[3] Unlike most other Asian countries, Thailand does not have a history of European colonialism, and was one of the few to maintain its neutrality.
Some of the Thai middle class took up the sport in the 1920s, along with ex-patriates from French and English speaking countries.
[3] The Second World War interrupted the development of the sport, but its adoption by the Thai military and police ensured its survival.
[3] Thai rugby still has a strong ex-pat connection; one of the most famous players for Thailand is best known for being Will Carling's brother.
[5] The Scottish rugby commentator, Bill McLaren mentioned the Thais in a report on the 1989 Hong Kong Sevens, and noted that they supplied at least one referee for the tournament, Vengsakern Paerehitya of the Royal Thai Air Force, who gained valuable experience by working with the other internationally renowned referees at the game.