Unusual thematic map of Thailand focusing on its natural resources during World War II. Separately issued by the Thai Room Tokyo Secretariat. 

The publication of this map served a two-pronged purpose. First, it was issued to educate the Japanese public about Thailand and its importance to a possible war effort by the Japanese Empire. Many of the resources marked on the map were vital to their industry. The second was to promote the standing of the "Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere", a rival organisation to the League of Nations with a focus on Asia but under Japanese leadership. 

The map was first published in 1937, with this second issue published in April of 1941, although it is stated as March of 1941 in English on the map, which may be the date of the final compilation of the map. Japan invaded Thailand in December 8th 1941 and following this, the government entered into a reluctant alliance with their invaders under the auspices of the Co-Prosperity Sphere. 
Original colour. [SEAS5501]