Trade And Migration

Thailand is one of the countries in the world inhabited by large number of ethnic Chinese. The history of Chinese migration to Thailand is long, and the 17th , 18th and the early 20th century saw the continuation of Chinese migration to Thailand. The history of Chinese emigration constitutes an important part in the Qing Dynasty, thus, it is of great academic value and practical significance to probe into the history of Chinese migration to Thailand. First, Studies on the history of Chinese migration to Thailand, the formation of Chinese community and the interaction between trade and migration will greatly contribute to the micro study of overseas Chinese. Second, the studies will contribute to the understanding of the Sino-Siam trade relations and the role of Chinese in the Sino-Siam intercourse in the history. Third, studies on the policies of Thai royal court to Chinese will help to fully understand the Chinese assimilation in Thailand in both historical and realistic perspectives. Fourth, looking at the differences between the dialects of Chinese migration in the Qing period contributes to the understanding of the origin and the important social and economy status of Teochius in Thailand.This dissertation looks at the history of Chinese migration to Siam in the Qing Dynasty, which makes up the following five parts. The first part is about the four historical stages of Chinese migration to Siam. The second part discusses the formation and characteristics of Chinese community in Siam. The third part focuses on the relation between immigration and trade. The fourth part deals with the difference between the dialects of Chinese migration and the causes concerned. The last part argues about the migration policies of the Qing court and Siam court influenced on Chinese migration to Siam.What this dissertation focuses on are as follows: First, the main charcaterisitic of Chinese migration to Siam is the relationship between migration and trade. The development of Siam foreign trade was the main pulling force of Chinese migration to Siam. It was overseas Chinese's participation in the trade that made Siam foreign trade go on smoothly. Second, the policies of Siamese court to Chinese originated from the Trade Monopoly System in order to accumulate wealth and consolidate political power. So it was of vital significance for Siamese rulers to consolidate central political power with Chinese's involving in Siam's foreign trade. Third, the development of Chinese trade helped lay a foundation for Chinese economy development after Siam opening to the outside world. Chinese economy development had vital significance to Thailand economy development in the 20th century. Fourth, the policies of Siamese court to Chinese were the key factor that resulted in the unceasing Chinese migration to Thailand and the high assimilation with Thai. Fifth, Teochius have high social economy status resulting from Taksin's Chinese policies which gave Chinese beneficial treatment. The cooperation between Teochius and royal court made Teochius enjoy higher social status and safeguard to develop in the context of Siamese economy. Also, this special social position and the economic potentials of Teochius facilitated Thai's economic development, social progress and the promotion of the economic and cultural exchanges between China and Thailand in the Bangkok Dynasty.