Thailand: A Short History

by David K. Wyatt

This highly acclaimed book, the standard history of Thailand for almost twenty years, has now been completely revised by the author. David K. Wyatt has also added new sections examining the social and economic changes that have transformed the country in the past two decades.

Praise for the previous edition:

“Wyatt knows his subject well enough and has enough enthusiasm for it to make his book . . . entertaining as well as eminently educational.”―David McElveen, Asiaweek

“A very readable account. . . .We come away from reading it with a clearer understanding of where Thailand stands in relation to its neighbors, who the Thai people are, how the Thai government evolved into its present form.”―James Stent, Asian Wall Street Journal

“Concise, thorough, and readable.”―John Gabree, New York Newsday

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Travel, Asia

352 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1982

About the author

David K. Wyatt was an American historian and author who studied Thailand. He taught at Cornell University from 1969-2002, where he became the Chair of the Cornell University Department of History. His book Thailand: A Short History has become the chief authority on Thai history in the English language.

Reviews

[Spook Sulek · Rating 3 out of 5]

While a number of reviews said this was a 'dry' book or a 'difficult' read, I think that those people were perhaps forgetting that this is a history book, and therefore would not be as exciting as the latest episode of Dr. Who. I enjoyed it, and learning about the migrations of people from place to place, how the populace spread and why, that's important even in a Short History of a land. Other reviewers also complained about Wyatt's focus on the actions of the rulers of the land but a) The author explains why he focuses on kings in the introduction and b) A king's policies and decisions effect the entire country, land and people, and that's basic information one needs if one is to learn anything further about the history of Thailand. Again, I enjoyed the stories, didn't think them dry at all; the history of the Suffering Prince (p. 31), the kingdom of Lan Na (p. 44-50), and Rama the Bold (p. 53-59) were particularly interesting. Rama's policy of sharing the throne once a week with monks (p. 55) and his desire to be a moral ruler as well as a civil authority was intriguing.
As early as pg. 7 Wyatt was emphasizing how kingdoms grew and chiefs helped the early Tai people band together for survival, how the situation was one of mutual protection. This is an important point to be made, especially if your audience is modern Americans who are generally biased in favor of independence. Being more familiar with Western history I appreciated seeing the many similarities in how countries began and grew, how 'princesses' were married off to strengthen the kingdom (p. 17) and to solidify relations with other countries (p. 52). I also thought it was interesting when Wyatt made the point that (due to underpopulation) daughters inherited equally (p. 4) as opposed to the situation in India and China (and the West).
Using language to date and identify how countries arose and developed, and the discussions thereof (p. 2, 17, 64...) were enlightening.
Being more familiar with Western history I found Ayudhya's law fascinating; if it was in use by 1397 that means that the need for formal legislation of that kind was necessary in the growing civilizations of both East and West (I'm thinking of the Magna Carta of 1215) around the same developmental period (possibly the difference of a century has to do with how people pressed in together argue more and require formal laws sooner!). I also saw a commonality between Russia's Rasputin and the sorcerer-monk of King Trailok, though the connection was more one of how people will use any means necessary to achieve their ends, and less one of chronology.
Finally, I loved learning that C. Columbus wasn't the only one to mis-name a people, that the the Sukhothai were in all likelihood the 'Siamese' whose sewing and silk were so sought after in the 1290s (long before a formal Siam existed), that King Anorahta mistakenly believed the Tai he conquered and absorbed into his empire were 'Chinese' (p. 34), and I loved seeing the words 'paramountcy' (p. 68), and elephantry (p. 76) in print!
Worth an ILL!

[Leelas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is, without a doubt, the best comprehensive history of Thailand that we have. This is not to say that it's perfect, and it's also not to say that it's necessarily a fun read, although if you are interested in taking a serious look at Thai history, there's no better starting point.

For those who wish to only examine modern Thai history, the works of Pasuk and Baker, or by Terwiel, are better than Wyatt. For those who wish to study early Thai history, and to have an idea of how the Bangkok Empire, predecessor to the modern Siamese nation-state, came into existence, this is undoubtedly the best book I could recommend.

