Chapter 5

Thailand

Thai-Chinese Investment Association1

Many Chinese have migrated to Thailand since the 18th century for various reasons, most notably to escape from poverty, politics, and wars. Compared with people from other Southeast Asian countries, Chinese in Thailand have been more successful in being assimilated into the host country. Typical new-generation Thai Chinese speak fluent Thai, understand, and practice Thai culture but still keep some traits of their ­Chinese identity, not as a national identity, but more as cultural and class identities. Although originating from humble beginnings, the second and third generations of Thai-Chinese descendants eventually controlled much of Thailand’s trade, manufacturing, and services industries, ...

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