Why did Thailand change its name from Siam?
In World War I, Siam sided with the allies, a political decision to amend the unequal treaties. Following a bloodless revolution in 1932, it became a constitutional monarchy and changed its official name to Thailand, which was an ally of Japan in World War II.
When did Siam change name to Thailand?
1939 – Siam changes its name to Thailand (“Land of the Free”). 1941 – Japanese forces land.
When did they stop calling Thailand Siam?
Ever indecisive, Siam’s name changed to Thailand in the year 1939, before coming to be known as Siam once more between 1946 and 1948. Finally, in 1948, the name was reverted back to Thailand again, officially as the Kingdom of Thailand, which it has been known as ever since.
Why did Burma change its name?
Officially, on paper, the country’s name is Myanmar. In 1989, the ruling military government changed the name from Burma to Myanmar after thousands were killed in an uprising. The city of Rangoon also became Yangon. … The name change was also a way to rid the country of British colonial influences.
Why was Thailand never Colonised?
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, only Thailand survived European colonial threat in Southeast Asia due to centralising reforms enacted by King Chulalongkorn and because the French and the British decided it would be a neutral territory to avoid conflicts between their colonies.
How was Thailand formed?
Thais date the founding of their nation to the 13th century. According to tradition, in 1238, Thai chieftains overthrew their Khmer overlords at Sukhothai and established a Thai kingdom. After its decline, a new Thai kingdom emerged in 1350 on the Chao Praya River.
How did Siam remain independent?
The British colonized Burma, the French colonized Indochina, but Siam remained independent. … By getting these concessions (mostly to do with trade) the British got what they wanted from Siam without having to do to the expense of maintaining colonial rule.