What role do the Chinese play in Thailand's politics and economy?

The Chinese played a huge role in shaping commerce in Thailand.

Thailand traditionally was more of a cast system. Peasant served the Royal families and in exchange the Royals would govern and provide for the peasants.

As time changed and commerce between countries started to become more popular Thailand was stuck in more of the ancient way of thinking. Instead of concerning themselves in trade, the ruling class Thais were more concerned with ideas such as religion, culture, and art.

Because of hardships in China many Chinese people started migrating to Thailand. With no hope of ever being accepted in the ruling class of the Thais the Chinese concentrated more on being merchants.

Although they lacked status of the ruling class Thai the Chinese were exceptionally good at earning money. Rather it was from rice futures, gambling, or prostitution, there no avenues of trade that the Chinese weren't willing to explore in order to make money.

This was a very different way of thinking compared to the Thais. However, the Thai couldn't ignore revenue that the Chinese were able to bring in.

Although Royalty and culture were valued more than common ways of trading, the Thais started to take notice to the methods by which the Chinese were able to make so much money.

Eventually, by the amount of wealth they had been able to accumulate, the Chinese began to earn the kind of respect that had previously been reserved for the Thai cultural elite.

China is huge and ethnic Chinese have spread throughout the world. Having said that, Thailand is an interesting situation - its the only couuntry I can think of thats never been totyally under the rule of another country (it never surrendered deuring WW2, never was a British conoly etc) but has always had dealings with China. Unlike the above responders I would have to disagree. China has had some but minimal effect on Thailand. Personally I see more Lao, Cambodian or Viet influence in Thailand (aqns Thai influence in these).

Unfortunately it does. Then again are we all not one race? Or by asking the question that you did. Are you implying that there are sub species of the human race that are not equal to the others? As for the separation of church and state. What a farce. No matter who is in power they will be influenced by whatever religion they happen to subscribe to. Take the legality of gay marriage for instance. Marriage is supposed to be under the religious umbrella. But as we have seen time and time again the government has blocked the efforts of gay couples of being recognized as married people. Just for the record I'm not gay. What about having to have a license to be recognized as a married couple for heterosexuals? Seems the government can and does cross the line when it comes to separation of church and state. Just one more example. What about the native Americans right to practice their religion as they see fit? The federal government has outlawed the use op peyote in their religious practices for years. Because peyote is an illegal drug. As long as "our" government can keep us un-united. Our great grandchildren will be asking the same questions. But to answer your question. No I don't think either should have a role in any politics. Presidential or otherwise.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_Chinese

What's more interesting is the role Japan played.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan-Thailand_relati...

A Treaty of alliance was signed between Thailand and Japan on December 21st 1941, and on January 25th 1942 Thailand declared war on the United States and Great Britain.

Countless role.