History

Franco-Siam War (1893)-France, colonial ruler of most of Indochina, seized control of Laos from Siam in a sharp, bloody war.

Thai Military Coup (1933) --Army officers opposing the civilian prime minister's closing of the National Assembly (closed in order to stop a radical economic plan opposed by conservatives) staged a coup in June 1933 that forced Prime Minister Manopakorn, restored the National Assembly, and set up a new government that respected democratic procedures.

World War II--During the Second World War, while France was defeated and partially occupied by Germany in 1940, both Japan and her ally Thailand initiated border conflicts with the French colonial forces in Vietnam and Indochina.

Japanese Invasion of Thailand (1941)--Japan, while hoping that secret negotiations with the Thai government would result in the right to free movement of Japanese forces in Thailand, invaded Thailand on December 8, 1941. Japan's goal was access to invasion routes to British-ruled Burma and Malaya.

Thailand as a Member of the Axis Powers- (1941-1945)-Thailand and Japan formed an alliance December 21, 1941. On January 25, 1942, the Thai government declared war on the United States and the United Kingdom, thus becoming a member of the Axis Powers. The Thai ambassador to the United States refused to deliver the declaration of war and became a leader in Thailand's anti-Japanese resistance. Because of this, the United States did not declare war on Thailand

Korean War (1950-1953)--Thailand joined other members of the United Nations in fighting against North Korea and Communist China.

Thai Naval Rebellion (1951)--Also known as the Manhattan Rebellion of June 1951, this was the Royal Thai Navy's long-expected attempt to overthrow the government of Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram.

Thai Communist Guerrilla War (1965-1982)--Low-intensity guerrilla war waged by the Thai Communist Party against the Thai government began in August, 1965. By 1977, approximately half the provinces in Thailand had a Communist guerrilla presence. A combination of government military offensives and an amnesty program caused the guerrilla movement to fail by 1982.

Significant figures

                    King of Thailand-King Bhumibol Adulyadej

 

                     

Chuan Leekpai (20th Prime Minister of Thailand1992-1995, 1997-2001)

Prime Minister- Yingluck Shinawatra's (2011)