History of Thailand in Timeline
"Thailand, formerly Siam, is a Southeast Asian nation situated on the Indochinese Peninsula. Its landmass spans 513,115 square kilometers, with a population nearing 66 million. Bordered by Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, the Andaman Sea, and the Gulf of Thailand, it also shares maritime boundaries with Vietnam, Indonesia, and India. The country's capital and largest city is Bangkok."
1905: Rebellions Against Centralization
In 1905, rebellions erupted in Patani, Ubon Ratchathani, and Phrae in response to attempts to curb the authority of local rulers.
1909: First Census in Thailand
Thailand's first census, conducted in 1909, recorded a population of 8.2 million.
1910: King Chulalongkorn's Reign and Modernization
King Chulalongkorn's reign (1868-1910) was marked by significant modernization efforts, including the abolition of slavery, the introduction of a privy council, and the establishment of ministries.
1910: End of King Chulalongkorn's Reign
King Chulalongkorn's reign, marked by modernization and centralization efforts, ended in 1910.
1910: Beginning of King Vajiravudh's Reign
King Vajiravudh ascended to the throne in 1910, succeeding King Chulalongkorn.
1912: The Palace Revolt
The Palace Revolt of 1912 was a failed attempt by Western-educated military officers to overthrow the Siamese monarchy.
1917: Siam Joins World War I
Siam joined World War I in 1917 on the side of the Allies.
1925: End of King Vajiravudh's Reign
King Vajiravudh's reign, characterized by the promotion of Thai nationalism, ended in 1925.
June 1932: Bloodless Revolution and the Start of Constitutional Monarchy
On June 24, 1932, Thailand experienced a pivotal moment with a bloodless revolution led by the Khana Ratsadon (People's Party). This event marked the end of absolute monarchy and the beginning of constitutional monarchy in the country.
1932: Bloodless Revolution and Constitutional Monarchy
In 1932, a bloodless revolution led to the establishment of a constitutional monarchy in Thailand, ending centuries of absolute monarchy.
1932: Beginning of Constitutional Era
Thailand's modern constitutional history commenced in 1932, marking a transition from absolute monarchy to a system with a constitution as the supreme law of the land.
1932: First Constitution Granted, Ending Absolute Monarchy
In 1932, King Prajadhipok was compelled to grant Thailand its first constitution, marking the end of centuries of absolute monarchy and the transition to a constitutional monarchy.
1933: Failed Counter-Revolutionary Rebellion
A counter-revolutionary rebellion in 1933, aiming to restore absolute monarchy, proved unsuccessful.
1938: Phibunsongkhram's Rise to Power
Plaek Phibunsongkhram became premier in 1938, ushering in a period of political oppression and an openly anti-royalist stance.
June 1939: Official Name Change to Thailand
On June 24, 1939, Siam officially changed its name to Thailand.
1939: Origin of the Name "Thailand"
Before 1939, the country was known as Siam to outsiders. The name "Thailand" is derived from the Thai word "Thai," which carries meanings like "free man" or "people."
1939: Name Change to Thailand
In 1939, Siam officially changed its name to Thailand.
1939: Official Name Change from "Siam" to "Thailand"
In 1939, a decree was issued, officially changing the country's name from "Siam" to "Thailand".
December 1941: Japan Invades Thailand
Japan invaded Thailand in December 1941, shortly before Phibun ordered an armistice. Japan was granted free passage, and on December 21st Thailand and Japan signed a military alliance.
1941: Brief Conflict with Vichy France
Thailand engaged in a brief conflict with Vichy France in 1941, resulting in Thailand gaining some territories from Laos and Cambodia.
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: King Ananda Mahidol Found Dead
In June 1946, young King Ananda Mahidol was found dead under mysterious circumstances. His younger brother Bhumibol Adulyadej ascended to the throne.
1946: Military and Bureaucratic Control of Political Parties
From 1946 onwards, Thailand's political landscape was characterized by the dominance of military and bureaucratic elites who exerted control over political parties.
1946: Brief Renaming to Siam
After World War II, Thailand was briefly renamed Siam in 1946.
1948: Reinstatement of the Name "Thailand"
The name "Thailand" was reinstated in 1948, marking the country's official name to this day.
1954: Thailand Joins SEATO
Thailand joined the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) to become an active ally of the United States in 1954.
