History of Thailand in Timeline

Thailand, formerly known as Siam, is a Southeast Asian country located on the Indochinese Peninsula. It borders Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, and has maritime borders with Vietnam, Indonesia, and India. Its capital and largest city is Bangkok. The population is approximately 66 million and the country spans 513,115 square kilometers.

1905: Unsuccessful Rebellions

In 1905, there were unsuccessful rebellions in the ancient Patani area, Ubon Ratchathani, and Phrae, against attempts to reduce the power of local lords.

1909: First census

In 1909, Thailand's first census found the population to be 8.2 million.

1910: End of Chulalongkorn's Reign

In 1910, the reign of Chulalongkorn (Rama V) ended, during which he initiated centralization and abolished slavery.

1912: Palace Revolt of 1912

In 1912, the Palace Revolt, a failed attempt by Western-educated military officers, aimed to overthrow the Siamese monarchy.

1917: Siam Joins World War I

In 1917, Siam joined the First World War on the side of the Allies.

June 1932: Bloodless Revolution

On 24 June 1932, Khana Ratsadon (People's Party) carried out a bloodless revolution in Thailand, which marked the beginning of constitutional monarchy.

1932: Bloodless Revolution

In 1932, a bloodless revolution forced Prajadhipok to grant the country's first constitution, ending centuries of feudal and absolute monarchy.

1932: Constitutional Monarchy

In 1932, a bloodless revolution transitioned Siam into a constitutional monarchy, and the official name was changed to Thailand.

1932: Start of Constitutions and Charters

Since 1932, Thailand has had 20 constitutions and charters, reflecting its evolving political landscape.

1938: Plaek Phibunsongkhram Becomes Premier

In 1938, Plaek Phibunsongkhram became the premier of Siam, starting political oppression and adopting nationalistic and Westernization policies.

June 1939: Name change to Thailand

On June 24, 1939, the name Siam was officially changed to Thailand.

1939: Name Change to Thailand

In 1939, the country's name was officially changed from "Siam" to "Thailand".

December 1941: Japanese Invasion of Thailand

On December 8, 1941, the Empire of Japan launched an invasion of Thailand, leading to fighting and eventually a military alliance between Thailand and Japan.

1941: Conflict with Vichy France

In 1941, Thailand was in a brief conflict with Vichy France, resulting in Thailand gaining some Lao and Cambodian territories.

1945: End of World War II

After World War II ended in 1945, Thailand signed formal agreements to end the state of war with the Allies.

June 1946: Death of King Ananda

In June 1946, young King Ananda was found dead under mysterious circumstances, leading to his brother Bhumibol Adulyadej ascending to the throne.

1946: Control of Political Parties

Between 1946 and the 1980s, military and bureaucratic aristocrats fully controlled political parties in Thailand.

1954: Thailand Joins SEATO

In 1954, Thailand joined the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) to become an active ally of the United States.

December 1956: Original Lumpinee Boxing Stadium opened

The original Lumpinee Boxing Stadium originally sited at Rama IV Road near Lumphini Park first opened in December 1956.

1957: Sarit Thanarat's Coup

In 1957, Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat launched a coup, removing Khana Ratsadon from politics.

1960: Population growth decline

Thailand's government-sponsored family planning programme resulted in a dramatic decline in population growth from 3.1% in 1960.

1961: Secret Agreement with the U.S.

After the United States joined the Vietnam War in 1961, a secret agreement was made where the U.S. promised to protect Thailand.

1962: Growth of Agricultural Sector in Thailand

Between 1962 and 1983, the agricultural sector in Thailand grew by 4.1% per year on average.

1963: End of Sarit Thanarat's Rule

Sarit Thanarat's rule, which began in 1959, ended in 1963.

1966: Asian Games silver medal

In 1966, the Thailand national basketball team had its most successful year at the Asian Games, winning the silver medal.

1970: Household size

In 1970, an average of 5.7 people lived in a Thai household.

October 1971: Demonstration Against Dictatorship

In October 1971, there was a large demonstration against the dictatorship of Thanom Kittikachorn, leading to civilian casualties.

