The Chinese association in Thailand and its development from 1907 to 1963

Abstract

This research argues the history of the Chinese Association in Thailand (CAT) is strongly connected to the transformation of self-identity among the pro-Republic of China Thai Chinese. Since the foundation of CAT in 1907 by the Tongmenghui members, the association itself represents the rise of Chinese nationalism amongst ethnic Chinese in Siam. The Chinese nationalism in Thailand was challenged by several major factors during the following periods: first was the rise of Siamese nationalism that clashed with the Chinese nationalism since the reign of Rama VI in the 1910s; second was the anti-Chinese policies during the second World War, as the Thai-Japanese alliance was formed during the first administration of Phibunsongkhram; third was the anti-communist stance towards Thai-Chinese after Kuomintang lost the Chinese Civil War, and the Chinese Communist Party took control of mainland China after 1949. Therefore, the research limits in between the period from 1907 when the association was established and lasts till the end of the administration of Sarit Thanarat in 1963 while Thailand coped with the anti-communist policies of the United States of America. The primary objective of this study is therefore set to examine the purposes of the transformation of CAT and its major events during the research period.