December 1956: Opening of Lumpinee Boxing Stadium
The Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, a legendary venue for Muay Thai, first opened its doors in December 1956, becoming a symbol of the sport's significance in Thailand.
1957: Sarit Thanarat Coup
Sarit Thanarat launched a coup in 1957, which removed Khana Ratsadon from politics.
1959: Thanarat Becomes Prime Minister
Thanarat became Prime Minister of Thailand in 1959, ruling until 1963.
1960: Population Growth in Thailand
Thailand's government-sponsored family planning program, initiated in 1960, led to a significant decrease in population growth from 3.1% to approximately 0.4%.
1961: US Enters Vietnam War, Promises to Protect Thailand
After the United States joined the Vietnam War in 1961, there was a secret agreement wherein the U.S. promised to protect Thailand.
1962: Growth in Thai Agriculture
Between 1962 and 1983, Thailand's agricultural sector experienced substantial growth, averaging 4.1% annually.
1963: End of Thanarat's Rule
Thanarat's rule as Prime Minister of Thailand ended in 1963.
1966: Thailand's Silver Medal Win in Asian Games Basketball
The Thailand national basketball team achieved a historic feat in 1966 by winning the silver medal at the Asian Games, showcasing their prowess on the international stage.
1970: Average Household Size in Thailand
In 1970, the average Thai household consisted of 5.7 people.
October 1971: Protest Against Thanom Kittikachorn
In October 1971, there was a large demonstration against the dictatorship of Thanom Kittikachorn, which led to civilian casualties.
1972: Thailand in AFC Asian Cup
The Thailand national football team participated in the AFC Asian Cup for the sixth time and reached the semifinals in 1972, marking a notable achievement in the tournament. Thailand also hosted the Asian Cup this year.
1973: King Bhumibol Intervenes in Thai Politics
King Bhumibol installed Sanya Dharmasakti to replace Thanom Kittikachorn as Prime Minister in 1973, marking the first time that the king had intervened in Thai politics directly since 1932.
1975: End of Sanya Dharmasakti's Term
Sanya Dharmasakti's term as Prime Minister ended in 1975.
October 1976: Thammasat University Massacre
The Thammasat University massacre occurred in October 1976, leading to a new ultra-right government in Thailand.
1977: Dissolution of SEATO
SEATO, a Southeast Asian collective security organization, of which Thailand was a member, was dissolved in 1977.
1978: Amnesty Offered to Communist Fighters
A coup in 1977 installed a more moderate government in Thailand, which offered amnesty to communist fighters in 1978.
1980: Shifting Employment Landscape in Thailand
In 1980, a significant 70% of Thailand's workforce was employed in the agriculture sector.
1980: Prem Tinsulanonda Becomes Prime Minister
Prem Tinsulanonda became the Prime Minister of Thailand in 1980, serving until 1988.
1981: Coup Attempt Against Prem Tinsulanonda
The first coup attempt against Prem Tinsulanonda occured in 1981.
1983: Communists Abandon Insurgency
The communists abandoned the insurgency in Thailand by 1983.
1983: Growth in Thai Agriculture
Between 1962 and 1983, Thailand's agricultural sector experienced substantial growth, averaging 4.1% annually. Following this period, from 1983 to 2007, the sector continued to grow, albeit at a slower pace of 2.2%.
1985: Second Coup Attempt Against Prem Tinsulanonda
The second coup attempt against Prem Tinsulanonda occured in 1985.
1988: Growth of Manufacturing in Thailand
Between 1988 and 1995, Thailand witnessed a remarkable doubling of factory workers, from two to four million, alongside a tripling of its GDP, highlighting the rapid growth of the country's manufacturing sector.
1988: First Elected Prime Minister Since 1976
In 1988 Thailand had its first elected prime minister since 1976.
1989: Ban on Elephant Logging
In a bid to protect its declining elephant population, Thailand enacted a ban on using elephants for logging in 1989. This measure led many elephant owners to shift their animals to the tourism industry, raising concerns about potential mistreatment.
1990: Urbanization in Thailand
The 1990 census in Thailand indicated that 29.4% of the population resided in urban areas.
1991: Suchinda Kraprayoon Leads Coup
Suchinda Kraprayoon lead a coup in Thailand in 1991.
1991: National Government Organisation Act
Thailand's National Government Organisation Act, enacted in 1991 (BE 2534), restructured the country's administrative framework. This act established a three-tier system of governance: central, provincial, and local, outlining the distribution of administrative responsibilities and powers.
