Bangkok and Thai Economic Development: Aspects of Change, 1820-1970

Abstract

Bangkok has played a dominant role in the economic development of Thailand. The main findings of this thesis suggest that Bangkok's primacy was clearly established from around the 1820s. Bangkok has held a concentration of the nation's wealth, has been centre of domestic and international trade, the seat of government, the most populous area in Thailand. Factors affecting Bangkok's "primacy" varied through time. Between 1820-1851, three key factors were significant for Bangkok's development. Firstly, Suay collection (tribute taxes) was controlled by the King and his royal family. Suay constituted the largest portion of exports under the royal trading monopoly. Secondly, the role of canal construction was important to facilitate Suay collection from the provinces to Bangkok for exports and also for public and royal construction activities in Bangkok. Thirdly, Chinese migrants constituted a large portion of population in Bangkok and played an important role in developing the non-agricultural sector. Between 1851-1932, the role of Bangkok was enhanced. Four factors were significant. ... Between 1932-1950, the role of Chinese immigrants became increasingly significant in developing trade and commerce in Bangkok. The Chinese were to be found in all works of commercial life, from the highest to the lowest. They were coolies, skilled labour, middlemen, industrialists, merchants and so on. The influx of Chinese immigrants helped to keep down wages in Bangkok until 1941. Finally from the early 1960s onwards, Bangkok grew rapidly, and it exercised a powerful influence upon many aspects of Thai economic, social, and cultural life.