1972: AFC Asian Cup

In 1972, the Thailand national football team reached the semifinals of the AFC Asian Cup, which they hosted.

1973: Bhumibol Installs Sanya Dharmasakti

In 1973, Bhumibol installed Sanya Dharmasakti to replace Thanom Kittikachorn, marking the first time the king directly intervened in Thai politics since 1932.

1975: End of Sanya Dharmasakti's premiership

In 1975, the premiership of Sanya Dharmasakti came to an end.

October 1976: Thammasat University Massacre

In October 1976, the Thammasat University massacre occurred, followed by a coup d'état that brought Thailand a new ultra-right government.

1977: Disbandment of SEATO

In 1977, Thailand's involvement in SEATO ended with the organization's disbandment.

1978: Amnesty for Communist Fighters

In 1978, a more moderate government offered amnesty to communist fighters.

1980: Labor Force Employed in Agriculture

In 1980, 70% of Thailand's labor force was employed in agriculture, a figure that decreased to 49% by a later date.

1980: Prem Tinsulanonda Becomes Prime Minister

In 1980, amidst the Indochina refugee crisis and economic hardships, Prem Tinsulanonda became the Prime Minister of Thailand.

1981: Failed Coup Attempt Against Prem

In 1981, there was a failed coup attempt against Prime Minister Prem Tinsulanonda.

1983: Growth of Agricultural Sector in Thailand

Between 1983 and 2007, the agricultural sector in Thailand continued to grow at 2.2% per year.

1983: End of Communist Insurgency

By 1983, the communists abandoned the insurgency in Thailand.

1985: Failed Coup Attempt Against Prem

In 1985, another coup attempt against Prime Minister Prem Tinsulanonda failed.

1988: First Elected Prime Minister Since 1976

In 1988, Thailand had its first elected prime minister since 1976.

1988: Factory Workers in Thailand

It is estimated that between 1988 and 1995, the number of factory workers in the country doubled from two to four million.

1989: Ban on Elephants for Logging

In 1989, the Thai government banned the use of elephants for logging, leading many elephant owners to move their domesticated animals to the tourism industry.

1990: Urban population in 1990

In the 1990 census, about 29.4% of Thailand's population lived in urban areas.

1991: Suchinda Kraprayoon's Coup

In 1991, Suchinda Kraprayoon led a coup in Thailand.

1991: National Government Organisation Act

In 1991, Thailand's administrative services were divided into three levels by the National Government Organisation Act, BE 2534.

1992: Two-Party System

Between 1992 and 2006, Thailand had a two-party system.

1992: Bloody Military Crackdown

In 1992, a popular demonstration in Bangkok, caused by Suchinda Kraprayoon becoming prime minister, ended with a bloody military crackdown and Bhumibol's intervention.

1993: Shift in Thai Labor Force

Between 1993 and 1995, ten per cent of the Thai labour force moved from the agricultural sector to urban and industrial jobs, especially in the manufacturing sector.

September 1994: Mass Rapid Transit Master Plan Endorsed

In September 1994, the Mass Rapid Transit Master Plan in Bangkok Metropolitan Region was endorsed by the cabinet.

1995: Shift in Thai Labor Force

Between 1993 and 1995, ten per cent of the Thai labour force moved from the agricultural sector to urban and industrial jobs, especially in the manufacturing sector.

1995: Educational reform

In 1995, Sukavich Rangsitpollaid, as minister of education, planned for educational reform in Thailand.

1995: Implementation of Rapid Transit Master Plan

The Mass Rapid Transit Master Plan in Bangkok Metropolitan Region, endorsed in September 1994, was implemented from 1995 to the present.

1997: Population data from Mahidol University

Around 1997, the Mahidol University Ethnolinguistic Maps of Thailand data showed significant populations of Lao, Khon Muang, Pak Tai, Khmer Leu, Malay, Nyaw, Phu Thai, Kuy/Kuay, and Karen people in Thailand.

1997: Mahidol University Ethnolinguistic Maps

At the time of completion of the Mahidol University Ethnolinguistic Maps of Thailand data in 1997, twenty million Central Thai made up approximately 34.1 per cent of the state's population.

