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Thailand

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Thailand is a country located in mainland Southeast Asia.

Thailand (orthographic projection)
Thailand (orthographic projection)

It shares land borders with Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia. The nation is bounded by the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. It covers an area of approximately 513,115 square kilometers. Nearly 66 million people live there today. Bangkok serves as the capital and the largest city.

Bangkok (251385359)
Bangkok (251385359)

As a major regional power, Thailand is a founding member of ASEAN. It is also a major non-NATO ally of the United States.

Human history in this region spans many millennia. Archaeological evidence shows humans inhabited the area for at least 40,000 years.

Koh Tarutao, Thailand, Ancient Cambrian deposits
Koh Tarutao, Thailand, Ancient Cambrian deposits

Early inhabitants participated in the Maritime Jade Road. This was a trading network that lasted for 3,000 years. Rice cultivation began as early as 2,000 BCE.

Rice farmers Mae Wang Chiang Mai Province
Rice farmers Mae Wang Chiang Mai Province

In the northeast, the site of Ban Chiang was a center for copper and bronze production. Iron appeared in the region around 500 BCE.

The modern Thai identity formed through the movement of different ethnic groups. The Tai people are believed to have originated from the Điện Biên Phủ region.

Tai Migration
Tai Migration

They began migrating into the territory between the 8th and 10th centuries. Before this, the Mon and Khmer people occupied the area. The Mon established principalities like Dvaravati and Hariphunchai.

DvaravatiMapThailand
DvaravatiMapThailand

The Khmer Empire was also a dominant force in the region. These diverse groups eventually intermixed to shape Thai culture.

Several major kingdoms defined the classical historical period. The Sukhothai Kingdom is regarded as the beginning of Thai history. Later, the Ayutthaya Kingdom was founded in 1350 CE. It became a regional power that replaced the Khmer Empire.

Kingdom & People of Siam (Vol 1, 1857, 15)
Kingdom & People of Siam (Vol 1, 1857, 15)

European contact began in 1511 CE with Portuguese envoys. The Ayutthaya Kingdom flourished until it was destroyed in the Burmese–Siamese War. This conflict ended in 1767 under the Konbaung dynasty. Following this fall, King Taksin reunified the kingdom.

KingTaksin's coronation
KingTaksin's coronation

He established the Thonburi Kingdom for 15 years. Finally, Phutthayotfa Chulalok founded the Chakri dynasty. He established the Rattanakosin Kingdom and moved the capital to Bangkok in 1782.

Thailand has a unique political history regarding Western influence. During the era of Western imperialism, Siam remained uncolonized. This made it the only country in Southeast Asia to avoid European colonization. However, Siam did cede territory and trade rights through unequal treaties. The government evolved into an absolute monarchy under King Chulalongkorn. In 1932, the Siamese revolution changed the system. The nation transitioned to a parliamentary constitutional monarchy. It was officially renamed Thailand in 1939.

The 20th century brought significant global shifts to the nation. During World War I, Siam joined the Allies to improve its international status. In World War II, the country was under a military dictatorship. It allied with the Empire of Japan as part of the Axis powers. However, the underground Free Thai Movement helped the nation avoid being a defeated nation. During the Cold War, Thailand played a major role in countering communism. It participated in the Korean War and the Vietnam War. It also joined the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization, known as SEATO.

Today, Thailand is a newly industrialised country with a complex economy. It is the second-largest economy in its region. Its gross domestic product ranks 29th globally. The economy relies on manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism.

Train Night Market Ratchada (34079339800)
Train Night Market Ratchada (34079339800)

Politically, the country has experienced periods of both democracy and military rule. There have been several coup d'états, including in 2006 and 2014. The nation currently operates under the 2017 Constitution. It also faces ongoing border tensions with Cambodia. Despite these challenges, Thailand remains a significant geopolitical force in Southeast Asia.

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🖼️ Images & Media (41)
Thai National Anthem - US Navy Band.ogg
Thai Royal Anthem - US Navy Band.ogg
File:Thailand (orthographic projection).svg
Thailand (orthographic projection).svg
File:Location Thailand ASEAN.svg
Location Thailand ASEAN.svg
File:Kingdom & People of Siam (Vol 1, 1857, 15).svg
Kingdom & People of Siam (Vol 1, 1857, 15).svg
File:Tai Migration.svg
Tai Migration.svg
File:Location Lanna (under King Tilok).png
Location Lanna (under King Tilok).png
File:Mon political entities.png
Mon political entities.png
File:DvaravatiMapThailand.png
DvaravatiMapThailand.png
File:ปราสาทปรางค์สามยอด2.jpg
ปราสาทปรางค์สามยอด2.jpg
File:KingTaksin's coronation.jpg
KingTaksin's coronation.jpg
File:Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram.jpg
Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram.jpg

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