Throughout its history, Thailand has shown remarkable resiliency, adaptability, and creativity in responding to serious threats and crises, and this since much earlier times when it was known as Siam. This book, while focusing on the modern period, does reach back to ancient kingdoms but also shows the impressive rise to a modern democracy, although still endowed with a king, and even more impressively, an economic "tiger." Moreover, it has become a prime tourist destination and is thus known to vast numbers of foreigners as a sort of "instant Asia." The Historical Dictionary of Thailand, now in its third edition, covers this amazing story in various ways. First, the chronology traces the most significant events from year to year. The introduction then provides a good overview of the land and people, the history and traditions, and where it now seems to be heading. The dictionary, which by now has hundreds of detailed and cross-referenced entries, looks more closely at important persons, places, institutions and events as well as more generally its politics, economy, society, culture and religion. So this is an excellent reference work not only for scholars but many others who have visited the country and were fascinated by it.
About the Author: Gerald W. Fry is distinguished international professor in the Department of Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development, College of Education and Human Development, of the University of Minnesota. Prior to this, he was at the University of Oregon for 19 years, where he was professor of political science and international studies and directed both the International Studies Program and the Center for Asian and Pacific Studies. His work on Thailand began in the 1960s and he has spent over 10 years living there. Among his many articles and books is Thailand and its Neighbors. Gayla S. Nieminin studied the Thai language in Bangkok and does research and technical writing for educational agencies at the local, intermediate and state level. She co-authored the second edition. Harold E. Smith is Emeritus Professor of Sociology at Northern Illinois University. He authored the Historical and Cultural Dictionary of Thailand and then co-authored the first and second editions of the present Historical Dictionary of Thailand.