During the 19th century, while the rest of SE Asia was being colonised, Siam (as Thailand was formerly known) managed to remain independent. By deftly playing off one European power against another King Mongkut (Rama IV) and Chulalongkorn (Rama V) managed to obtain many of the material benefits of colonialisation. This time saw an expansion of the road network and the introduction of railways, as well as many western-based reforms.
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