1992: Emergence of a Two-Party System
A notable shift occurred in Thai politics around 1992 with the emergence of a two-party system, a departure from the previous dominance of military-aligned parties.
1992: Suchinda Kraprayoon Becomes Prime Minister, Resigns After Protests
Suchinda Kraprayoon was nominated and became Prime Minister in 1992 after saying he would not seek to become prime minister. This caused a popular demonstration in Bangkok, which ended with a bloody military crackdown. Bhumibol intervened in the event and signed an amnesty law, and Suchinda then resigned.
1993: Transition to Industrial and Urban Jobs
Between 1993 and 1995, there was a significant shift in Thailand's labor market, with 10% of the workforce transitioning from the agricultural sector to urban and industrial jobs, particularly in manufacturing.
September 1994: Mass Rapid Transit Master Plan
On September 27, 1994, the cabinet endorsed the Mass Rapid Transit Master Plan in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region, following two unsuccessful rapid rail projects, the Lavalin Skytrain and the Bangkok Elevated Road and Train System.
1995: Transition to Industrial and Urban Jobs
Between 1993 and 1995, there was a significant shift in Thailand's labor market, with 10% of the workforce transitioning from the agricultural sector to urban and industrial jobs, particularly in manufacturing.
1995: Educational Reform in Thailand
In 1995, Sukavich Rangsitpol, the Minister of Education, introduced plans for a significant educational reform in Thailand, aiming to improve the quality of life for Thai citizens and foster peaceful global coexistence.
1995: Mass Rapid Transit Master Plan
The Mass Rapid Transit Master Plan, endorsed in September 1994, began implementation in 1995 and continues to the present.
1997: Ethnic Composition of Thailand
Data from the Mahidol University Ethnolinguistic Maps of Thailand, completed in 1997, was used in the 2011 Thailand Country Report to provide information about the population and percentages of different ethnic communities in the country.
1997: Impact of Labor Reforms Following the Asian Financial Crisis
Following the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, Thailand implemented significant labor reforms that led to increased deregulation in the labor market. This shift placed a greater burden on workers to secure their livelihoods, as the responsibility shifted from employers and the state to individuals and families. As a result, many families turned to the informal sector to supplement their income and cope with the economic changes brought about by the crisis and subsequent reforms.
1997: Asian Financial Crisis
Thailand's recovery from the 1997–1998 Asian financial crisis was significantly aided by its export sector, among other factors.
1997: Impact of the Asian Financial Crisis
The 1997 Asian Financial Crisis had a profound impact on Thailand's economy, leading to widespread deregulation and structural adjustment reforms as a condition for receiving financial assistance from the IMF and World Bank. These reforms aimed to privatize industries, liberalize trade, and reduce government subsidies and regulations, ultimately transforming Thailand's economic landscape.
1997: Asian Financial Crisis
The 1997 Asian financial crisis originated in Thailand and ended the country's 40 years of uninterrupted economic growth.
1997: Mahidol University Ethnolinguistic Maps of Thailand
The Mahidol University Ethnolinguistic Maps of Thailand, completed in 1997, provided data on the country's ethnic makeup.
1998: Construction of Thammasat and Rajamangala Stadiums
Both Thammasat Stadium, a multi-purpose arena primarily used for football, and Rajamangala National Stadium, the largest sporting venue in Thailand, were built in 1998 to host the Asian Games.
1998: Asian Financial Crisis
Thailand's recovery from the 1997–1998 Asian financial crisis was significantly aided by its export sector, among other factors.
1999: International Student Enrollment in Thailand
Thailand saw 1,882 international degree students in 1999, marking the beginning of its journey to becoming a popular study destination in ASEAN.
2000: Evidence of Rice Growing
Archaeological evidence suggests that rice growing emerged in present-day Thailand around 2,000 BCE.
2000: Urbanization in Thailand
According to the 2000 census, Thailand's urban population had grown to 31.1%.
2001: Thai Rak Thai Party Comes to Power
The populist Thai Rak Thai Party, led by prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, governed Thailand from 2001 until 2006.
2002: Bumrungrad Hospital's International Accreditation
In 2002, Bumrungrad Hospital achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first in Asia to meet the Joint Commission International standards.
