Situation in Thailand It was during this reign that the spreading influence of the western superpower was felt globally. Under King Chulalongkorn's leadership, however, the country was able to survive the crises and uphold its sovereignty, while undergoing a development scheme that aimed to modernize it in the western style. As part of government reform, the tax collection system operated by authorized Chinese was almost totally abandoned. Still, Chinese businessmen in Thailand managed to adjust well and became properous from new areas of trade, particularly rice trade. Meanwhile, Chinese residents in Thailand began to group together in a new pattern, e.g. as dialect groups and public charity groups to benefit society as a whole, just as the secret societies were effectively suppressed. Toward the end of the reign, taxation of the Chinese known as phuk pi was replaced by a kind of 'financial contribution' to state welfare at the rate of six baht a year, the same as that imposed on Thai citizens. The Chinese community of Sampheng had in the meantime enjoyed manifold benefits from the state development scheme, as evidenced the emergence of new roads including Yaowarat: the first Chinese temple: Chinese-owned hospitals as well as Chinese banks, schools and newspapers. History shows that King Chulalongkorn regularly performed the ceremony to present the royal kathin robe at various temples in Sampheng, thus granting the community an opportunity to greet him at a close distance. Situation in China Weakness on the part of the Qing Dynasty caused China's repeated defeat in its wars against foreign countries. A group of revolutionaries was formed to overthrow the Qing rule and establish the country as a republic Dr. Sun Yat-sen, revolution leader, traveled to visit overseas Chinese communities in various countries to promote his ideology as well as seek their support. In the process, he visited Thailand four times and stirred up a strong patriotic sentiment among the Chinese living here. As it happened, the ruling Qing Dynasty also vied for overseas Chinese support by abolishing the law prohibiting citizens from migrating to other countries and re-entering while granting titles to those loyal to it. Furthermore, the first ever Chinese Citizenship Act was passed in 1909 to the effect that a child born of an overseas Chinese father would be granted citizenship by birth right, regardless of the child's birthplace or non-Chinese citizenship, if any.
Empress Dowager Cixi, the de facto ruler of China toward the end of the Qing Dynasty
The financial bonds marketed by the revolutionary party as a means to raise funds for its activities
Hua Eia School, Thailand's first Chinese School. The picture was taken soon after its establishment in 1908.
Saphan Han in Sampheng area, with a row of shops on the bridge.
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