, such as Lampang Man, whose fossilized remains were discovered in 1999. It is wholly within the tropics and encompasses diverse ecosystems. The United States and Thailand ’s first official diplomatic interaction occurred in 1833 when they signed a Treaty of Amity and Commerce, which was the United States’ first treaty with an … Be the first to ask a question about A History of Thailand. When I picked up this book I was looking for a brief history of Thailand that might help explain somethings which fell into the "Well I'll be damned!" I recommend it to anyone who wants a brief accessible background as I did. Like...it was impossible for me to intellectually persuade myself to express at least a glimpse of interest. In A History of Thailand, Chris Baker and Pasuk Phongpaichit reveal how a world of mandarin nobles and unfree labour evolved into a rural society of smallholder peasants and an urban society populated mainly by migrants from southern China. They grew rice. I read it because I was interested in Thai history and wanted to know about its people and culture more. A concise and surprisingly accessible history of Thailand, with the emphasis on the modern era. Will give you a great sense of how Thailand became a nation and how it continues to be influenced by the legacies of the past. Unfortunately, readers seeking hints of "Bangkok 8" may find themselves a little disappointed. This is one of those books. The between-world-wars transition from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy and the later competitions among royalists, the military, and rising civilian business and political interests are big parts of the story. I really enjoyed this telling of Thai history. We’d love your help. by Cambridge University Press. The areas collected within the borders had very different histories, languages, religious cultures, and traditions. I will have a look at another take on Thai history soon. Thailand has been through many changes in the 20th and 21st centuries as a rather poor and rural society attempted to cope with imperialism, war, immigra. The first third of the book is spent on pre-20th century Thailand -- sketching in particular the structure of its monarchy and the geopolitical region it dominated, the Mekong (stretching to Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Burma). Enjoyed it far more than Wyatt's version, and I got a far more in-depth look at the early Rattanakosin Pe. Its also the only up-to-date socio-economic history of Thailand I could find on international bookshelves so this makes it somewhat of a reference text for the layman. By 100 AD they were practicing Theravada Buddhism. The oldest known mention of their existence in the region by the exonym Siamese is in a 12th-century A.D. inscription at the Khmer temple complex of As a brief history it is by no means exhaustive and if you feel the need for a bit more detail please consult our reading list for some interesting books. And because lèse majesté laws limit often people voice their true opinions on current events. Ancient History A number of indigenous Mon-Khmer and Malay civilizations used to live in the region now known is Thailand. This book explores how a world of mandarin nobles and unfree peasants was transformed and examines how the monarchy managed the foundation of a new nation-state at the turn of the twentieth century. The first military coup in Thailand took place in 1932, birthing a modern nation state called Siam. Covering the past three centuries of Thai history, this book reveals how a landscape of sparsely populated forest and jungle was transformed into villages and paddy fields, with a rural society of smallholder peasants and an urban society populated mainly by migrants from southern China. Breaking up the chronology also in the subchapters exacerbates this issue. Baker and his co-author give a 35,000 foot view of Thai history, focusing on the 1500s as a rough starting point, and continuing through the modern era when Yinglak served as Prime Minister. ___ History of Thailand Prehistory The earliest known inhabitation of present-day Thailand dates to the Paleolithic period, about 20,000 years ago. A HISTORY OF THAILAND Third Edition A History of Thailand offers a lively and accessible account of Thailand’s political, economic, social and cultural history, from the early settlements in the Chao Phraya basin to today. If you're looking for a readable and historically accurate introduction to Thai history, this is it. A solid account, and a real step towards a people's history of one of the world's most interesting nations. A dry, coursebook-like presentation of facts from the 18th century to modern times. After the country went through a peaceful transformation in 1932, sovereign power came to belong to the Thai people, with the King as the Head of State who is above partisan politics and discharges his role in accordance with the country’s Constitution. Chris Baker taught Asian history at Cambridge University, and has lived in Thailand for over twenty years. All in all a solid book to learn about the history of the region if you plan to travel there and want some context of the history of the region. Crucial details are glossed over and facts are distorted to paint an on-the-run criminal into somewhat of a wronged hero. Here, we examine a brief history of tourism in Thailand. Under his tenure, Thailand covered parts of Burma, all regions of present-day Laos, Kedah province in Malaysia and Cambodia. The authors trace two main themes: 1) the strong nation state rising against exterior threats (colonialism, communism, etc) in which citizens serve the nation as obedient children and 2) a nation that is made to serve the wellbeing of the people who yearn for greater equality and participation. The king developed the governing house that has continued to the present. To the Thai, the name has mostly been Mueang Thai. These authors (finally!) This book was exactly what I wanted, it is certainly not a definitive work but it does provide a brief clear sketch of Thai history as it pertains to the development of modern Thailand. 