Thailand: History

Beginning of the Chakri dynasty, which still is the ruling royal house until this day. The new capital of Siam (present day Thailand), Bangkok, is founded.

King Mongut leads the country into a modernization phase, as he embraces Western innovations.

King Chulalongkorn employs Western advisers to modernize Siam's administration and commerce, as well as develop a railway network.

Siam changes its name to Thailand, which means "Land of the Free".

Thailand allows Japanese forces to use its land and advance toward British controlled neighboring areas.

Thailand permits the US to use their bases during the Vietnam War, while Thai troops fought in South Korea.

The Asian financial crisis hits the Thai currency "baht", as it falls sharply against the dollar, leading to unemployment and bankruptcies. 

The economy begins to pick up again as the government implements economic reforms. Also, the government begins to put pressure on drug companies to find ways to make AIDS and HIV drug treatments cheaper.

Thousands are killed by a massive tsunami, triggered by an undersea earthquake off the coast of Sumatra.

The government introduces a rice subsidy, ensuring that rice farmers receive a guaranteed price for their crop. This scheme causes government debt to soar, and the increase in prices causes Thailand to lose its title as the world’s largest exporter of rice.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej dies at age of 88 after 70 years on the throne, becoming the world's longest reigning monarch.