Sujit Wongthes argues in Matichon Weekly that ancient China had no people who called themselves Thai. Thai origins lie in the Chao Phraya basin, where indigenous ethnic groups formed the Siamese. The “Thai from China” theory, supported by Western scholars, suggests that Thai people migrated from China. However, evidence shows gradual movements along trade routes, with Thai becoming a lingua franca for commerce. The Altai–Nan Chao migration narrative in Lak Thai traces Thai ancestors settling between the Yellow and Yangtze rivers and forming kingdoms in present-day northern Thailand. The article highlights the debate surrounding the Altai theory and asserts that Thai identity is rooted in the Chao Phraya basin, not ancient China.
Meta Data: {“keywords”:”Thai origins, Chao Phraya basin, Altai theory”}
