"No book illustrates the contributions of the Chinese in Thailand and their rich shared history better than this one. Its insights are the most illuminating I have read on the subject and should reach the widest audience possible." --Wang Gungwu, University Professor Emeritus, National University of Singapore "This masterpiece has truly opened a much needed and much anticipated new horizon in the studies of the Chinese diaspora." --Wasana Wongsurawat, Department of History, Chulalongkorn University The Chinese diaspora in Southeast Asia is the largest and most influential in the world, and its most notable product is modern Thailand. Across many centuries, the Chinese have migrated to Thailand's ports and cities as traders, laborers and adventurers--eventually becoming merchants, bankers and even royalty. They have had a huge impact on Siamese history and society well beyond the confines of Bangkok's vibrant Chinatown. Today, the Thai Chinese are well represented among the country's governing elite and their business magnates dominate national industries from rice, tin and rubber to manufacturing, banking and retail. Former diplomat Jeffrey Sng and Sino-Thai scholar Pimpraphai Bisalputra tell the remarkable story of how this minority has been embraced and assimilated at all levels of Thai society right up to the pinnacles of power and commerce.

Drawing on interviews with prominent Chinese families, archives, documents and oral histories, they weave touching human stories into a sweeping historical narrative. The book covers Chinese migrations dating back to the 14th century, followed by their rise as merchants, tax farmers and government servants in the 18th century, to their leading role in Thai business and politics in recent times. This colorful account of the Thai Chinese is a must-read for anyone wishing to understand modern-day Thailand.