BANGKOK, March 30-- "A History of the Thai-Chinese," an illustrated book that tells the story of the Chinese impact on Thailand's development, social fabric, economy, politics and more, was launched here Monday.

The history of Thai-Chinese told in the book dated back to the mid-14th century. For centuries, Chinese migrated to many ports, cities and provinces of Thailand as traders, skilled laborers, adventurers and the near destitute who dreamed of a better life.

Over time, they came to form one of the largest and most influential diasporas in the world. Some Chinese would advise Thai monarchs and be accepted at the Thai court. Many intermarried, became nobles and ran businesses integral to the economy. From tin mining to railway-building to rice trading, their skills helped the country develop and prosper. One son of a Chinese father and a Thai mother even became king, according to the book.

The book, co-written by Jeffery Sng and Pimpraphai Bisalputra, tells a story of how a people and a country embraced the opportunities provided by each other, a tale that ultimately left the identities and success of both inextricably linked. "When the Chinese came here..they were seeking a land..of the free and opportunities, and they found it, and they made use of it, with their industriousness, their adaptability and..skills, they have made such great contribution to the life, the development and the progress of this country, for which we are and will remain ever grateful, Anand Panyarachun, former Thai prime minister who was a fourth-generation Chinese, said at the book launch.