2003: Sex Tourism and the Thai Economy
In 2003, estimations suggested that the sex tourism industry in Thailand generated approximately US$4.3 billion annually, representing roughly 3% of the nation's economy, with approximately 10% of tourist spending attributed to the sex trade.
2003: Release of "Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior"
The film "Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior", starring Tony Jaa, premiered in 2003, showcasing Thai martial arts and contributing to Thai cinema's growing international recognition.
September 2004: End of Thai humanitarian contingent in Iraq
Thailand, which joined the US-led invasion of Iraq, withdrew its humanitarian contingent in September 2004.
2004: Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami
The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami hit Thailand, mostly in the south, claiming around 5,400 lives.
2004: South Thailand Insurgency Escalates
The South Thailand insurgency escalated beginning in 2004.
2004: International Recognition of "Shutter"
The Thai horror film "Shutter" gained significant international acclaim in 2004, solidifying the genre's cult following worldwide.
2005: Thailand Hosts First International 80 Welterweight Rugby Tournament
Thailand made history in 2005 by becoming the first nation to host an international 80 welterweight rugby tournament, demonstrating the sport's rising popularity in the country.
2005: Release of "Tom-Yum-Goong"
Another Tony Jaa starrer, "Tom-Yum-Goong", released in 2005, further emphasized the distinctive aspects of Muay Thai and solidified Thai cinema's unique identity.
2005: Thailand's Defense Budget
In 2005, Thailand's annual defense budget was US$1.98 billion.
2006: Transition to Multi-Party System
Constitutional changes after 2006 led to the establishment of a multi-party system in Thailand. This system aimed to prevent any single party from gaining an absolute majority in the House of Representatives, promoting greater political diversity.
2006: Corporate revenue concentration in Thailand
The Bank of Thailand reported that between 2006 and 2016, the top 5% of companies in Thailand accounted for a staggering 85% of all corporate revenue. This period also highlighted a limited presence of export-oriented companies, which constituted only 6% of the total number of firms despite contributing 60% to the nation's GDP.
2006: Military Coup Ousts Thaksin Shinawatra
The Thai military dissolved Thaksin Shinawatra's party with a coup d'état in 2006 and banned over a hundred of its executives from politics. After the coup, a military government was installed which lasted a year.
2006: First Coup d'état in the 21st Century
The first of two coups d'état in the 21st century occurred in 2006, marking a period of political instability in Thailand.
2007: Growth in Thai Agriculture
Between 1962 and 1983, Thailand's agricultural sector experienced substantial growth, averaging 4.1% annually. Following this period, from 1983 to 2007, the sector continued to grow, albeit at a slower pace of 2.2%.
2007: Civilian Government Elected
In 2007, a civilian government led by the Thaksin-allied People's Power Party (PPP) was elected in Thailand.
2007: Co-hosting the AFC Asian Cup
Thailand, along with Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam, co-hosted the AFC Asian Cup in 2007, showcasing the country's growing presence in international football.
2008: Migrant Population in Thailand
In 2008, the estimated number of non-national residents in Thailand was 2 million.
April 2009: Cambodian-Thai border dispute
In April 2009, a dispute over territory near the Preah Vihear Hindu temple led to a military standoff between Cambodia and Thailand.
2009: Protests Against Democrat Party Government
The pro-Thaksin United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) protested in Thailand in 2009.
2009: Military Influence in Thai Politics
By 2009, it was evident that military and ex-military figures had held significant sway in Thai politics, having led the country for a considerable portion of the time since the end of absolute monarchy.
2009: Thailand's Healthcare Expenditure and Key Health Issues
In 2009, Thailand's total national healthcare expenditure was 4.3% of its GDP. While non-communicable diseases posed a major health burden, infectious diseases and traffic accidents were also significant concerns.
2009: Migrant Population in Thailand
By 2009, the number of non-national residents in Thailand had risen to approximately 3.5 million due to increased migration from neighboring countries like Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Nepal, and India.
2010: SRS Tourism in Thailand
Between 2010 and 2012, over 90% of medical tourists visiting Thailand opted for sex reassignment surgery (SRS).
2010: Ethnic Makeup of Thailand
In 2010, Thai people comprised the majority of Thailand's population at 95.9%. The remaining 4.1% included Burmese (2.0%), other ethnicities (1.3%), and unspecified (0.9%).
2010: Increase in Thailand's median wealth
Thailand saw its median wealth per adult increase from US$605 in 2010 to US$1,469 in 2016.