David K. Wyatt belonged to a generation of scholars for whom disproving the negative colonialist assumptions about Southeast Asian history was a high priority. In this book, and in Wyatt's other works, he makes a serious effort to view history from a Thai perspective, and in this case, he largely succeeds. A side effect of this, however, is that from the Taksin period up until the modern parliamentary period, Wyatt presents a largely uncritical analysis of the Siamese and their leaders. For that period, I'd recommend Pasuk and Baker, but for the rest of Thai history, it doesn't get better than Wyatt.

[Smiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprisingly, I have vaguely been familiar with Prof. David K. Wyatt since my college years, that is, more than four decades ago as an eminent American scholar with his published articles, translated early Thai texts and some books on Thai history. This one has been highly-acclaimed and cited as an authoritative reference. It is a pity I have never read him before; however, I have changed my mind since the last week of June by reflecting that I should read him for comparison after reading ประวัติศาสตร์ไทยร่วมสมัย (Prawattisat thai ruamsamai) the translated Thai version of A History of Thailand, Third Edition (Cambridge University Press, 2014) by Chris Baker and Pasuk Phongpaichit. Furthermore, justifiably speaking, I think I should read the English version as well.

To continue . . .

[Ian McHugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

An in-depth, thorough, and readable history of Thailand. I have a much much clearer understanding of where I live and whom I live with. The pre-modern coverage of 'Siam' could do with a few more maps to aid understanding (for ignorants like me who don't fully know the geography yet) and the published date means the analysis only goes up to the early 2000s. It's coverage is full and has given a wealth of contemporary and scholarly additional reading in its bibliography and citation from which I fully intend to find out more about this beautiful and crazy nation.

[Choonghwan · Rating 2 out of 5]

too much is spent on politics and and regimes

[Nathan Albright · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book that would likely be banned in Thailand.  That is not to say that it is a bad book, although admittedly the book is far more sympathetic to left-wing views than I am and is of the belief that conservative to reactionary ways are passe and that there is a historical inevitability about moves to the left.  I happen to violently disagree with this sort of mentality myself, so that tends to diminish my enthusiasm for the author's perspective as a whole.  That said, the author has enough of a belief in the importance of telling an honest story that the history is still worthwhile even if it is highly biased towards his own particular leftist political opinions.  While this book is definitely biased, and the author wishes he could adopt more of a social history approach than he ends up doing because of the absence of evidence to do so, it is not worthless simply because of its political opinion and that alone should make this a book worth reading critically and then discounting for the author's perspective, which is something that is wise to do in general for books, especially when authors have worldview errors and mistaken beliefs about historical inevitability.

This book is about 300 pages long and is divided into eleven chapters.  This book begins with a list of illustrations and tables and a preface to both the second and first edition as well as an editorial note.  After that the author begins the core material of the book with a discussion of the beginnings of Thai history shrouded in legend and linguistic analysis (1) and the relationship between the early Tai peoples and the classical empires of Dvaravati, Angkor, and the Upper Meking (2).  After that there is a discussion of the rise of Lan Na and Sukhothai and the way that the Thai people became considered to be Siamese in the core region of the future Thailand (3) as well as a discussion of Ayutthaya and its neighbors between 1351 and 1569 (4).  This leads to a discussion of the latter history of Ayuttaya until its fall to the Burmese in 1767 (5) and the early Bangkok Empire that followed the successful re-establishment of the Thai state first at Thonbori and then at Bangkok (6).  After this the author discusses the reigns of Mongkut and Chulangkorn and Thailand's difficult balance in keeping its independence at the price of part of its empire (7) as well as the rise of elite nationalism up to the first of Thailand's successful coups in 1932 (8).  From here the book becomes increasingly focused on the troubled relationship between civil government, the monarchy, and the military in the period up to 1957 (9), the period until the reaction to the rising leftist mood of the 1970's (10), and the fresh starts that have taken place up to the early 2000's (11), after which there are appendices with lists of kings and prime ministers (i, ii, iii, iv), as well as notes, suggestions for further reading, and an index.

