Siam Mapped: A History of the Geo-Body of a Nation

Thongchai Winichakul has done a remarkable job in guiding the reader through Thai history using primarily maps. Especially useful is his insights from the Sukhotahi through the late Chakri period of the relationship of self, state, and the geographic conceptualizations.Siam Mapped brings useful insights on the paradigm difference between the Western colonizers, especially France, and Thailand at the time. The very understanding of the nature of geography, including the need to completely redefine words, concepts, and relationships is a fascinating process to see evolve and Winichakul has done a remarkable job in doing that.The book is easy to read, and Siam Mapped is written so that it is both useful for those who require more indepth understanding of Thai history, as well as the Thai historical novice. Similar to Jeremy Brotton's A History of the World in Twelve Maps but predating it by many years, Siam Mapped tells the tale of Thailands understanding of itself and the world around it via a look at the maps it produced and was influenced by.The only issue with the book is the politicized and inacruate depiction of some of the events during the constitutional period, but it is difficult to remove bias completely from that era, especially among Thai scholars. Winichakul ignores the continuity of programs the constitutional government enacted and how they were Thai centric and not based off European political systems. But this is a minor error in an otherwise wonderful book.

Which is to say that it doesn't get to the heart of east west relations the way that I'd like. It does mention the Burney mission and the Burney treaty of 1826, which is a treaty between Siam and the United Kingdom that is the earliest treaty of east west relations that I have found. From here thing jumped to China and then Japan. Siam is more or less modern day Thailand.

I'm fascinated with the history of Southeast Asia and I travel there quite frequently on extended trips. I fell in love with Thailand from my very first trip there and find the country and people very welcoming and gracious. Learning more about Thailand is a hobby with me and I've somewhat familiar with it's history. I purchased this book to learn more about the history and the thinking of how Siam, now Thailand, has been created over the course of it's history. I found this book an excellent reference for this purpose and would recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about the country. Great book for my library on Southeast Asia.

The basic idea is that Thailand's 'borders' have historically been more 'shifting margins', with people moving freely back and forth. This was the first time I have been presented with the idea that the present-day Thailand was created by mapping, and not that the maps merely reflected political or geographical reality on the ground. Thought it was well-written, clear, and interesting to read.

Delivery on time 02/09/19. I like the Author and head about the for many years.

A rare book on the nation building of Thailand. Well explained and illustrated but requires basic knowledge of Southeast Asian geography.

The book description was accurate. I am happy with my purchase.

Nice

Cet ouvrage dépeinds de manière concrète, détaillé et attractive l'histoire de la Thaïlande d'un point de vue géopolitique.Il nécessite une connaissance de base de l'histoire et de la géographie de cette région du monde.A lire.