2010: UDD Protests Turn Violent
The pro-Thaksin United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) protests in 2010 ended with a violent military crackdown causing more than 70 civilian deaths.
2010: Urbanization in Thailand
By 2010, Thailand's urban population had reached 44.2%, a gradual increase from 29.4% in 1990 and 31.1% in 2000.
2011: Contribution of Entertainment Industries to Thai Economy
Thailand's entertainment industries played a substantial role in the economy in 2011, directly contributing $2.1 billion to the GDP and providing 86,600 jobs. Dance-pop artists like "Lisa" Lalisa Manoban and Tata Young achieved international success.
2011: Chang Thailand Slammers' ASEAN Basketball League Championship Win
The Chang Thailand Slammers clinched the ASEAN Basketball League Championship title in 2011, marking a significant achievement for professional basketball in Thailand.
2011: Research Output of Thai Universities
Despite a 20% increase in journal publications between 2011 and 2016, Thai universities' research output remained relatively low in 2011. Initiatives such as the National Research University and VISTEC aimed to bolster research capabilities.
2011: Pheu Thai Party Wins Election, Yingluck Shinawatra Becomes Prime Minister
After the general election of 2011, the populist Pheu Thai Party won a majority and Yingluck Shinawatra, Thaksin's younger sister, became prime minister.
2011: Recognized Ethnic Communities in Thailand
According to the Royal Thai Government's 2011 Country Report, 62 ethnic communities were officially recognized in Thailand.
2011: Ethnic Composition of Thailand
The 2011 Thailand Country Report detailed the population figures for various ethnic groups based on the 1997 Mahidol University Ethnolinguistic Maps of Thailand data. The largest groups included Central Thai (34.1%), Lao (24.9%), Khon Muang (9.9%), Pak Tai (7.5%), Khmer Leu (2.3%), Malay (1.5%), Nyaw (0.8%), Phu Thai (0.8%), Kuy/Kuay (0.7%), and Karen (0.6%).
2012: Informal Workers' Education Levels
A 2012 study revealed that a significant proportion of informal workers in Thailand, 64%, had not progressed beyond primary school education.
2012: Airports in Thailand
As of 2012, Thailand had 103 airports, with 63 paved runways, and 6 heliports. Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport was the busiest.
2012: Thailand's automotive industry ranking
As of 2012, Thailand's automotive industry had become the largest in Southeast Asia and the ninth largest globally, boasting an annual output of nearly 1.5 million vehicles, primarily commercial vehicles.
2012: SRS Tourism in Thailand
Between 2010 and 2012, over 90% of medical tourists visiting Thailand opted for sex reassignment surgery (SRS).
2012: Significant Growth in International Students
By 2012, the number of international degree students in Thailand surged to 20,309, a nearly tenfold increase from 1999, with most students coming from neighboring countries.
2012: Thailand's consumption of pickup trucks
Due to favorable tax rates for two-door pickup trucks (3-12%) compared to passenger cars (17-50%), Thailand emerged as the world's second-largest consumer of pickup trucks in 2012, trailing only the United States.
2012: Informal Labor in Thailand
In 2012, informal workers constituted a substantial portion of Thailand's workforce, estimated at 62.6%.
2012: Thailand's economic growth
Thailand experienced its fastest economic expansion since 2012 in 2017.
2013: Internet Access in Thai Schools
The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology announced in 2013 that 27,231 schools in Thailand would receive high-speed internet access in classrooms.
2013: Income disparity during the political crisis
A survey conducted during the 2013–2014 Thai political crisis revealed a significant income gap between supporters of the opposing political factions. The majority (32%) of the anti-government PDRC had a monthly income exceeding ฿50,000, while most (27%) pro-government UDD supporters earned between ฿10,000 and ฿20,000.
2013: Thailand's Tourism Boom
In 2013, Thailand held the title of the most visited country in Southeast Asia, according to the World Tourism Organization. Tourism significantly contributed to Thailand's GDP, with estimates suggesting direct contributions ranged from 9% to 16%, and indirect effects reaching as high as 20.2%.
February 2014: Relocation of Lumpinee Boxing Stadium
After hosting its final matches at the Rama IV Road location in February 2014, the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium prepared to relocate to a new, larger venue on Ram Intra Road.