'In A History of Thailand, Chris Baker and Pasuk Phongpaichit, two respected Bangkok-based scholars, offer a lively, highly readable account of modern Thai history, the first such history in English for two decades.' The bulk, however, is spent on modern Thailand, with a brief chapter added in the second edition on the post-2006 era after which Thaksin was exiled, the military coup, yellow vs red shirt protests, etc. In A History of Thailand, Chris Baker and Pasuk Phongpaichit reveal how a world of mandarin nobles and unfree labour evolved into a rural society of smallholder peasants and an urban society populated mainly by migrants from southern China. Emerging Tai Kingdoms. This is a great improvement over Wyatt's tome, which is more widely read as "the" introductory book, but is really sub-par in its representations of historical realities. The book makes light of Thaksin Shinawatra’s corruption schemes, along with the destructions inflicted by his paid red-shirt supporters from 2008 to 2014, while people who protested against his government are incorrectly portrayed as old power players who felt threatened by his office. History and Origins. An influx of “immigrants” is noted at intervals, and that’s about it. However the ancestors of modern Thais are believed to have come from southern China. Chris Baker andPasuk Phongpaichit reveal … In Thailand: History The Thai are descended from a much larger group of Tai-speaking peoples. Happy Women's History Month! It reads more like a first year history textbook - VERY dry - than an enjoyable history that you would want to read in your free time. This is an history of Thailand. The 12 Cultural Mandates. This opacity makes this (. A brief history of Thailand Below you will find a few key dates that offer some perspective on the history of Thailand and how the country has developed over the last thousand years or so. You'll also find little sympathy for virtually any figures in Thai history, a pleasant change from the official hero-worship that masks as "education" within the country. They describe the dramatic changes wrought by a booming economy, globalization, and the evolution of mass society. The bulk, however, i. The Thai language seems to have been spoken in the lower Chao Phraya system and down the upper peninsula, but in practice local dialects varied greatly, and the languages of Bangkok and Chiang Mai were mutually unintelligible. This book explores how a world of mandarin nobles and unfree peasants was transformed and examines how the monarchy managed the foundation of a new nation-state at the turn of the twentieth century. It demonstrates how throughout the twentieth century, Thailand has been drawn into the, Covering the past three centuries of Thai history, this book reveals how a landscape of sparsely populated forest and jungle was transformed into villages and paddy fields, with a rural society of smallholder peasants and an urban society populated mainly by migrants from southern China. One should take into account that the book has a somewhat leftist bias - about what one should expect in a book by two professors - but, with all that, it is certainly an excellent source as an introduction to the history of that fascinating country. May 23rd 2005 In the second part we are mainly presented with a rather lonely Thailand, except for the American and Japanese involvement, and then towards the end of the book, there’s the tourism and the issue of globalization. The last 10% or so of the text contains very biased and deceitful report of the political conflicts that have been ongoing for the last decade in Thailand. Archaeology has revealed evidence in the Khorat Plateau in the northeast of prehistoric inhabitants who may have forged bronze implements as early as 3000 B.C. One should take into account that the book has a somewhat leftist bias - about what one should expect in a book by two professors - but, with all that, it is certainly an excellent source as an introduction to the history of that fascinating country. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of, Published Historically there were many Szechwan influences in Thai cuisine, although over the centuries many … The competing visions of society reflect the whole world's struggles, and shed light on the issues before other countries. A Brief History of Thailand Explained in 5 minutes. Beginning with the late Ayutthaya period the authors show how Bangkok rose from Ayutthaya’s destruction in 1767, became a cosmopolitan trade center, and cent. History of Thailand . “The American era and development, 1940s to 1960s” and “Ideologies, 1940s to 1970s,” this jumping back and forth in time doesn’t exactly make it a very accessible read either. The book was great, with a lot of details since the creation of Thailand to the present day and all that jazz. Perhaps better titled as "An Economic History of Thailand", the work suffers from its over-indulgence in my last favorite favored aspect of modern historiography. I enjoyed the book and found it useful to me. Before Bangkok -- The old order in transition, 1760s to 1860s -- Reforms, 1850s to 1910s -- Peasants, merchants, and officials, 1870s to 1930s -- Nationalisms, 1910s to 1940s -- The American Era and development, 1940s to 1960s -- Ideologies, 