“External rather than internal factors maintained Siamese independence.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that it was external rather than internal factors that maintained Siamese independence. Candidates may offer equal coverage of external and internal factors or they may prioritize their assessment of one of these aspects. However, both aspects will be a feature of the response. Candidates may refer to the fact that it suited both British and French interests in the region to maintain an independent Siam. When the Europeans came, King Mongkut ceded portions of present day Cambodia, Burma, Vietnam and Malaysia to them, keeping the Europeans satisfied and the heart of his kingdom intact. Internally, Siam was well governed and avoided the internal splits that destroyed some other kingdoms in the Age of Imperialism. The Siamese kings, when faced with European expansion, started to morph their state into the model of European nation-states for example, they centralised their administration in Bangkok. Candidates may agree, partly agree or disagree with the statement.