The History of Thailand: from Colonial Era until Today

October 11, 2010 – Colonial era

Burmese were defeated finally in spite of initial victories. Bangkok became the capital of Thailand in 1782 year. Siam has become again the biggest and most powerful country in the South-East Asia soon. Its range covered lands of contemporary Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and partly Burma and Malaysia. In XIX century the biggest enemies were Great Britain and France. Thailand has lost almost half of its territory, however they retained independence thanks to its diplomacy mainly, and not to its military power which was weaker than European in this region.

XX century

After a short revolution in 1932 Thailand has transformed into a constitutional monarchy. However first free elections took place 60 years later. During The II World War Thailand has entered into a military pact with Japan. Too weak to fight with them they decided to let pass Japan army to Burma and Malay border. Thailand has attacked French colonies in Laos and Cambodia. In 1944 they changed the allies and entered into a pact with the USA. The communist movement didn’t develop in Thailand. Thai were open American allies during the war in Vietnam. Disgracefully they supported also Red Khmers in Cambodia as a force able to detain Vietcong in this part of the world. In short one may comment that they prefer selling freedom and live in a relative peace than fight until the death for the moral values. It’s an example of extremely east but interesting point of view.

Contemporary times

Parliamentary democracy has come to Thailand in 1973. However relatively democratic governments didn’t ever last longer than several years and almost always finished in more or less bloody coup d’état. Since 40 years the political situation is unstable, corruption and general politic downfall is normal. 2008, 2009, 2010 – almost every year huge demonstrations are executed, some people are killed, other go to prison. Protests were present on Phuket also in 2009. Current government was not elected in free elections. The corruption level is high; media are not free in the western meaning of the term. The activity of Muslim separatists in the very south administrative regions is the biggest problem as to the coherence and stability of the border of the state. The other huge problem is prostitution among girls Pattaya, spread in Bangkok, Phuket, and Pataya.

 

 

Privacy Policy