How did Siam maintain independence?

Siam, now known as Thailand, maintained its independence during the colonial era largely through skilled diplomacy and modernization. The Siamese monarchy adeptly navigated the pressures from Western powers, such as Britain and France, by negotiating treaties and concessions while implementing reforms to modernize the military and administration. Additionally, Siam served as a buffer state between British-controlled Burma and French Indochina, which further helped to preserve its sovereignty. By balancing relations with both colonial powers, Siam successfully avoided colonization.