The Kingdom of Thailand, History & Places

The Kingdom of Thailand is situated in Southeast Asia and borders Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, the Andaman Sea, and the Gulf of Thailand. The unified kingdom of Thailand, known as Siam until 1939, was established in the mid-fourteenth century. Subsequently, starting in the sixteenth century, Thailand engaged in a series of wars with its northeast neighbor, Burma (currently known as Myanmar), and in the nineteenth century, it began to fend off European powers.

Though Thailand lost territory in the east to France and in the south to Britain, Thailand succeeded in maintaining its independence and is the only Southeast Asian country that was not colonized by European powers.

Until 1932, Thailand was governed by a system of absolute monarchy, but it became a constitutional monarchy that year after a “bloodless revolution” that was organized by a group of civil servants and army officers with the support of army units in the Bangkok area.

During World War II, Thailand was occupied by Japan after the Thai prime minister signed a mutual defense pact with Japan. However, in 1944, the prime minister was forced out of office and replaced by a civilian government. In 1992, after a series of military governments, civilian authorities replaced the military. Subsequently, there have been several national multiparty elections, which have transferred power to successive governments through peaceful, democratic processes.

Thailand has been a member of the United Nations since 1946. It is an active member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Notable places of importance

• BANGKOK – One of the most fascinating, pulsating, lively and at times mystical cities in the world, with a gleaming array of skyscrapers beside the wonderful symphony of historical serenity amidst the true marvels of cultural diversity.

• PHUKET – One of most attractive travel destinations with an amazing blend of magnificent natural beauty in harmony with the stunning tropical climate.

• HUA HIN – The oldest and one of the most traditional destinations in Thailand with a grand culmination of tropical resort paradise and fascinating local culture.

• KOH SAMUI – A serene and prized feather in the cap of Thailand’s tourism industry with a charming assortment of white sand beaches, crystal clear tropical warm water; fascinating local culture and magnificent natural layout.