The Teochew Chinese of Thailand

Abstract

The Chinese moved into ancient Siam to escape poverty in Yunan Province of China and to find work as merchants, traders, craftsmen, and farmers. This paper focuses on the Teochew Chinese of Thailand because they peacefully formed the first mercantilist associations while increasing local employment. After the 1932 coup, the number of Chinese tripled in number due to the conducive work environment. By 1945, at least 5% of Siamese had become political leaders, and by the 1970s. Today, Thai-Chinese make up around 15.5%, while 53% of Thai prime ministers are of Chinese descent, including Teochew-Chinese Thais such as Thaksin Shinawatra and Yingluck Shinawatra. Generations of Chinese migrants to Siam and modern Thailand have maintained and fostered Chinese customs and traditions for many centuries. This paper looks at the Chinese communities in Southeast Asia in general and in Thailand in particular. The paper represents the findings of the author’s original fieldwork on the Teochew Chinese of Krung Thep Maha Nakorn.