ABSTRACT
During the 17th century, Siam was brought much closer to the European powers through trade. In the reign of King Narai, foreign trade was at a high level. Descriptions of goods imported and exported are numerous but, unfortunately, statistics of value and volume of trade were not kept. The absence of fiscal autonomy lasted for 70 years. During those years, the Siamese government had to finance expenditure from other taxes. The purpose of import duties in Thailand was mainly that of revenue collection, not protection. Quantitative restrictions, concessions on revenue duties on materials, and tax holidays were the main protective devices. The fear of Chinese domination of the private sector was pervasive long before Pibulsongkram's time. Before the end of Rama IV's reign, retail and wholesale businesses were already in the hands of the Chinese. Field Marshall Sarit Thanarat ousted Field Marshall Pibulsongkram in 1957 and the change of government signified the beginning of government's promotion of the private sector.
