Earliest Settlements and Turning Points in Thailand
Summary of Timeline - Turning Points in Thai History
In 1782, King Rama I comes to reign Thailand under the Chakra Dynasty and a new capitol is founded, Bangkok — which is still Thailand’s capitol today. When World War I breaks out in 1917, Thailand became an ally of Great Britain. In 1932, the absolute monarchy reign of King Prajadhipok ends, and a constitutional monarchy with parliamentary government is introduced. In 1939, Thailand officially changes its name from Siam, to Thailand. Although they were an ally during WWI, in 1942, Thailand declared war on Great Britain and the US. The Thai ambassador in Washington refused to deliver the declaration to the US government. The military was heavily involved with the government of Thailand — they held reign until 1973 when students began to riot in Bangkok for the fall of the militia. They voiced the government should be for the people.
In 2004, Thailand was struck by a devastating tsunami. Thousands of people, Thais and tourists, were killed by the massive tsunami that was triggered by an undersea earthquake off the coast of Sumatra. The economy and government were set back. In 2006, the military and democracy were at it again with who would control. In 2008, the government is returned to civilian rule. Smack Sundaravej of the People Power Party (PPP) is elected as prime minister. There is still much controversy and instability in Thailand’s government. Today, Thailand is ruled by Coup Leader General Prayuth Chan-ocha, who was elected in 2014.
In 2004, Thailand was struck by a devastating tsunami. Thousands of people, Thais and tourists, were killed by the massive tsunami that was triggered by an undersea earthquake off the coast of Sumatra. The economy and government were set back. In 2006, the military and democracy were at it again with who would control. In 2008, the government is returned to civilian rule. Smack Sundaravej of the People Power Party (PPP) is elected as prime minister. There is still much controversy and instability in Thailand’s government. Today, Thailand is ruled by Coup Leader General Prayuth Chan-ocha, who was elected in 2014.
Timeline Sources:
BBC News. (2015, August 19). Thailand profile - timeline. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-15641745
History of Thailand in brief. (2013, January). Retrieved from http://www.1stopthailand.com/history/
BBC News. (2015, August 19). Thailand profile - timeline. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-15641745
History of Thailand in brief. (2013, January). Retrieved from http://www.1stopthailand.com/history/