Why is Thailand called the Free Land?
Is both reading and understanding history one of your hobbies? If yes, you probably ever heard that Thailand wasn’t colonized when the other ASEAN countries were. In this article, there are a few reasons why Thailand was never colonized and they are related to each other. It includes the ideas of two kings. They are King Mongkut who has the title Rama IV and Rama V (King Chulalongkorn), who contributed greatly to making Thailand a country that was never colonized.
1. Buffer State
Source : https://www.bbc.com/news/
One reason Thailand was not colonized is that, when it was still called Siam, it served as a buffer state. The surrounding countries—Myanmar and Malaysia to the west and south, and Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia to the east—were colonized by Britain and France, two major powers that were potentially hostile.
King Chulalongkorn recognized this situation and engaged in diplomacy with both France and England. He adopted European technology and customs to strengthen Thai power. At one point, France proposed dividing Siam with Britain, but through diplomatic efforts, an agreement was reached in 1896 to maintain Siam's independence. Consequently, Siam remained a buffer state between France and England.
2. Modernization of European lifestyle
Source : https://teakdoor.com/
The adoption of European technology and customs was the second reason why Thailand was never colonized by the West. Modernization was implemented in various areas, from European-style education to teaching English to the Siamese royal family.
Previously, King Mongkut had included modern geography and astronomy in school curriculums, helping students learn about Western countries before they entered Siam. He also recognized the influx of Christian missionaries and employed them to teach English to the royal family. King Rama IV hired Western mercenaries to train Siamese troops.
King Chulalongkorn reformed Thailand’s political system to align more closely with European models. He initiated a map-making project, understanding that Europeans valued detailed topographical knowledge for defining territories. This helped reduce border conflicts and land disputes. Additionally, King Chulalongkorn ordered all Siamese people to wear modern European shoes instead of traditional Thai footwear, so Western visitors would see them as progressive and friendly. Also, European architects were hired to construct various European-style buildings and forts.
Read more! Another Thailand's related article : "Phuket is Phurfect for Holiday Destination!"
3. Mandala Government System
Source : https://www.businessinsider.com/
The third reason Thailand could not be colonized was the Mandala system of governance. In this system, King Chulalongkorn established local army forces to exert control over distant areas. Although his army was not as strong as European troops, it provided the king with the means to oversee local leaders more effectively. Ultimately, all local rulers were overthrown and stripped of their power, resulting in the centralization of government in Bangkok.
4. Bowring Treaty
Source : https://review.gale.com/
The Bowring Treaty of 1854 was an agreement made between John Bowring, the Governor of Hong Kong under British rule, and Siam. This agreement eliminated the foreign trade tax monopoly. While it was very beneficial to England, it was detrimental to Siam, as the Siamese government ceded the states of Kedah, Perlis, Kelantan, and Terengganu to British control. However, King Rama V agreed to this to avoid colonialism. By eliminating taxes and import duties, Siam integrated into the global economic system, becoming a market for industrial goods and Western investments. Siam could also export rice, tin, and teak wood products.
5. Minimal Agricultural Produce
Source : https://ricenewstoday.com/
Another reason why Thailand was never colonized was the lack of abundant agricultural products. Unlike other Southeast Asian countries rich in natural resources, Siam did not have fertile land. Consequently, Westerners were not interested in occupying it, which is why Thailand was never colonized by other countries.