1997: Asian Financial Crisis Impact on Thailand

In 1997, the Asian financial crisis hit the Thai economy hard, but the industrial sector continued to expand under widespread deregulation following IMF and World Bank funding.

1997: Asian Financial Crisis

In 1997, the Asian financial crisis originated in Thailand, ending the country's 40 years of uninterrupted economic growth.

1997: Thailand's recovery from the 1997-1998 Asian Financial Crisis

Thailand's recovery from the 1997–1998 Asian financial crisis depended mainly on exports, among various other factors.

1998: Thailand's recovery from the 1997-1998 Asian Financial Crisis

Thailand's recovery from the 1997–1998 Asian financial crisis depended mainly on exports, among various other factors.

1998: Asian Games

Thammasat Stadium in Bangkok was built for the 1998 Asian Games.

1999: International degree students

Between 1999 and 2012, the number of international degree students in Thailand increased significantly.

2000: Evidence of Rice Growing

Around 2000 BCE, the earliest evidence of rice growing in present-day Thailand is dated.

2000: Urban population in 2000

In the 2000 census, about 31.1% of Thailand's population lived in urban areas.

2001: Thai Rak Thai Party Governs

From 2001, the Thai Rak Thai party, led by Thaksin Shinawatra, governed Thailand, successfully reducing rural poverty and initiating universal healthcare.

2002: Bumrungrad Hospital accreditation

In 2002, Bumrungrad became the first hospital in Asia to meet the Joint Commission International standard.

2003: Release of Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior

In 2003, the film "Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior", starring Tony Jaa, was released, featuring aspects of Thai martial arts.

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2003: Sex Tourism in Thailand

One estimate published in 2003 placed the trade at US$4.3 billion per year or about 3% of the Thai economy and it is believed that at least 10% of tourist dollars are spent on the sex trade.

September 2004: Withdrawal from Iraq Invasion

In September 2004, Thailand withdrew its humanitarian contingent from the US-led invasion of Iraq.

2004: Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami

In 2004, the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami hit Thailand, mostly in the south, claiming around 5,400 lives in Phuket, Phang Nga, Ranong, Krabi, Trang, and Satun.

2004: Shutter recognition

In 2004, the Thai horror movie "Shutter" gained worldwide recognition.

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2004: Escalation of South Thailand Insurgency

Starting in 2004, Thaksin Shinawatra faced criticism over his response to the South Thailand insurgency, which escalated.

2005: Increase in Defence Budget

From 2005 to 2016, Thai annual defence budget almost tripled from US$1.98 billion to US$5.88 billion.

2005: International rugby tournament

In 2005, Thailand became the first country in the world to host an international 80 welterweight rugby tournament.

2005: Release of Tom-Yum-Goong

In 2005, the film "Tom-Yum-Goong", starring Tony Jaa, was released, featuring aspects of Thai martial arts.

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2006: Corporate Revenue Distribution in Thailand

Bank of Thailand reported that during 2006–16, Thailand's top 5% largest companies had 85% of all corporate revenue in the nation.

2006: End of Two-Party System

Between 1992 and 2006, Thailand had a two-party system.

2006: Military Coup

In 2006, a military coup took place in Thailand amidst political conflict.

2006: End of Thai Rak Thai party government

In 2006, the Thai Rak Thai party government, led by Thaksin Shinawatra, came to an end.

2007: Growth of Agricultural Sector in Thailand

Between 1983 and 2007, the agricultural sector in Thailand continued to grow at 2.2% per year.

2007: Election of Civilian Government

In 2007, a civilian government led by the Thaksin-allied People's Power Party (PPP) was elected in Thailand, marking a step towards restoring democracy after a period of political instability.

2007: Hosted Asian Cup

Thailand co-hosted the Asian Cup in 2007 along with Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

2008: Non-national residents

In 2008, the total number of non-national residents in Thailand was around 2 million.

April 2009: Cambodian-Thai Border Dispute

In April 2009, the Cambodian–Thai border dispute brought troops on territory immediately adjacent to the 900-year-old ruins of Cambodia's Preah Vihear Hindu temple near the border.