As is frequently the case, this book is at its best when it is talking about ancient history, because the lack of immediate political relevance allows the author to be more honest about the history itself, which demonstrates the process of edge induced cohesion that allowed the Tai peoples to become civilized in the face of interaction with neighboring peoples like the Angkor and Vietnamese empires and eventually develop enough political sophistication to build their own lasting imperial regime that has gone on to the present day.  The author is quick to note some of the problems that have remained important within Thai history, such as the unwillingness that exists on the part of Thailand's elites to fully consider peripheral people in the South, North, and Northwest as being worthy of political power and influence to the same degree that the central Bangkok elites or military figures or Chinese businessmen are.  It is where the book starts talking about more modern history that the author's political views and dislike of anticommunism comes to the fore, and that is a significant drag on this book for those readers who may not necessarily appreciate Thailand's history of coups [1] but who have no fondness whatsoever for socialism and Communism.

[1] See, for example:

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2013...

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2012...

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2012...

[Masha · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's hard to find good books researching the history of SE Asia in general and Thailand in particular. Wyatt's book is one of the very few that help to understand economical and political development of Thailand and nearby kingdoms. Highly recommended to anyone who's interested in history.

[Adam Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good introduction to the history of a country most people know very little about besides the tourist aspect. The Lan Na, Sokuthai and Ayutthaya kingdoms were all very interesting subjects to learn about as the predecessors of modern day Thailand.

[Anthony Valletta · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick run through of Thai history through the early 1980s. Reads like a textbook. There are passages you wished the author would expand upon and others (especially economics) that belong in a separate book. All in all a worthy read to get a sense of Thai history.

[Ronit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Author begins his book with history of Tai community. Reason for beginning with the Tai is that the core elements of Thai identity can be traced to them. The Tai came to the central portion of the Indochinese peninsula about a thousand years ago. There are multiple Tai groups spread throughout Asia who share a common linguistic and cultural identity (Ahoms in North-eastern India, Shans in Burma etc.)

Begins with Tai organization of new states throughout northern Southeast Asia from 11th century when control over manpower gave them an edge. In 13th century, eclipse of older empires allowed the Tai to move down from the upland valleys into the plains, formerly dominated by these empires. They patronised Buddhism leading to its revival. Conflict between multiple kingdoms ultimately led to the emergence of one major Tai empire, Ayudhya (Ayutthaya) (1350-1767); though other Tai kingdoms kept competing with it for leadership of Tai world, for example Lan Na. Radical changes happened amongst the Tai states at this time period when they adopted new ideas such as “bureaucratic administration, codified, impersonal law, the state-organized and -taxed economy”, etc. Ayutthaya came to an end due to its regular warfare with Burma in 1767 and was supplanted by the Bangkok empire (1782-present), whose rulers laid the foundation for modern Thailand.

Wyatt gives detailed description of the various processes through which this new empire saved itself from the depredations of the Burmese (who were at the height of their power at this time) as well as the various European powers who began expanding into Southeast Asia in a systematic manner from the 19th century. Book also discusses the extensive modernization and westernization begun in Siam from the latter half of the 19th century to defend against colonization by the western powers.

The Thai king Chulalongkorn (r. 1868-1910) emerges as the protagonist who almost single-handedly managed to protect Siam while forcing it to modernize. As the older power structures were intact therefore change spread from a tiny group of individuals within the elite, particularly members of the royal family. Modernization demanded new administrative structures and the endeavour was aided by the new “administrative technology” which, as of old, allowed massive centralization of authority allowing power to be effectively exercised by the Bangkok court and bureaucracy from a single centralized centre. Book then describes changes in the new Thailand; how a sense of nation was created amongst the general populace, the problems facing it during the second world war, the reasons for the military dominance of Thailand since 1932, and so on. However, the foundations for the new nation had been laid by Chulalongkorn, which were fine-tuned extensively in the succeeding years.

Extremely readable book which follows the political chronology closely while discussing major themes relating to Thai history such as the changing systems of administration. Two themes were especially interesting. One, Thailand’s successful negotiations with massive administrative and cultural changes twice in its history without falling apart (I only know of Japan which has successfully done it multiple times). Two, the reasons for Thailand’s independent existence when many of its compatriots had been taken over by colonial powers (coherent elite, its geographical position, Chulalongkorn lived long enough to implement his vision, lots of luck, etc.)

Unfortunately, need to reduce the book to a manageable length means much of Thailand’s pre-modern past is very succinctly dealt with. Many facts thrown about without explaining the context behind it in detail. This leads to some disorientation. From Chulalongkorn’s reign no such bewilderment is faced as the author goes into much detail about the unfolding events.

