History of Thailand in Timeline

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

1905: Unsuccessful Rebellions

In 1905, there were unsuccessful rebellions in the ancient Patani area, Ubon Ratchathani, and Phrae, in opposition to an attempt to blunt the power of local lords.

1909: First Census

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

1910: Reign of Vajiravudh

In 1910, Vajiravudh (Rama VI) began his reign, responding to the failed 1912 revolt by promoting the idea of the Thai nation through propaganda.

1910: End of Chulalongkorn's Reign

In 1910, the reign of Chulalongkorn (Rama V) ended, during which the Siamese system of government was centralised and transformed into a modern unitary absolute monarchy.

1912: Palace Revolt of 1912

In 1912, the Palace Revolt occurred, a failed attempt by Western-educated military officers 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.

1925: End of Vajiravudh's Reign

In 1925, the reign of Vajiravudh ended.

June 1932: Bloodless Revolution

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

1932: Bloodless Revolution

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

1932: Constitutional Monarchy Established

In 1932, a bloodless revolution transformed Siam into a constitutional monarchy, leading to the official name change to Thailand.

1932: King intervenes in Thai politics

In 1932, the last time a King of Thailand intervened in politics before 1973.

1932: First Constitution

Since 1932, Thailand has had 20 constitutions and charters.

1933: Counter-Revolutionary Rebellion

In 1933, a counter-revolutionary rebellion took place in an attempt to reinstate absolute monarchy, but it failed. Prajadhipok's conflict with the government led to his abdication.

1938: Plaek Phibunsongkhram Becomes Premier

In 1938, Plaek Phibunsongkhram became the premier of Siam. He started political oppression and took an openly anti-royalist stance, adopting nationalism and Westernisation policies.

June 1939: Siam changed to Thailand

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

1939: Name change from Siam to Thailand

In 1939, Siam officially changed its name to Thailand, marking a significant shift in national identity.

1939: Country Known as Siam Before 1939

Prior to 1939, Thailand was known to outsiders as Siam. George Cœdès stated that the word Thai means 'free man' in the Thai language.

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 Mahidol

In June 1946, King Ananda Mahidol was found dead under mysterious circumstances, and his younger brother Bhumibol Adulyadej ascended to the throne.

1946: Aristocrats Control 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: Lumpinee Boxing Stadium Opening

In December 1956, the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium originally opened at Rama IV Road.

1957: Sarit Thanarat's Coup

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

1959: Sarit Thanarat's Premiership

From 1959, Sarit Thanarat's rule was autocratic; he built his legitimacy around the god-like status of the monarch and by channelling the government's loyalty to the king.

1960: Population Growth

In 1960, Thailand's population growth rate was 3.1%.

1961: Secret Agreement with the United States

In 1961, after the United States joined the Vietnam War, a secret agreement was made wherein the U.S. promised to protect Thailand.

1962: Agricultural Sector Growth

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

1963: Start of Thanom Kittikachorn's Premiership

In 1963, Thanom Kittikachorn's premiership began.

1963: End of Sarit Thanarat's Premiership

Sarit Thanarat's premiership ended in 1963.

1966: Asian Games

In 1966, the Thailand national basketball team won the silver medal at the Asian Games.

1970: Household Size

In 1970, the average Thai household consisted of 5.7 people.

October 1971: Demonstration Against Thanom Kittikachorn

In October 1971, there was a large demonstration against the dictatorship of Thanom Kittikachorn (premiership 1963–1973), which led to civilian casualties.

1972: AFC Asian Cup Semifinals

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

1973: Bhumibol Installs Sanya Dharmasakti

In 1973, Bhumibol installed Sanya Dharmasakti to replace Thanom Kittikachorn, marking the first time that the king had intervened in Thai politics directly 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 in a new ultra-right government.

1976: Last elected prime minister until 1988

In 1976 Thailand had a coup and there was no elected prime minister until 1988.

1977: SEATO Disbanded

In 1977, the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO), of which Thailand was a member, was disbanded.

1978: Amnesty Offered to Communist Fighters

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

1980: Prem Tinsulanonda Becomes Prime Minister

Fueled by the Indochina refugee crisis, Vietnamese border raids, and economic hardships, Prem Tinsulanonda became the Prime Minister in 1980.

1980: Labor Force in Agriculture

In 1980, 70% of Thailand's labor force was employed in agriculture.

1981: Failed Coup Attempt Against Prem

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

1983: Agricultural Sector Growth

Between 1983 and 2007, the agricultural sector in Thailand grew by 2.2% per year on average.

1983: Communist Insurgency Ends

The communist insurgency in Thailand ended by 1983.

1985: Failed Coup Attempt Against Prem

In 1985, there was another failed coup attempt against Prem Tinsulanonda.

1988: First Elected Prime Minister Since 1976

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

1988: Factory Workers

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 in Logging

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

1990: Urban population

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

1991: Suchinda Kraprayoon's Coup

In 1991, Suchinda Kraprayoon led a coup.