2009: Non-national residents

As of 2009, the total number of non-national residents in Thailand was around 3.5 million.

2009: Military Influence

Between 1932 and 2009, uniformed or ex-military men have led Thailand for 55 of the 83 years.

2009: Health expenditures

In 2009, Thailand's total national expenditures on health amounted to 4.3 per cent of GDP.

2009: UDD Protest

In 2009, the pro-Thaksin United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) staged a protest in Thailand, reflecting ongoing political tensions and divisions within the country.

2010: Population composition

As of 2010, Thai people made up the majority of Thailand's population (95.9%), with Burmese (2.0%) and other groups comprising the remaining 4.1%.

2010: Urban population

As of 2010, about 44.2% of Thailand's population lived in urban areas.

2010: Wealth per adult person in Thailand

In 2010, Thais had a median wealth of $605 per adult person, which increased to $1,469 by 2016.

2010: Violent Military Crackdown on UDD Protest

In 2010, a UDD protest ended in a violent military crackdown, causing more than 70 civilian deaths and highlighting the severity of political conflict in Thailand.

2010: Medical Tourism in Thailand

In 2010–2012, more than 90% of medical tourists travelled to Thailand for sex reassignment surgery (SRS).

2011: Country Report to the UN Committee

According to the Royal Thai Government's 2011 Country Report to the UN Committee, 62 ethnic communities are officially recognised in Thailand.

2011: Journal publications increase

Between 2011 and 2016, Thailand's journal publications increased by 20%.

2011: ASEAN Basketball League Championship

In 2011, the Chang Thailand Slammers won the ASEAN Basketball League Championship.

2011: Pheu Thai Party Wins Majority

In 2011, the Pheu Thai Party won a majority in the general election, leading to Yingluck Shinawatra becoming Thailand's prime minister.

2011: Entertainment industries contribution to GDP

In 2011, the entertainment industries are estimated to have directly contributed $2.1 billion in GDP to the Thai economy.

2011: Population numbers for mountain peoples

The 2011 Thailand Country Report provides population numbers for mountain peoples ('hill tribes') and ethnic communities in the Northeast and is explicit about its main reliance on the Mahidol University Ethnolinguistic Maps of Thailand data.

2012: Education level of informal workers in Thailand

A 2012 study found that 64% of informal workers had not completed education beyond primary school.

2012: Airports in Thailand

As of 2012, Thailand had 103 airports with 63 paved runways, with Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport being the busiest.

2012: Thailand Consumer of Pick-up Trucks

As of 2012, Thailand was the second largest consumer of pick-up trucks in the world, after the US, due to its favorable taxation for 2-door pick-ups.

2012: Thailand Automotive Industry

As of 2012, the Thai automotive industry was the largest in Southeast Asia and the 9th largest in the world, producing near 1.5 million vehicles annually, mostly commercial vehicles.

2012: International degree students

By 2012, the number of international degree students in Thailand had risen to 20,309 from 1,882 in 1999.

2012: Thai Economy Growth

The 3.9% growth of the Thai economy in 2017 marked its fastest expansion since 2012.

2013: Income During Thai Political Crisis

During the 2013–2014 Thai political crisis, a survey found that pro-government UDD supporters mostly (27%) had a monthly income between ฿10,000 and ฿20,000.

2013: Tourism in Thailand

In 2013, Thailand was the most visited country in Southeast Asia, and estimates of tourism receipts directly contributing to the Thai GDP of 12 trillion baht range from 9 per cent (1 trillion baht) to 16 per cent.

2013: High-speed internet for schools

In 2013, the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology announced that 27,231 schools would receive classroom-level access to high-speed internet.

February 2014: Final Muay Thai matches at old stadium

On 8 February 2014, the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium hosted its final Muay Thai boxing matches at its original site on Rama IV Road near Lumphini Park.

2014: Increased Leaning Towards China

After the 2014 coup, Thailand leaned more towards China, leading to concerns about "economic colony" under China.

2014: Increased Lèse-Majesté Prisoners

After the coup d'état in 2014, Thailand had the highest number of lèse-majesté prisoners in the nation's history.

