ABSTRACT
The position of the Chinese in Thailand during the time of the Thai-Japanese alliance cannot be explained simply in terms of a two-way relationship between the Japanese and the Chinese as was the case in territories occupied directly by the Japanese army. In Thailand, Japan concluded an alliance with an independent state, and the Thai government stood between the Japanese and the local Chinese. The Thais were extremely sensitive about maintaining their independence and sovereignty, and opposed Japanese moves to deal directly with the country's Chinese population. The Japanese for their part wanted to maintain good relations with Thailand and so avoided such direct dealings, leaving policy toward the Chinese in the hands of the Thai government. Some Chinese leaders, however, turned to the Japanese to seek assistance in countering that government's repressive measures. Thus there existed in Thailand during the period of the Thai-Japanese alliance a complicated and delicate three-way relationship involving the Japanese, the local Chinese and the Thai government. (For Thailand, see Map 5).
