Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SIAM REBORN AS THAILAND
Siam transformed itself from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy in a bloodless coup
in 1932. Under nationalist military leader Phibul Songkhram, the country veered in a fascist direction,
changing its name to Thailand in 1939 and siding with the Japanese in WWII in order to seize back
Cambodian and Lao territory returned to French Indochina in 1907.
Changing the name of the country from Siam to Thailand was a political masterstroke, as Siamese
exclusivity was abolished and everyone was welcome to be a part of the new Thai family, including
ethnic minorities and Laotians detached from their homeland by colonial intrigue.
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