Internal colonialism and rural resistance : a preliminary study on absolutizing of the Thai State in the nineteenth century and reactions

Abstract

In order to strenthen the center against the attacks from European powers, it was necessary to obtain a firm grip on the countryside, and to use its resources to support the capital...Avoiding colonization by Europe simply meant that we colonized our own people. This internal colonialism, in which officials appointed from the metropolis and responsive to the metropolis rule and drain the countryside like conquered provinces, has led to obvious differences among the Thais. Although Siam comprises considerable numbers of non-Thai peoples such as Malays, Laos, Karens, "Hill Tribes", Vietnamese, Khmer, Chinese and so forth, little concern has been paid to it. It is suspicious that the neglect reflects an axiomatic view of Siam as "Thai-land". This perspective reflects the outlook of the Bangkok élite, an outlook that does much to account for their historic failures; in dealing with the "minorities", indeed in ever really comprehending the problems posed by these groups.