From early traders and missionaries to diplomats and GIs, Americans in
Thailand traces the impact of the United States on Thailand. Who knew
that the first-ever surgery in Thailand was completed by an American
missionary, or that a young Thai man traveled across the globe to don a
Union uniform, fight in the American Civil War, and return to Thailand
as an American citizens. An elegantly designed, illustrated history,
Americans in Thailand relates the rich stories and significant roles of
American businesses and individuals operating and living in Thailand
since the first American arrived in 1818. It follows nearly 200 years of
relations between the two countries, including controversy and scandal.
The first Americans in Thailand were mostly merchants or missionaries,
but when the anti-communist, Cold War agenda took hold in the second
half of the 20th century and the two countries formed a close alliance,
Americans arrived in greater numbers than ever before. There were U.S.
presidents and State Department officials, Peace Corps volunteers and
soldiers of fortune, development experts and entrepreneurs, and a steady
stream of celebrities and tourists. This American presence would have a
lasting impact on Thailand s infrastructure, foreign policy, economy,
and values. During these turbulent decades, many of the Americans who
came in the name of duty fell in love with Thailand and never left. They
carried on as journalists, founded non-profit organizations, or started
businesses of their own. Americans in Thailand is a colorful portrait of
one of the world s most colorful expatriate communities."
