This book discusses the Siamese state over the past two-and-a-half centuries. The fall of the old capital Ayutthaya in 1767 provide the opening scene while the massive investment in modern infrastructure and economic expansion at the close of the 20th century are fully described. Other topics are the shifting trading patterns from China to the West and back, while three periods of crisis are examined: the confrontation with France in 1893, the military coup of 1932 which changed the country from an absolute to constitutional monarchy and World War II. The author's access to many contemporary sources, some hitherto overlooked, has caused him to prefer fresh insights into Thailand's history over the past 250 years. ILLUSTRATIONS 36 b/w illustrations