A Brief History of Thailand

Originally known as Siam until it was officially changed to become Thailand in 1939, Thailand boasts the longest reigning monarch of anywhere in the world, King Bhumibol came in to power in 1946.

Many military coup and changes of power followed until 1988 when Prem Tinsulanonda served as prime minister, the country stabilised politically and economically. He organised a series of amnesties which helped dismantle the Communist Party and the Liberation Army. Since the 1980’s the country’s politics has seen many changes of power, however a series of new laws helped the country to become more democratic. The most recent change of power was in 2006, following yet another coup!

The country has seen massive economic growth since the 1980’s, and is now booming. Tourism and farming are among the most popular industries. There is a mixture of religions in Thailand these include Buddism, Hindu, Christian and Islam, among others, as a result throughout Thailand there are thousands of temples. The temples are generally stunning, and you should definitely try to visit some whilst there. In Chaing Mai and Bangkok alone there are over 700 temples! Thailand’s trourism industry has grown up around the bustling city of Bangkok, and spread to the islands and beaches of the Gulf of Thailand. Many people these days chose to combine the two, using the opportunity to see the city and then retreat to relax at some of the most stunning beach resorts in the world.