2014: Military Coup and Establishment of the NCPO
Thailand experienced a military coup in 2014, led by General Prayut Chan-o-cha, who established the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) as the ruling junta. The coup led to restrictions on civil and political rights and a rise in lèse-majesté cases.
2014: Coup d'état Removes Yingluck Shinawatra
The crisis ended with another coup d'état in Thailand in 2014.
2014: Increase in Lèse-Majesté Cases After Coup
The aftermath of the 2014 military coup in Thailand witnessed a surge in lèse-majesté cases, highlighting the sensitivity surrounding the monarchy and the use of this law to stifle criticism.
2014: Second Coup d'état in the 21st Century
A second coup d'état took place in 2014, further deepening the political conflict in Thailand.
2014: Military Coup and the NCPO
Thailand experienced another military coup in 2014, resulting in the establishment of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO). The NCPO, a military junta, ruled the country until 2019, a period marked by restrictions on political freedoms and dissent.
2014: Pickup truck sales in Thailand
Pickup trucks constituted a significant portion of vehicle sales in Thailand, accounting for 42% of all new vehicles sold in 2014.
2014: Thailand's unemployment rate
In the third quarter of 2014, Thailand's unemployment rate was 0.84%, according to the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB).
2014: Electricity Generation in Thailand
In 2014, natural gas fueled 75% of Thailand's electricity generation. Coal-fired power plants produced 20%, with the remainder coming from biomass, hydro, and biogas.
2014: Thailand's wealth inequality
In 2014, Credit Suisse identified Thailand as the world's third most unequal country in terms of wealth distribution, trailing only Russia and India. The wealthiest 10% controlled 79% of the nation's assets, with the top 1% possessing 58%. The combined net worth of the 50 richest Thai families represented 30% of the country's GDP.
2014: Thailand's shift towards China
After the coup in 2014, Thailand strengthened its relationship with China, leading to increased Chinese influence and investment in the country.
2014: Income disparity during the political crisis
A survey conducted during the 2013–2014 Thai political crisis revealed a significant income gap between supporters of the opposing political factions. The majority (32%) of the anti-government PDRC had a monthly income exceeding ฿50,000, while most (27%) pro-government UDD supporters earned between ฿10,000 and ฿20,000.
September 2015: Thailand's Military Strength Ranking
A Credit Suisse report in September 2015 ranked Thailand 16th worldwide in the Military Strength Index.
2015: Ethnic groups of Thailand
In 2015, The World Factbook estimated the ethnic groups of Thailand.
2015: Literacy Rate and Education System in Thailand
Thailand boasted a youth literacy rate of 98.1% in 2015. The country has a well-structured education system, with compulsory education up to the age of 14 and government-provided free education until 17.
October 2016: King Vajiralongkorn's Reign Begins
Following the death of his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, King Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) ascended to the throne in October 2016. While the monarchy's powers are constitutionally limited, the King's influence and the role of the monarchy in Thai society remain significant.
2016: Thailand's median wealth and HDI ranking
The median wealth per adult in Thailand rose to US$1,469 in 2016, up from US$605 in 2010. The country ranked 87th on the Human Development Index and 70th on the inequality-adjusted HDI in the same year.
2016: Growth in Thailand's Journal Publications
Thailand experienced a 20% rise in journal publications from 2011 to 2016, reflecting efforts to enhance research output in the country's universities.
2016: Death of King Bhumibol and Coronation of King Vajiralongkorn
King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Thailand's longest-reigning monarch, passed away in 2016. His son, Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, ascended to the throne as King Rama X.
2016: Thailand's Performance in the Environmental Performance Index
In 2016, Thailand ranked 91st out of 180 countries in the global Environmental Performance Index (EPI). While the country showed improvements in water resource management and sanitation, it faced challenges in air quality, the environmental impact of agriculture, and carbon emissions.
2016: Thailand's economic growth
In 2016, Thailand experienced an economic growth rate of 3.3%.
2016: Poverty in Thailand
In 2016, 5.81 million people in Thailand were living below the poverty line, a figure that rose to 11.6 million, or 17.2% of the population, when including those considered "near poor." The poverty rate varied across regions, with the Northeast at 12.96%, the South at 12.35%, and the North at 9.83%.
2016: Increase in Thailand's Defense Budget
By 2016, Thailand's annual defense budget had increased to US$5.88 billion, nearly triple the amount from 2005, representing about 1.4% of the country's GDP.
