Thailand
History Timeline
Travel through our timeline of major events in Thailand's history.
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1000-1099:
Thais begin moving from southern China into what is now Thailand.
1350:
A unified Thai kingdom is established under the rule of King Ramathibodi. A series of kings follow, ruling what was then known as Siam.
1896:
A British-French treaty guarantees independence for the new country.
1932:
A bloodless revolution ends the absolute monarchy. The royal family is replaced by a representational government.
1939:
Siam officially changes its name to Thailand.
1941:
Japan invades Thailand in World War II, forcing Thailand to fight with Japan in the war.
1944:
Thailand takes back a declaration of war against the United States and Britain. After the war, it becomes an ally of the U.S.
1946:
Thailand becomes the 55th member of the United Nations.
1960s-1970s:
Thailand is involved in conflicts in the neighboring countries of Cambodia and Vietnam. The U.S. maintains military bases in Thailand during the Vietnam War.
1997:
A major stock market crash devastates Thailand's economy. The baht, Thailand's unit of money, drops in value.
2004:
A devastating tsunami strikes. Giant waves hit the western coast and islands of Thailand and 10 other nations, killing hundreds of thousands of people.
2005:
A team of eight elephants in Thailand team up to create what may be the largest painting ever made by the mammals.
