There have been many Chinese immigrants over the past few hundred years. Many Thai families have Chinese blood in them. In most of them, you cannot see any cultural difference; nonetheless, in MANY partly or wholly "Chinese Thai" families there is a MAJOR difference between them and mainstream Thais. Most Chinese came to Thailand due to crop failures in China or just looking for better opportunities overseas, and so many arrived destitute. Most of the immigrants actually didn't leave offspring, but many did survive and thrive here based on sheer effort and smarts.
A large subset of Chinese immigrants have created descendants instilled with a strong work ethic and who value education.
When you look at the top people in the banks, business, and society, you will see a disproportionate percentage of Chinese Thais.
It is a nice blend of work ethic, education, and pleasant Thai ways.
There are some interesting studies about why Thailand has achieved a relatively high per capita income for the Asian region, and m
odernity with good infrastructure, compared to other countries, despite the fact that Thailand was the only country in the region never colonized.
It is a nice blend of work ethic, education, and pleasant Thai ways.
There are some interesting studies about why Thailand has achieved a relatively high per capita income for the Asian region, and m
odernity with good infrastructure, compared to other countries, despite the fact that Thailand was the only country in the region never colonized. One of the most interesting analyses is that it's because the Thai people were much more tolerant of immigrants, and readily assimilated them into Thai society, rather than the usual tribal ways of bigotry, xenophobia, resistance and overly nationalistic laws against immigrants. The old Thai kings especially fostered the assimilation of immigrants.
(Of course, the United States did likewise in the 1700s. Also, 2500 years ago, Rome was originally a low class poor town in Italy, but was known as the most tolerant and hospitable town for immigrants.)
This hospitality extends into the present time, which is a major reason why Thailand is a favored destination for tourists and businesspeople alike. Including myself, who has travelled around Asia and settled down in Thailand!
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Special Thanks : Thailandguru
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