1940s to 1970s -- Globalization and mass society, 1970s onwards -- Politics, 1970s onwards. Like...nothing literally. Look no further. Along the way, we are given glimpses of some truly interesting elements of Thai society that could be explored in depth (the revolution of the 1930s, the mysterious death of a king in the 1940s), but aside from the role. The last 10% or so of the text contains very biased and deceitful report of the political conflicts that have been ongoing for the last decade in Thailand. At first the farmers used stone tools but about 3,000 BC bronze was discovered. The capital of Thailand is Bangkok, and the city’s metropolitan area is the preeminent urban center in the country. This is not academic text, however, but easy to read textbook. Thailand is a parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarchy. A solid history of modern Thailand, running from the 1700s to the present day ~2009. What I liked about it was its illustration of how Thailand, as an entity, was constructed, largely through the pressures of a colonial reality, rather than relying on any kind of preconceived notions of what the country is or is not. A concise and surprisingly accessible history of Thailand, with the emphasis on the modern era. A very decent introduction to the history of Thailand that should provide you with a reasonable understanding of the primary paradigms that have defined, and continue to shape, the evolution and progress of Thailand's people and culture. In A History of Thailand, Chris Baker and Pasuk Phongpaichit reveal how a world of mandarin nobles and unfree labour evolved into a rural society … (Control of the nation state is still contested between forces with a patriarchal belief in change from above, and advocates of democracy and liberal values.). Along the way, we are given glimpses of some truly interesting elements of Thai society that could be explored in depth (the revolution of the 1930s, the mysterious death of a king in the 1940s), but aside from the role of CHinee migrants ot the country, Baker chooses to focus on the broad brushstrokes. Don't take too much notice of the right wing academic reviews, that are seeking to wash over the tremendouys influence the US has had on this country both positive and negative. You can also check out Thailand timeline – a chronology of key events. This is one of those books. Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read. Great book on Thai history. Welcome back. Surprisingly, after having read it for years, I can't remember anything. A History of Thailand by Chris Baker, May 23, 2005, Cambridge University Press edition, Paperback in English These authors (finally!) This seems to be the primary overview of Thai history available (in English, at least), and so definitely is the place to go to get a detailed background on the people and events that have shaped the country. Baker and his co-author give a 35,000 foot view of Thai history, focusing on the 1500s as a rough starting point, and continuing through the modern era when Yinglak served as Prime Minister. Thai food originated with the people who emigrated from the southern Chinese provinces into modern day Thailand many centuries ago. This book explores how a world of mandarin nobles and unfree peasants was transformed and examines how the monarchy managed the foundation of a new nation-state at the turn of the twentieth century. A remarkably frank look at Thai history, and one which has apparently largely displaced David Wyatt's more classic text as a standard introduction to the topic. I liked the overviews provided at the end of each section. This is a fine account of Thailand's dynamic evolution, conveyed with spare, action-oriented writing. box. Covering the past three centuries of Thai history, this book reveals how a landscape of sparsely populated forest and jungle was transformed into villages and paddy fields, with a rural society of smallholder peasants and an urban society populated mainly by migrants from southern China. We haven't found any reviews in the usual places. However about 4,000 BC they began farming. Crucial details are glossed over and facts are distorted. The modern history of Thailand is closely connected to the Vietnam War and the cold war and should be of special interest to America even though there are no major political problems associated with our relationship today. But efforts at creating national unity through enforced uniformity have not gone unchallenged. Religion, song, sport, and comedy broadened the class range of the social mirror and breached old psychological”, “barriers inherited from the sakdina era.”, Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License, Power, Sister! He moved the capital city to Bangkok, revived the country’s economy and restored what remained of the Ayutthaya artistic heritage. Their tendency to place chapters on socio-cultural changes for each era before corresponding chapters on the politico-economic events of the age also tends to break the historic narrative. This book was exactly what I wanted, it is certainly not a definitive work but it does provide a brief clear sketch of Thai history as it pertains to the development of modern Thailand. Limited because of what one can say and write in Thailand. Modern humans first settled the area that is now Thailand in the Paleolithic Era, perhaps as early as 100,000 years ago. The first third of the book is spent on pre-20th century Thailand -- sketching in particular the structure of its monarchy and the geopolitical region it dominated, the Mekong (stretching to Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Burma). It demonstrates how throughout the