Historical Dictionary of Thailand: Edition 2

May Kyi Win · Harold E. Smith · Gayla S. Nieminen

Oct 2005 · Historical Dictionaries of Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East Book 3 · Scarecrow Press

About this ebook

Thailand has experienced extremely rapid economic growth, and with that growth the increased social mobility and political democracy that comes with it. As the only Southeast Asian country to have avoided colonization, it still boasts a functioning monarchy, remains close to its religious roots, and clings to its cultural heritage. The second edition of the Historical Dictionary of Thailand first provides an overview of the country in the introduction, traces the long and complicated history in the chronology, and goes into much greater detail in the dictionary. Offering 64 new entries, as well as updates and revisions to older ones, the dictionary presents important persons, places, institutions, and more in an easily accessible resource. Significant recent events are discussed including the 1997-98 Thai economic crisis and its effects, reforms of the national government, and the growth in political roles of both businessman and other middle class members. In addition, the book updates basic information relative to population growth, urbanization, and industrialization of the economy. All this is topped off by nearly 20 Appendixes and a solid bibliography, making this an essential reference tool.

About the author

Harold E. Smith is Emeritus Professor of Sociology at Northern Illinois University. He authored the Historical Dictionary and Cultural Dictionary of Thailand and co-authored the Historical Dictionary of Thailand. Gayla S. Nieminen studied the Thai language in Bangkok and does research and technical writing for educational agencies at the local, intermediate and state level. The late May Kyi Win served as curator of the Donn V. Hart Southeast Asia Collection at Northern Illinois University, co-authored the Historical Dictionary of Thailand, and she was also the editor of the Bulletin of the Burma Studies Group.