Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
1868
At the age of 15, Chulalongkorn, the oldest son of Rama IV, becomes the fifth king of the Chakri dyn-
asty upon the death of his father.
1893
After a territorial dispute, France sends gunboats to threaten Bangkok, forcing Siam to give up most
of its territory east of Mekong River; Siam gains its modern boundaries.
1910
Vajiravudh becomes the sixth king of the Chakri dynasty after the death of his older brother; he fails
to produce a male heir during his reign.
1917
Bangkok's first Western-style institute of higher education, Chulalongkorn University, is founded; it's
still regarded as the country's most prestigious.
1932
A bloodless coup transforms Siam from an absolute to a constitutional monarchy; deposed king,
Rama VII, remains on the throne until he resigns three years later.
1935-46
Ananda Mahidol, grandson of one of Rama V's 'major' wives, is appointed king; his reign ends ab-
ruptly when he is shot dead in his room in mysterious circumstances.
1939
The country's name is changed from Siam to Thailand.
1946
Pridi Phanomyong becomes Thailand's first democratically elected prime minister; after a military
coup, Pridi is forced to flee Thailand, returning only briefly one more time.
1951-63
Field marshal Sarit Thanarat wrests power from Phibun Songkhram, abolishes the constitution and
embarks on one of the most authoritarian regimes in modern Thai history.