2014: Income During Thai Political Crisis

During the 2013–2014 Thai political crisis, a survey showed that anti-government PDRC supporters mostly (32%) had a monthly income of more than ฿50,000.

2014: Electrical generation powered by natural gas

In 2014, 75% of Thailand's electrical generation was powered by natural gas, with coal-fired power plants producing an additional 20% of electricity.

2014: Wealth Inequality in Thailand

In 2014, Credit Suisse reported that Thailand was the world's third most unequal country, with the top 10% richest holding 79% of the country's assets.

2014: Coup d'état

In 2014, a coup d'état occurred, leading to the rise of the Royal Thai Armed Forces.

2014: Another Military Coup

In 2014, another military coup occurred in Thailand, adding to the country's history of political instability.

2014: Pick-up Trucks Sales in Thailand

In 2014, pick-up trucks accounted for 42% of all new vehicle sales in Thailand.

2014: Military Junta Rule

In 2014, the military junta self-titled as the National Council for Peace and Order ruled the country.

2014: Unemployment Rate in Thailand

In the third quarter of 2014, the unemployment rate in Thailand stood at 0.84%, according to Thailand's National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB).

September 2015: Military Strength Index Ranking

In September 2015, Thailand ranked 16th worldwide in the Military Strength Index based on the Credit Suisse report.

2015: Youth literacy rate

In 2015, Thailand's youth literacy rate was 98.1%.

October 2016: Reign of Vajiralongkorn

Since October 2016, Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) has reigned as the King of Thailand.

2016: Journal publications increase

Between 2011 and 2016, Thailand's journal publications increased by 20%.

2016: Defence Budget

From 2005 to 2016, Thai annual defence budget almost tripled from US$1.98 billion to US$5.88 billion.

2016: Poverty Levels in Thailand

In 2016, 5.81 million people lived in poverty in Thailand, and there were an estimated 30,000 homeless persons in the country.

2016: Death of King Bhumibol

In 2016, Bhumibol, the longest-reigning Thai king, died, and his son Vajiralongkorn ascended to the throne.

2016: Thailand's Biocapacity and Ecological Footprint

In 2016, Thailand had 1.2 global hectares of biocapacity per person, lower than the world average of 1.6 global hectares per person, and they used 2.5 global hectares of biocapacity, resulting in an ecological deficit.

2016: Environmental Performance Index Ranking

In 2016, Thailand was ranked 91 out of 180 countries in the global Environmental Performance Index (EPI).

2016: Wealth and Human Development Index in Thailand

In 2016, Thais had a median wealth per adult person of $1,469, and Thailand was ranked 87th in the Human Development Index and 70th in the inequality-adjusted HDI.

2016: Thai Economy Growth

In 2016, the Thai economy grew by 3.3%, which was less than the 3.9% growth experienced in 2017.

2017: Roads and Vehicles in Thailand

As of 2017, Thailand had over 462,133 roads and 37 million registered vehicles, 20 million of them motorbikes.

2017: Thailand's GDP

In 2017, Thailand's GDP was US$1.236 trillion (on a purchasing power parity basis), making it the second largest economy in Southeast Asia after Indonesia.

2017: Current Constitution

In 2017, Thailand's latest and current constitution was established.

2017: Thailand's Household Income

In 2017, Thailand's median household income was ฿26,946 per month, with the top quintile households having 45.0% share of all income, while bottom quintile households had 7.1%.

2017: Thai dishes on "World's 50 Best Foods"

In 2017, seven Thai dishes appeared on a list of the "World's 50 Best Foods" by CNN Travel, with Thailand having the most dishes on the list.

2017: Release and success of "Bad Genius"

In 2017, the Thai heist thriller film "Bad Genius" became internationally successful and broke Thai film earning records in several Asian countries.

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2017: Social Welfare Applicants in Thailand

In 2017, there were 14 million people in Thailand who applied for social welfare, which required a yearly income of less than ฿100,000.

December 2018: Legalisation of medical cannabis

In December 2018, Thailand's interim parliament voted to legalise the use of cannabis for medical reasons.

