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Jan 1, 1238
The first independent Thai kingdom
Sukhothai was once apart of the Khmer empire until 1238; when two Tai chieftains split off from the empire. -
Jan 1, 1280
King Ramkhamhaeng's reign from 1280 to 1298
The Sukhothai kingdom relished in the golden age of prosperity. Thailand's modern alphabet was formed and the foundation for modern Thailand was installed. -
May 12, 1281
Kingdom of Lanna florishes for two and half centuries.
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May 12, 1400
City of Sukhothai's name changed to Ayutthaya
By the end of the 14th century Ayutthaya was the most powerful country in southeast Asia. They took control of Angkor but it was hard for them to spread their forces to contain the rebellion. When King Ramathibodi died, the emperor of the Ming Dynasty in China replaced him. -
May 12, 1569
City of Ayutthaya captured by Burmese forces.
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Naresuan becomes king and gets Thailand's independence back.
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Prasat Thang agrees to certain trade admissions with the Dutch
This gives the Dutch economic control in Thailand. -
King Ekatotsarot's reign brings trading.
In his reign of only five years, Ayutthaya becomes a major trading area with surplus wealth. -
King Narai welcomes the English as an ally.
He also didn't trust the Dutch and ended the agreement with them. -
Ayuttthaya's court allows French Jesuit missionaries in the city.
French influence explands. New kings go on the path of isolation for about 150 years. -
Burmese forces strike again and burn down the capitial
Taksin is crowned King and moves the capital to Thonburi. -
Rama I is the founder of the Chakri Dynasty
Rama I moves the capital to Bangkok and builds a new palace. He restores the political and social system. -
Rama II comes to power
He repaired monasteries in Bangkok, created Wat Arun, and re-established relations with the west. -
Rama III reign
He opened the doors to more foreigners. -
Rama IV's reign
Rama IV westernized things like their military, schools, government, and communications. -
Rama V's reign also known as "Beloved Great King"
He brought in even more foreign relations and had to give up parts of Thailand in order to avoid being colonized. -
Rama VI's reign
Rama VI set out to modernize Thailand by making primary education required. He made schools and universities for both genders. He emptied out the national treasure because of his expensive lifestyle. -
Rama VII's reign
He had to cut expenses and increase foreign trade. The worldwide economic crisis of the 1930s greatly affected their rice exports. -
1932 coup d'état by the People's Party
This ended absolute monarchy and created a constitutional monarchy. -
Rama VIII's reign
Rama VIII was only ten when he was brought into power so most of the authority went to the prime minister, Pibul. Pibul tried to install nationalism into Siam so he changed the name from Siam to Thailand and changed the national flag. -
Pearl Harbor bombing leads to invasion in Thailand
Pibul accepts Japan's request for passage in order to keep their political administration and army. -
Rama IX
When his brother, Rama VIII, was found shot dead in his room; Rama IX came to power. He is still currently Thailand's king -
Pibul overthrown by three other Generals
The Generals are responsible for developing Thailand's middle class. -
Bangkok protest against military dictatorship leaves 100 dead
Thailand was constanty unstable for the next decades. -
The baht lost half of its value
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Bloody May
A vicious collision between military and civilians that lasted three days consisted of killing, riots and beating. It ended when the King stepped in and the military left the government. -
Thaksin Shinawatra becomes Prime Minister
He is accused of corruption and buying votes and he resigns. -
Surayud Chulanond took power in a non-violent coup
He was elected Prime Minister shortly after. -
People's Alliance for Democracy forces Surayud to step down
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Increasing violence in Thailand
Worse violence in Thailand since Bloody May. There were 85 deaths and lots of damage. -
Yingluck Shinawatra becomes the first woman Prime Minister in Thailand
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Democracy Party takes over