2016: Thailand's Biocapacity Deficit
In 2016, Thailand faced a biocapacity deficit, with a biocapacity of 1.2 global hectares per person while its ecological footprint of consumption was 2.5 global hectares per person, indicating consumption exceeding its own biocapacity.
2017: Promulgation of the Current Constitution
Thailand adopted its latest and current constitution in 2017. This constitution, like its predecessors, outlines the framework for a constitutional monarchy but with provisions that have drawn criticism for concentrating power.
2017: Global Success of "Bad Genius"
The Thai heist thriller "Bad Genius" achieved remarkable international success in 2017, breaking box office records in several Asian countries and garnering awards at prestigious film festivals.
2017: Thailand's GDP and economic standing
Thailand, a newly industrialized country with an emerging economy, had a GDP of US$1.236 trillion (PPP) in 2017, making it the second largest economy in Southeast Asia. Its GDP per capita ranked fourth in the region.
2017: Thailand's economic growth
Thailand's economy expanded by 3.9% in 2017, marking its fastest growth rate since 2012.
2017: Thai Cuisine Featured in "World's 50 Best Foods"
In 2017, seven Thai dishes were featured in CNN Travel's "World's 50 Best Foods" list, more than any other country, showcasing the global appeal of Thai cuisine. Two desserts, mango sticky rice and tub tim krob, were also featured on CNN's 50 Best Desserts Around The World.
2017: Thailand's median household income
In 2017, Thailand's median household income was ฿26,946 per month.
2017: Transportation in Thailand
In 2017, Thailand had over 462,133 roads and 37 million registered vehicles, of which 20 million were motorbikes. Several two-lane highways were being converted to four-lane highways.
2017: Applications for social welfare in Thailand
In 2017, 14 million individuals in Thailand, whose annual income fell below ฿100,000, applied for social welfare.
December 2018: Legalization of Medical Cannabis
Thailand became the first Southeast Asian nation to legalize cannabis for medical use in December 2018, marking a significant shift in the region's stance on medical cannabis.
2018: Theravada Buddhism in Thailand
According to 2018 National Statistical Office data, 93.46% of Thailand's population identified as Buddhist, making Theravada Buddhism the most prevalent religion in the country.
2018: Transportation in Thailand
As of 2018, there were over 80,647 registered taxis in Thailand.
2018: Medical Tourism Hub
By 2018, Thailand emerged as the world's fifth largest medical tourism destination by spending, attracting more than 2.5 million visitors. Its popularity soared for procedures like sex reassignment surgery (SRS) and cosmetic surgery, securing its position as the top destination in Asia for medical tourism.
2018: Religious Diversity in Thailand
In 2018, Muslims constituted 5.37% of Thailand's population, primarily residing in the southern provinces. Christians represented 1.13%, while the remaining population included Hindus, Sikhs, and a small Jewish community.
2018: Religion in Thailand
In 2018, data was gathered on the religious makeup of Thailand.
2019: End of NCPO Rule
The NCPO's rule in Thailand concluded in 2019. This period saw a transition to a new government, although concerns about the military's continued influence in politics persisted.
2019: Thailand's Global Health Security Ranking
Thailand secured the sixth position globally and first in Asia in the 2019 Global Health Security Index, highlighting its strong health security capabilities.
2019: Thailand's Forest Landscape Integrity
Thailand scored 6.00 out of 10 in the 2019 Forest Landscape Integrity Index, ranking 88th globally. This index assesses the health and intactness of forest landscapes.
2019: End of Military Junta Rule and General Election
In 2019, Thailand's military junta, the NCPO, scheduled a general election and relinquished direct control. However, the election was marred by allegations of fraud, and the junta leader, Prayut Chan-o-cha, continued as Prime Minister with the support of a coalition government.
2019: Investment in Research and Development
During 2019, Thailand dedicated 1.1% of its GDP to research and development in science, employing over 166,788 individuals full-time in research and development roles, as reported by the National Research Council of Thailand.
2019: Thailand's tourism industry
Before the pandemic, Thailand held the eighth position in the World Tourism rankings by the United Nations World Tourism Organization. The nation welcomed 39.8 million international tourists, exceeding the numbers received by the United Kingdom and Germany, and secured the fourth spot in international tourism earnings with US$60.5 billion.
2019: Establishment of Nominally Democratic Government
Following the Thai general election, a nominally democratic government was established in 2019.
