Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
1932
Bloodless coup ends absolute monarchy.
1939
The country's English name is officially changed from Siam to Thailand.
1941
Japanese forces enter Thailand during WWII.
1945
WWII ends; Thailand cedes seized territory from Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia.
1946
King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) ascends the throne; Thailand joins the UN.
1957
Sarit Thanarat leads a coup that introduces military rule that lasts until 1973.
1959
The first tourist authority is created.
1965
Thailand hosts US military bases during the Vietnam War.
1968
Thailand is a founding member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
1973
Thai students, workers and farmers demonstrate for the reinstallation of a democratic government.
1976
Violent suppression of the student movement by the military.
1979
After three years of military rule, elections and parliament restored.
1980
Prem Tinsulanonda's government works to undermine the communist insurgency movement and
eventually ends it with a political solution.