[Kom Komsan · Rating 3 out of 5]

เรียบเรียงประวัติศาสตร์ไทยโดยสังเขปตามปกเลย ได้เห็นวิวัฒนาการทางการเมือง เศรษฐกิจ สังคม (ให้น้ำหนักที่การเมืองมากที่สุด) กว่าจะมาประเทศไทยที่เราเห็นทุกวันนี้ เราผ่านการหล่อหลอมมาจากเหตุการณ์ต่างๆ ทั้งภายในและภายนอกประเทศ รวมกับการตัดสินใจและปฏิกิริยาที่เรามีต่อเหตุการณ์เหล่านั้น กลายเป็นประวัติศาสตร์อีกเวอร์ชั่นที่ควรศึกษา

แต่หักคะแนนไปสองดาวเพราะว่าสำนวนแปลอ่านยากมาก มีผู้แปลหลายคน มีบางบทต้องทนอ่านด้วยความทรมาน แล้วยังพิมพ์ปี พ.ศ.และค.ศ.ผิดพลาดเยอะมาก อ่านแล้วขัดตาขัดใจเหลือเกิน หวังว่าจะมีการชำระใหม่ในการพิมพ์ครั้งต่อไปนะครับ

[Andrew]

First off, I should disclose that I'm reading the first edition of Wyatt's version (hey, it was at the library), which was written during the Prem administration. The second version was written in the past decade, and Thai political, social, and economic reality has changed immensely since.

Wyatt's main problem is that he relies on a history entirely consisting of kings and battles. Now, it's natural that for a lot of the time periods he discusses, he's going to be relying on chronicles and records that would focus on those elements of history. But when he gives us a hint of the social, cultural, and environmental histories of Thailand, they seem really fascinating. I wish there would be more of that.

All of that said, I think he gives a pretty decent account, especially for the years 1800-1950. Before that, his scope is rather limited. And after that, he acts as an apologist for the Cold War-era tyrants-- he especially rushes to the defense of the reprehensible Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat, who inaugurated the right wing terror that gripped the country for 20 years. Not OK.

[Sunnyss · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book just before going on my trip to Thailand. This book is a good balance between "medieval" history and modern history and therefore makes a good reference if you are checking out some of the historical sites as well gaining a small understanding of Thailand's modern society.

The book is not an easy read though. Wyatt's writing is a bit dry and he sometimes goes through facts without adding details that would make it more personably relatable. This is mostly the result of Wyatt's adherence to scholarly standards and avoidance of adding unproven facts to history. I do wish he had added more detail on technology (weapons, dress, progression of agricultural techniques).

All in all, it's a great read if your looking for a quick scholarly summary of Thai history.

[Alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

Intro to Thai history. Spends a too much time discussing the origins of the Thai people, and not enough on the 1767 to present timeframe. While meant to be an overview, the first third and last third of the book are difficult to get into. However the book was good outline from the rise and fall of the Ayuddhaya kingdom and the Siam kingdom through reign of Chulalongkorn, but that time probably deserves more attention than can be provided in a book covering the history of any people.

[Anna Fhaumnuaypol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book even though it was packed with a lot information and names. I was able to understand quickly and see how fascinatingly elaborate and dramatic the history of Thailand is. Wyatt was able to deliver a very clear picture of Thai history despite such limited resources and materials.

[Lisa Findley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unlike some other short histories I've read, Wyatt's "Thailand: A Short History" manages to be as dull as a full-sized textbook. It's all kings and battles, as another reviewer noted, which means it's missing out an awful lot. I'll admit to not finishing this one.

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dry at the beginning, but once it gets into Taksin (the original one, not the modern one), the Chakri dynasty, and the 19th and 20th centuries, it's very, very good.

[Steve Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thsi is an excellent potted Thai history. Recommend it to anyone wanting to understand why the place "works" the way it does. An easy read

[Jack · Rating 2 out of 5]

Informative but not very well written. Includes too much detail in some parts and not enough in others. The chronological structure of the book made it hard going.

[Phil Gagnon]

Wyatt is one of the foremost authorities on Thai history.

[C. Adam Volle · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's a fair amount of dry chronicling of meaningless names' success or failure at generic activities in places you don't know anything about.