THE HISTORY OF THAILAND in 10 minutes

English History of Thailand

This transcript covers the history of Thailand from prehistoric times to the 18th century.

Prehistoric Times

• Fossils of Homo erectus found in Lampang province date back to at least 500,000 years ago.

• Consistent inhabitation of the area could potentially date back 10 to 20 thousand years.

Formation of Kingdoms

• The kingdoms of Khmer and Mon began to form in modern-day Thailand.

• In 1238, Sri Intraditia formed a new kingdom at Sukhothai and declared independence from the Khmers.

• The Sukhothai kingdom grew and extended its rule across today's Thailand, creating vassal states across Burma, Laos, and the Malay Peninsula.

• By 1438, not even a full century later, the former great kingdom became fully absorbed by the Ayutthaya kingdom.

Ayutthaya Kingdom

• The Ayutthaya kingdom was founded in the 14th century with a system of self-governing principalities and provinces headed by members of the royal family who maintained loyalty to the king.

• The Ayutthaya kingdom was eventually able to force long-reigning Khmers into submission before turning their attention outward by developing commercial ties with Western powers such as Portugal, Netherlands, Britain and Japan.

Golden Age

• During latter half of 18th century there was peace throughout the kingdom which led to thriving art education and literature known as golden age but it was cut short by Burmese invasion in1767 leading to destruction of capital city Ayutthaya.

Rise of Chakri Dynasty

• After the Burmese invasion, a former military commander Priya Taskin declared himself as the new king and moved the capital to Thonburi which was just across the river and had better trade opportunities.

• General Chao Freya Chakri dethroned and executed Priya Taskin in 1782 by a coup and took the throne styling himself as King Rama I, thus beginning the Chakri dynasty.

Thailand's Relationship with the West

This section discusses how Thailand formed favorable relationships with western powers such as the British, US, and French. Trade with the west had a great impact on the Thai economy.

Formation of Favorable Relationships

• Laos and Cambodia had already created trade treaties with the colonizing British and United States.

• The Thais began to focus even more on forming favorable relationships with the enclosing western powers such as the British, US, and French.

• Trade with the west skyrocketed and had a great impact on the Thai economy.

Legal and Administrative Reforms

• Foreign powers urged King Manku to create legal and administrative reforms in order to be seen as an equal by the west.

• The death of King Mongku in 1868 complicated matters but reforms did not come under Chula Longhorn's reign.

Overhauling Outdated Policies

• Near the end of 1800s, King abolished slavery and corvae system.

• Created new European-style schools, formed a police force and standing army, updated legal system, established salaried bureaucracy.

• Essentially overhauled all of Siam's outdated policies.

• First railway network between Ayotte and Bangkok was also opened.

• All of this was done with extensive advising from the West most predominantly British.

Playing Western Nations Against Each Other

• Some anti-reformists were dissatisfied with king's decisions while others regarded him as a skilled diplomat who was a genius in avoiding colonization by playing western nations against each other.

Maintaining Independence

• As British and French pushed their colonial efforts further, Siam was forced to give up some of their territory such as in Laos and Cambodia and in the northern Malay.

• In exchange for maintaining independence, Siam continued its positive relations with the western powers.

Thailand's Role in World War I

This section discusses Thailand's role in World War I and how it received commendations from France and Britain at the end of the war.

Joining Allies

• Siam joined the allies and declared war against Germany in World War I.

Commendations from France and Britain

• As a result of joining the allies, at the end of the war, Siam received commendations to their treaties with France and Britain.

• Impounded German ships were taken that would be used in its merchant marine.

• Was present at the peace conference of Versailles in 1919.

The End of Absolute Monarchy

This section discusses how a bloodless coup led by a group known as Kana Ratzidon brought about the end of absolute monarchy.

Constitutional Regime

• In 1932, a bloodless coup led by a group known as Kana Ratzidon brought about the end of absolute monarchy.

• Replaced it with first constitutional regime.

• First parliamentary elections were held in November 1933.

Thailand's Role in World War II

This section discusses how Thailand collaborated with Japan during World War II but ultimately did not declare war against Britain or United States.

Collaboration with Japan

• Shortly after world war II broke out, the Thai people collaborated with the Japanese allowing them to pass through to the British controlled Malay peninsula and Burma.

• In January 1942, the prime minister of Thailand agreed to a mutual defense pact with Japan which included a declaration of war against Britain and the United States.

Refusal to Declare War

• Thankfully for the nation, in the end, the Thai ambassador charged with delivering the declaration to the US government refused to do so.

• In 1944, the prime minister was forced to resign and was subsequently tried for war crimes.

Political and Governmental Unrest

This section discusses how power was repeatedly passed between democracy and military dictatorship after World War II.

Economic Struggles

• After World War II, economic struggles ensued such as during Asian financial crisis in 1997.

Political Unrest

• More political and governmental unrest continued in 2017 after crowning of Prince Vajra Ralankorn as king.

New Constitution

• A new constitution was signed with its aim at finally bringing democracy back to the nation.