2018: Buddhists in Thailand

According to the 2018 National Statistical Office data, 93.46% of the country's population self-identified as Buddhists.

2018: Religious composition

In 2018, Muslims constituted 5.37% and Christians represented 1.13% of the population in Thailand.

2018: Alternative Energy Development Plan

In 2018, the Thai government developed the Alternative Energy Development Plan 2018–2037 (AEDP 2018) to increase renewable energy to almost 30,000 MW by 2037.

2019: Investment in Research and Development

According to the National Research Council of Thailand, in 2019, the country devoted 1.1% of its GDP to the research and development of science.

2019: Forest Landscape Integrity Index

In 2019, Thailand had a Forest Landscape Integrity Index mean score of 6.00/10, ranking it 88th globally out of 172 countries.

2019: General Election and Continued Premiership

In 2019, Thailand held a general election in March, and Prayut Chan-o-cha continued his premiership with the support of the Palang Pracharath Party-coalition amid allegations of election fraud.

2019: Global Health Security Index ranking

In 2019, Thailand ranked sixth globally and first in Asia in the Global Health Security Index.

2019: International Tourists in Thailand

In 2019, Thailand received 39.8 million international tourists, ahead of United Kingdom and Germany, and was the fourth highest in international tourism earning 60.5 billion US dollars.

2019: End of Military Junta Rule

In 2019, the National Council for Peace and Order ended its rule in Thailand.

2019: Thai General Election

In 2019, the Thai general election led to the establishment of a nominally democratic government, although the military maintained significant influence.

March 2020: Amnesty International Report on Military Conscripts

In March 2020, Amnesty International charged that Thai military conscripts face institutionalised abuse systematically hushed up by military authorities.

2020: English proficiency ranking

As of 2020, Thailand was ranked 89th out of 100 countries globally for English proficiency.

2020: Pro-Democracy Protests

In 2020, large pro-democracy protests began in Thailand, including unprecedented demands to reform the monarchy.

2020: Dissolution of Future Forward Party

In 2020, the Future Forward Party was dissolved.

2021: Continued Pro-Democracy Protests

In 2021, pro-democracy protests continued in Thailand, demanding reforms to the monarchy.

2022: Thailand's Export and Import Values

In 2022, Thailand's export of goods was worth roughly US$290 billion, while its import was worth roughly US$305 billion.

2022: Oil and gas production decline

In 2022, Thailand's oil and gas production experienced a decline of 19% and 17%, respectively.

2022: Household size

In 2022, the average Thai household size was 3 people.

May 2023: Opposition Victory in General Election

In May 2023, Thailand's reformist opposition, including the Move Forward Party and the Pheu Thai Party, won the general election.

August 2023: Srettha Thavisin Becomes Prime Minister

On 22 August 2023, Srettha Thavisin of the Pheu Thai party became Thailand's new prime minister, and Thaksin Shinawatra returned to Thailand.

2023: Estimated population

As of 2023, Thailand has an estimated population of 71.7 million.

2023: Thailand's Stance in Israel-Gaza War

During the Israel-Gaza war in 2023, Thailand adopted a neutral stance after initially condemning the attack against Israel; 28 Thai nationals were killed in the conflict.

2023: Parliamentary Elections

In 2023, Thailand held parliamentary elections.

2023: Thai Household Debts

In the first quarter of 2023, Thai household debts totaled 14.6 trillion baht, which was 89.2% of GDP, with an average debt per household of approximately 500,000 baht.

August 7, 2024: Move Forward Party Banned

On August 7, 2024, Thailand's Constitutional Court banned the Move Forward Party and all of its leaders from politics for its proposal to reform the lèse-majesté law.

August 2024: Srettha Thavisin Dismissed From Prime Ministerial Role

On 14 August 2024, Srettha Thavisin was dismissed from his prime ministerial role by the Constitutional Court for "gross ethics violations".

2024: Thailand's Economic Challenges

As of 2024, Thailand faces challenges including low productivity, poor education, high household debt, low private investment, and slow economic growth. Economic research groups have forecasted an annual GDP growth of below 2% in the next decades without structural reforms.