Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) reigns; it's a time of modernisation and European
imperialism.
1932
A bloodless revolution ends absolute monarchy.
1939
The country's English name is officially changed from Siam to Thailand.
1941
Japanese forces enter Thailand.
1946
King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) accedes; Thailand joins the UN.
1957
A successful coup by Sarit Thanarat starts a period of military rule that lasts until
1973.
1968
Thailand is a founding member state of the Association of southeast Asian Na-
tions.
1973
Civilian demonstrators overthrow the military dictatorship; a democratic govern-
ment is installed.
1997
The Asian economic crisis hits; 'people's constitution' is passed in parliament.
A Boxing Day tsunami kills 5000 people and damages tourism and fishing on the
Andaman Coast.
2006
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is ousted by a military coup.
2011
