The Kingdom of Thailand - History
Thailand's History
Thailand's Royal Crest
Throughout its 800 year history, Thailand can boast the distinction of being the only country in Southeast Asia never to have been colonized. Its history is traced back to 650 A.D. when the Thai people founded their kingdom in the southern part of China which is Yunnan, Kwangsi and Canton today. Around 1238 A.D. they founded the independent state of Sukhothai - considered by some as the "golden era" of Thai history.
In 1350 the capital of Siam was established in Ayutthaya. The kings became absolute monarchs and assumed the title "devaraja" (god-king). During the 17th century, Siam started diplomatic and commercial relations with western countries. In 1767 the regal city of Ayutthaya was destroyed by the Burmese and most of its one million residents were executed or sold into slavery. The Thais regrouped, repelled their invaders and moved the capital to Tonburi, where they attempted to rebuild the glory of Ayutthaya. The capital was eventually moved to present-day Bangkok. The Chakri dynasty, educated by Europeans, restored Thai culture while also establishing a school system along European lines. King Mongkut, Rama IV (1851-1868) of "The King and I" concluded treaties with Eurpoean countries, avoided colonization and established modern Thailand. He made many social and economic reforms during his reign. During the reign of King Prajadhipok (1925-1935), Thailand changed from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy. The country's name was changed from Siam to Thailand with the advent of a democratic government in 1939. Although there have been numerous coups, they were mere ripples on the relatively calm waters of Thai politics and life as long as the king remains on his throne.
In 1350 the capital of Siam was established in Ayutthaya. The kings became absolute monarchs and assumed the title "devaraja" (god-king). During the 17th century, Siam started diplomatic and commercial relations with western countries. In 1767 the regal city of Ayutthaya was destroyed by the Burmese and most of its one million residents were executed or sold into slavery. The Thais regrouped, repelled their invaders and moved the capital to Tonburi, where they attempted to rebuild the glory of Ayutthaya. The capital was eventually moved to present-day Bangkok. The Chakri dynasty, educated by Europeans, restored Thai culture while also establishing a school system along European lines. King Mongkut, Rama IV (1851-1868) of "The King and I" concluded treaties with Eurpoean countries, avoided colonization and established modern Thailand. He made many social and economic reforms during his reign. During the reign of King Prajadhipok (1925-1935), Thailand changed from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy. The country's name was changed from Siam to Thailand with the advent of a democratic government in 1939. Although there have been numerous coups, they were mere ripples on the relatively calm waters of Thai politics and life as long as the king remains on his throne.