SECTION - I
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND: -
The origins of the Thai race are shrouded in the midst of pre-history. The annals of china make a
characteristic reference to "barbarians" living south of the Yangtze River in the area where the
ancestors of the present-day: Thai were presumed to dwell. By the middle of the seventh century
A.O. however, the Thai had clearly established a state- called Nanchao-ln what Is today Yunnan
province of China. Here they built up an advanced administrative apparatus that had ministers
of state, censors or Examiners, Generals, Record officers, chamberlains, Judges, Treasurers,
etc.1 From this base they extended their influence over nearby areas and successfully waged war
with Chinese armies on a number of occasions By the ninth century, however, the kingdom of Nanchao
has become a vassal of China and eventually was to be completely subjugated during the conquests of
Kublai khan.