twentieth century, Thailand has been drawn into the international system, the American camp in the Cold War, the economic gambit of rising Japan, and more recently, the forces of globalization. A History of Thailand offers a lively and accessible account of Thailand's political, economic, social and cultural history. From 1939 to 1942 Prime Minister, Phibun, issued a series of ‘state decrees’ intended to create a civilised, uniformed and unified country, which would, in turn, help the war efforts. Now in its third edition, this book explores how a world of man-darinnoblesandunfreepeasantswastransformedbycolonialism,the Certainly could have been more in-depth on recent developments (since the 1950s), but in a short book it provided a great overview. The word Siam (Thai: สยาม RTGS: Sayam) may have originated from Pali (suvaṇṇabhÅ«mi, "land of gold") or Sanskrit श्याम (śyāma, "dark") or Mon ရာမည (rhmañña, "stranger"), probably the same root as Shan and Ahom. The current monarch, Maha Vajiralongkorn, is the tenth in the Chakri dynasty to take the throne. do a good job, within the constraints of the book's length, of explaining how an array of feudal city-states were eventually consolidated and, basically, colonized by Bangkok powers, resulting eventually in the nation-state of Thailand. Minus on star because some parts become list-like in the retelling and I lost the sense of its importance. If you're looking for a readable and historically accurate introduction to Thai history, this is it. This book about Thailand’s history was what I expected. This opacity makes this (text)book an important introduction to the Thai history. A remarkably frank look at Thai history, and one which has apparently largely displaced David Wyatt's more classic text as a standard introduction to the topic. Seesawing between actual political history, which, of course, is difficult to divorce from the economic stuff, and discussions of mind-numbingly tedious details on GDP, GRP, and STD, my eyes glassed over every other page, it seemed. History Ancient History. Its also the only up-to-date socio-economic history of Thailand I could find on international bookshelves so this makes it somewhat of a reference text for the layman. I can’t agree with what it says in the blurb, that this is a “a lively and accessible account of Thailand's political, economic, social and cultural history.” - I found the writing rather dry, and by dividing the book into chapters like e.g. The earliest inhabitants of what is now Thailand were hunter-gatherers. Does a good job weaving in aspects of geography (rural-urban), economics, social classes and relations, religion, culture, and international affairs, including Chinese migrations, European imperialism, and post-World War II US influence. (A Concise) History of Thailand From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Thai peoples who originally lived in southwestern China migrated into mainland Southeast Asia over a period of many centuries. They trace how a Buddhist cosmography adapted to new ideas of time and space, and a traditional polity was transformed into a new nation-state under a strengthened monarchy. What I liked about it was its illustration of how Thailand, as an entity, was constructed, largely through the pressures of a colonial reality, rather than relying on any kind of preconceived notions of what the country is or is not. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. Gave a very readable account of the complexities of Thailand's politics and economy. A History of Thailand offers a lively and accessible account of Thailand's political, economic, social and cultural history. Dry, but serviceable, and I read it at the tail end of my trip and wish I'd done it at the beginning, because there was a lot of history I could have used to appreciate what I saw, especially the ruins! Here is a super brief history of Thailand in just a few minutes. Good history textbooks so often make for poor casual reading. From about 500 BC the people of what is now Thailand used iron. A History of Thailand offers a lively and accessible account of Thailand's political, economic, social and cultural history. This is a great improvement over Wyatt's tome, which is more widely read as "the" introductory book, but is really sub-par in its representations of historical realities. The between-world-wars transition from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy and the later competitions among royalists, the military, and rising civilian business and political interests are big parts of the story. Pasuk Phongpaichit is Distinguished Professor of Economics at Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok. The book is an impressive tribute to Thailand's vibrant people, showing their creative involvement in every global movement in terms of politics, economics, popular culture, or religion. The authors trace two main themes: 1) the strong nation state rising against exterior threats (colonialism, communism, etc) in which citizens serve the nation as obedient children and 2) a nation that is made to serve the wellbeing of the people who yearn for greater equality and participation. The latter are found from extreme northeastern India in the west to northern Vietnam in the east and from southern China in the north to as far south as the central Malay… It also only really covers the last 150 years of Thailand, so it is most certainly not a history of Thailand. The authors cover the contests between urban nationalists, ambitious generals, communist rebels, business politicians, and social movements to control the nation-state and redefine its purpose.

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