Book From Extraterritoriality to Equality: Thailand’s Foreign Relations 1855-1939 Owart Suthiwartnarueput ISBN 978-616-341-099-3 (Download .pdf below)

The conclusion of the Bowring Treaty with Great Britain in 1855 ushered in the new era of Siam's (as Thailand was then known) relations with the Western nations. Under the Bowring and the "Bowring-type" Treaties, Siam relinquished its autonomy in judicial and fiscal matters to these Western countries under extraterritorial regime, which became well established in Siam by 1870. Consequently, Siam's endeavours to regain judicial and fiscal autonomy became the central element in its foreign relations for almost a century.

From Extraterritoriality to Equality: Thailand’s Foreign Relations 1855-1939 examines, in detail, the legal aspect, the development and the functioning of the extraterritorial system in Siam. It recounts Siam's relentless efforts, through a long series of comprehensive reforms, especially in the legal field, to reduce and eventually to rid itself of extraterritorial burdens. As the result of intensive and incessant negotiations with the Western powers, these extraterritorial privileges were gradually relinquished and totally abolished in 1939.

Owart Suthiwartnarueput is a former senior diplomat who served as Director-General of the Department of Information and the Department of Political Affairs and Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs (1979-1980). He also served as Ambassador to India, Poland, France, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. He received his Ph.D. in International Relations from The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University, in 1956.