March 2020: Amnesty International report on abuse of Thai military conscripts
In March 2020, Amnesty International published a report accusing the Thai military of systematically covering up the institutionalized abuse faced by conscripts.
2020: Thailand's English Proficiency Ranking
In 2020, Thailand held the 89th position out of 100 countries in terms of English proficiency globally.
2020: Beginning of Pro-Democracy Protests
Large-scale pro-democracy protests, calling for democratic reforms and challenging the monarchy, erupted in Thailand in 2020.
2020: Dissolution of the Future Forward Party
The dissolution of the Future Forward Party in 2020, the predecessor to the Move Forward Party, set a precedent for the suppression of opposition parties seen as a threat by conservative forces aligned with the monarchy and the military.
2020: Pro-Democracy Protests Erupt
Triggered by concerns over democratic backsliding, the growing influence of the monarchy, and alleged election irregularities, widespread pro-democracy protests erupted in Thailand in 2020. The protests reflected a growing call for political reforms and scrutiny of the monarchy's role.
2021: Continuation of Pro-Democracy Protests
The pro-democracy protests, demanding unprecedented reforms to the monarchy, continued into 2021, highlighting the ongoing struggle for democratic change in Thailand.
2022: Average Household Size in Thailand
By 2022, the average Thai household size had decreased to 3 people.
May 2023: Reformist Opposition Wins General Election
In a significant political shift, the reformist opposition parties, Move Forward Party (MFP) and Pheu Thai Party, secured victory in the May 2023 general election in Thailand. This victory marked a defeat for the military-backed parties that had been in power.
August 2023: Srettha Thavisin Becomes Prime Minister and Thaksin Shinawatra Returns
Following the election win, Srettha Thavisin of the Pheu Thai Party assumed the role of Thailand's Prime Minister in August 2023. This period also saw the return of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to Thailand after years of self-imposed exile.
2023: Household debt in Thailand
In the first quarter of 2023, total household debt in Thailand reached 14.6 trillion baht, equivalent to 89.2% of the country's GDP, with an average debt of approximately 500,000 baht per household.
2023: Move Forward Party's Election Victory
The Move Forward Party, a progressive and reformist party, won the 2023 parliamentary elections in Thailand, signaling a desire for change among a significant segment of the electorate. However, their victory was short-lived due to the subsequent Constitutional Court ruling.
2023: Thailand's response to the Israel-Hamas conflict
Initially condemning the attack on Israel, the Thai government later shifted its position to neutrality during the 2023 Israel-Hamas conflict, which resulted in the deaths of 28 Thai nationals.
2023: Thailand's Global Innovation Ranking
In 2023, Thailand secured the 43rd position in the Global Innovation Index, reflecting its innovation capabilities.
July 2024: Population of Thailand
As of July 2024, Thailand's estimated population was 65,975,198.
August 7, 2024: Move Forward Party Banned
In a controversial decision on August 7, 2024, Thailand's Constitutional Court banned the Move Forward Party, the winner of the 2023 elections. This ban, prompted by the party's proposal to reform the lèse-majesté law, was widely seen as an attempt to suppress political opposition and sparked criticism about the state of democracy in Thailand.
August 2024: Thavisin Removed from Office by Constitutional Court
In August 2024, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was dismissed from office by Thailand's Constitutional Court. The court cited "gross ethics violations" as the reason for his removal.
2024: Thailand's economic challenges
As of 2024, Thailand faces economic challenges including low productivity, inadequate education, high levels of household debt, insufficient private investment, and sluggish economic growth, with projections indicating annual GDP growth below 2% in the coming decades unless structural reforms are implemented.
2024: State Railway of Thailand
By 2024, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) oversaw a vast rail network spanning 4,507 kilometers, all operating on a meter gauge. While the majority of the network consisted of single-track lines, efforts were underway to expand double and triple-tracked sections, particularly around Bangkok, to enhance capacity and efficiency.
2024: Thailand's Freedom Status Improves to "Partly Free"
Despite concerns about democratic backsliding, Thailand's status in the Freedom in the World Report improved from "Not Free" to "Partly Free" in 2024. This upgrade was attributed to the competitive parliamentary elections held in the previous year, although the influence of unelected senators in government formation remained a point of concern.
2024: Thailand's ranking in the Global Peace Index
The 2024 Global Peace Index ranked Thailand as the 75th most peaceful country.