1991: National Government Organisation Act

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

1992: Two-Party System

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

1992: Popular Demonstration and Military Crackdown

Following the 1992 general election, a popular demonstration in Bangkok against Suchinda Kraprayoon's nomination as prime minister ended with a bloody military crackdown.

1993: Labor Force Shift

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

September 1994: Mass Rapid Transit Master Plan Endorsed

On 27 September 1994, the Mass Rapid Transit Master Plan in Bangkok Metropolitan Region was endorsed by the cabinet.

1995: Labor Force Shift

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

1995: Plans for Educational Reform

In 1995, the minister of education Sukavich Rangsitpollaid released plans for educational reform in Thailand.

1995: Mass Rapid Transit Master Plan Implemented

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

1997: Ethnic populations in Thailand

Around 1997, the largest ethnic groups in Thailand were Lao (24.9 per cent), Khon Muang (9.9 per cent), and Pak Tai (7.5 per cent).

1997: Mahidol University Ethnolinguistic Maps data completion

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

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

1997: Asian Financial Crisis Impact on Thai Labor

The Asian financial crisis of 1997 hit the Thai economy hard, leading to structural adjustment reforms and increased privatization.

1998: Asian Games Venue

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

1998: Asian Financial Crisis

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

1999: International degree students

Between 1999 and 2012, the number of international degree students in Thailand increased by 9.7 times.

2000: Evidence of Rice Growing

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

2000: Urban population

In the 2000 census, 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 prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, governed.

2002: Bumrungrad Meets Standard

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

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2003: Sex Trade Contribution

In 2003, one estimate placed the sex trade in Thailand at US$4.3 billion per year, about 3% of the Thai economy.

September 2004: Withdrawal from Iraq Invasion

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

2004: Release of "Shutter"

In 2004, "Shutter" was released, becoming one of the best-known Thai horror movies worldwide.

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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.

2004: Escalation of South Thailand Insurgency

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

2005: Release of "Tom-Yum-Goong"

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

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2005: International Rugby Tournament

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

2005: Thai Annual Defence Budget

The Thai annual defence budget almost tripled from US$1.98 billion in 2005.

2006: Corporate Revenue Distribution

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 between supporters and opponents of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

2006: End of Thai Rak Thai Party Rule

In 2006, the rule of Thai Rak Thai party came to an end.

2007: Agricultural Sector Growth

Between 1983 and 2007, the agricultural sector in Thailand grew by 2.2% per year on average.

2007: Asian Cup Hosted

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

2007: Election of PPP Government

In 2007, a civilian government led by the Thaksin-allied People's Power Party (PPP) was elected in Thailand.

2008: Number of non-national residents

In 2008, Thailand had an estimated 2 million non-national residents.

April 2009: Cambodian-Thai Border Dispute

In April 2009, the Cambodian–Thai border dispute brought troops on territory adjacent to the Preah Vihear Hindu temple.

2009: Number of non-national residents

As of 2009, Thailand had around 3.5 million non-national residents.

2009: Military Influence

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

2009: Healthcare Expenditures

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

2009: UDD Protests

In 2009, the pro-Thaksin United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) protested in Thailand.

2010: Population composition

As of 2010, Thai people comprised 95.9% of Thailand's population.

2010: Urban Population

As of 2010, approximately 44.2% of Thailand's population resided in urban areas.

2010: Thai's Median Wealth

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

2010: Violent Military Crackdown

In 2010, a UDD protest ended with a violent military crackdown, causing more than 70 civilian deaths in Thailand.

2010: Medical Tourism Statistics

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

2011: Country Report to the UN

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

2011: Pheu Thai Party Victory

After the general election of 2011, the Pheu Thai Party won a majority, and Yingluck Shinawatra became prime minister of Thailand.

2011: Journal publications increased

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: Contribution of Entertainment Industries

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

2011: Thailand Country Report

The 2011 Thailand Country Report provides population numbers for mountain peoples and ethnic communities in the Northeast.

2012: Education and Informal Workers

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

2012: Airports in Thailand

As of 2012, Thailand has 103 airports with 63 paved runways.

2012: Thailand Second Largest 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 favorable taxation.

2012: Thailand Automotive Industry

As of 2012, the Thai automotive industry was the largest in Southeast Asia and the 9th largest in the world.

2012: International degree students

Between 1999 and 2012, the number of international degree students in Thailand increased by 9.7 times, to 20,309 students.

2012: Medical Tourism Statistics

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

2012: Informal Workers

In 2012, it was estimated that informal workers comprised 62.6% of the Thai workforce.

2012: Fastest Expansion of Economy

Thailand experienced its fastest economic expansion since 2012, later seeing an inflation-adjusted growth of 3.9% in 2017.

2013: Income of Anti-Government Protestors

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

2013: Thailand Most Visited Country in Southeast Asia

In 2013, Thailand was the most visited country in Southeast Asia, according to the World Tourism Organisation.

2013: Schools to Receive High-Speed Internet

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

February 2014: Lumpinee Boxing Stadium Relocation

In February 2014, the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium was relocated to Ram Intra Road.

