In 1757, the British conquered Bengal. At about the same time, Siam (Thailand) kicked out the Europeans.
Consequently, Thailand was never colonised.
Consequently, Thailand was never liberated.
Consequently, Thailand never had a mass movement
Consequently, Thailand never had mass mobilisation.
Consequently, Thailand never had political parties or interest groups.
Consequently, Thailand never had political agitation.
Consequently, Thailand let the military and the bureaucracy guide the economy.
Consequently, Thailand could direct scarce resources to where they would be best used.
Consequently, Thailand never experienced political pressure to please voters or interest groups..
Consequently, Thailand never had industrial or political unrest (with a brief exception).
Consequently, Thailand never had a colonial mentality.
Consequently, Thailand never experienced self-contempt.
Consequently, Thailand never tried to imitate its conquerors.
Consequently, Thailand grew rich.
Consequently, Thailand never felt the pressure to modernise, i. e., westernise.
Consequently, Thailand has had 19 military coups since 1932 without the military falling into disfavour.
Today Thailand has an income of $16,000 per person and India a measly $6,800 per person. The men in khaki have done a far better job than the men in dhoti.
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