History & Area Studies / World History / Asian History

Was Thailand Never Colonized? The Shocking Truth About Internal Colonialism in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai between Empire and Modern Thailand

Taylor M. Easum

Think Thailand was the only Southeast Asian country to escape colonialism? Think again. This video dives into Taylor M. Easum's groundbreaking book, 'Chiang Mai between Empire and Modern Thailand,' to expose a hidden history. We reveal how Bangkok, under pressure from British and French empires, became a ruthless colonizer itself, internally colonizing the north. From fake maps and forced relocations to the teak trade and a prison built on a royal palace, we uncover the brutal truth behind the 'uncolonized' myth. Discover how urban spaces, like Chiang Mai's old city, are battlegrounds for memory and power. This is a story of erased kingdoms, cultural hijacking, and a fight for identity that continues today.