2014: Closer Ties with China

After the 2014 coup, Thailand leaned more towards China, raising concerns about "economic colony" due to growing Chinese influence.

2014: Increase in 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 of Pro-Government Protestors

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

2014: Thailand's Wealth Inequality

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, Thailand experienced another coup d'état after the Constitutional Court invalidated the scheduled general election.

2014: Military Coup

In 2014, another coup occurred in Thailand, continuing the cycle of political instability.

2014: Natural Gas Powers Most Electricity

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

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: National Council for Peace and Order

Most recently, between 2014 and 2019, the military junta self-titled as the National Council for Peace and Order ruled Thailand.

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

Thailand's youth literacy rate was 98.1% in 2015.

October 2016: Reign of Vajiralongkorn

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

2016: Journal publications increased

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

2016: Poverty in Thailand

In 2016, 5.81 million people lived in poverty in Thailand.

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 EPI Ranking

In 2016, Thailand had an overall ranking of 91 out of 180 countries in the global Environmental Performance Index (EPI).

2016: Thailand's Biocapacity Deficit

In 2016, Thailand used 2.5 global hectares of biocapacity per person, resulting in a deficit compared to the 1.2 global hectares of biocapacity available within its territory.

2016: Median Wealth and HDI Ranking

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

2016: Thai Annual Defence Budget

In 2016, the Thai annual defence budget increased to US$5.88 billion.

2016: Thai Economy Growth

In 2016, the Thai economy grew an inflation-adjusted 3.3% which increased to 3.9% in 2017.

2017: Roads and Vehicles

As of 2017, Thailand has 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: Thailand's Median Household Income

In 2017, Thailand's median household income was ฿26,946 per month.

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

In 2017, seven Thai dishes appeared on CNN Travel's list of the "World's 50 Best Foods". These included: tom yam goong, pad Thai, som tam, massaman curry, green curry, Thai fried rice and nam tok mu.

2017: Social Welfare Applicants

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

2017: Current Constitution

Thailand's latest and current constitution was established in 2017.

2017: Release of "Bad Genius"

The Thai heist thriller film "Bad Genius" was released in 2017, becoming internationally successful and breaking Thai film earning records in several Asian countries.

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December 2018: Legalization of Medical Cannabis

In December 2018, Thailand legalized the use of cannabis for medical reasons, becoming the first Southeast Asian country to do so.

2018: Buddhists

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

2018: Taxis in Thailand

As of 2018, there were over 80,647 registered taxis nationwide in Thailand.

2018: Religious Groups

In 2018, Muslims comprised 5.37% and Christians 1.13% of Thailand's population.

2018: Medical Tourism Destination

In 2018, Thailand attracted over 2.5 million medical tourists, ranking as the world's fifth largest medical tourism destination in spending.

2018: Alternative Energy Development Plan Developed

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, the country devoted 1.1% of its GDP to the research and development of science in 2019.

2019: Thailand's 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 amid fraud allegations

In 2019, Thailand held a general election, with Prayut continuing 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 on the Global Health Security Index.

2019: International Tourist Arrivals in Thailand

In 2019, Thailand received 39.8 million international tourists, ahead of United Kingdom and Germany, earning 60.5 billion US dollars.

2019: Nominally Democratic Government

In 2019, a nominally democratic government was established in Thailand after the Thai general election, though the military retained significant influence.

2019: End of Military Junta Rule

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

2019: End of NCPO Rule

In 2019, the rule of the National Council for Peace and Order in Thailand came to an end.

March 2020: Amnesty International Report

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 erupted in Thailand, including demands to reform the monarchy.

2020: Dissolution of Future Forward Party

In 2020, the Future Forward Party was dissolved, as an example of how an "alliance of conservative forces in Thailand has sought to suppress opposition".

2021: Pro-Democracy Protests Continue

In 2021, the pro-democracy protests that began the previous year continued in Thailand.

2022: Thailand's Export and Import Value

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

2022: Drop in Oil and Gas Production

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 decreased to 3 people.

May 2023: Opposition Victory in General Election

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

August 2023: Srettha Thavisin Becomes Prime Minister

On August 22, 2023, Srettha Thavisin of the Pheu Thai party became Thailand's new prime minister, and Thaksin Shinawatra returned to Thailand after years in self-imposed exile.

2023: Population Estimate

As of 2023, Thailand's estimated population is 71.7 million.

2023: Response to Israel-Hamas Conflict

During the Israel-Hamas military conflict in 2023, Thailand initially condemned the attack against Israel but later adopted a neutral stance. 28 Thai nationals were killed in this conflict.

2023: 2023 parliamentary elections

In 2023, Thailand held parliamentary elections.

2023: Thai Household Debt

In the first quarter of 2023, Thai household debts totaled 14.6 trillion baht or 89.2% of GDP, with the average debt per household 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 its leaders from politics for its proposal to reform the lèse-majesté law.

August 2024: Dismissal of Srettha Thavisin

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

2024: Economic Challenges in Thailand

As of 2024, Thailand is facing challenges including low productivity, poor education, high household debt, low private investment, and slow economic growth.