When most of SE Asia's countries were colonised by the Europeans, why Siam (Thailand) remained independent, not colonised?
2007-01-10 20:15:46 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ History
They were ruled by Thai Kings and government officials who are able diplomats. Most of these rulers were educated in Western Europe (England, France, Germany). They used their diplomatic skills in opening Thailand to the outside world and securing concessions to Thai sovereignty. The Thai rulers and their people never showed any hostility towards foreigners, which was the opposite case with most conquered countries in Asia.
2007-01-11 11:12:31 · answer #1 · answered by roadwarrior 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Thais have 2 wise kings to thank for keeping the colonial powers from running their country - Mongkut & Chulalongkorn who on one hand, welcomed the Europeans with open arms, depriving the Europeans of excuses to invade & rule the country & on the other hand, played the French against the English.
Also, the kings wisely used Thailand's geopgraphy to the country's advantage - Thailand could be a buffer state between the French & English spheres of influence.
2007-01-11 05:30:21 · answer #2 · answered by Kevin F 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They had very able and capable rulers. They also used the tension between the British and the French to their advantage.
2007-01-11 04:28:24 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
look it up on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_East_Asia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siam http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_East_Asia#History http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siam#History
2007-01-11 04:21:08 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