Excellent information, gentlemen. Thank you for sharing with us.
I've read of possible ancient (i.e. pre-7th century) Persian influences on the region speculated to be associated with Vishnu worship, as well as periodic trade. I was unaware of any significant Persian immigration into Siam until now.
Can either of you direct me to a good English-language source for ancient Thai martial arts and/or military tactics? Unfortunately, the sources I have available were primarily published in the west, and some information strikes me as a bit suspect.