.
This is atimeline of Thai history, comprising important legal, territorial and cultural changes and political events inThailand and its predecessor states. To read about the background to these events, seeHistory of Thailand.
| Year | Date | Event | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 597,975-797,975 BCE | The oldest stone tools found in Thailand date to circa between 600,000-800,000 years ago, at Ban Mae Tha inLampang province.[1] | ||
| 500,000 BCE | TheHomo Erectus fossil calledLampang man is dated 500,000 BCE.[1] It was discovered in Hat Pudai Village, Na Seng inKo Kha district,Lampang, in 1999.[1] Research shows that modern Thais and otherHomo Sapiens in Southeast Asia are not related to Lampang man. | ||
| 100,000 BCE | There are traces of human settlements in Thailand for 100,000 years.[1] | ||
| 71,975 BCE | TheYoungest Toba eruption occurred circa 74,000 years ago. TheToba Supervolcano inNorth Sumatra produced 439–631 million tons ofsulfuric acid. The air-fall of this eruption blanketed Thailand andMainland Southeast Asia with a layer of 5–10 cm ash.[2] | ||
| 23,975 - 17,975 BCE | TheLast Glacial Maximum was the coldest period of theLast Glacial Period between 26,000 and 20,000 years ago. The 3–4 km thickice sheets in theNorthern hemisphere lowered thesea level by about 120 meters. The climate was -6 Celsius colder in Thailand, but there were no ice sheets. There was noseawater in theGulf of Thailand (max depth 85 m). | ||
| 22,975 BCE | A skeleton of a woman dating to about 25,000 years ago was unearthed at Moh Khieo Cave in Muang district,Krabi province.[1] | ||
| 11,615 BCE, 10,075 BCE | A skeleton of a woman of circa 13,640 years ago and another woman circa 12,100 years ago were excavated atTham Lod rockshelter in Pang Ma Pa district,Mae Hong Son province.[1] |
| Year | Date | Event | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9000 BCE | Neolithic culture appears in many parts of Thailand:Spirit Cave (Mae Hong Son) Lang Kamnan Cave and Wang Bhodi (Kanchanaburi), Khok Phanom Di (Chonburi), Khao Rakian (Songkhla), and inUbon Ratchathani about 9000 BCE. |
| Year | Date | Event | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2100 BCE | TheBan Chiang culture flourishes.[3] This Bronze Age pre-Thai civilization was discovered in an archeological site situated in theKhorat plateau ofUdon Thani province in the northeast of Thailand.[4] The oldest bronzeartefacts and grave date to 2100 BCE.[5] | ||
| 2050 BCE | Recent archaeological excavations suggests thatdomesticated rice was introduced toCentral Thailand by immigrating rice farming societies about 2050 BCE.[6] | ||
| 1,975-475 BCE | Dugout wooden coffins with human skeletons for the burial ritual of cave people were found at Ong Ba Cave inKanchanaburi province dated 2,500-4,000 years ago.[1] | ||
| 1975 BCE | Artifacts of the earliest agricultural communities in present-day Thailand circa 4,000 years ago.[1] |
| Year | Date | Event | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1420 BCE | Iron tools and weapons were found in the archeological sites: Non Nok Tha (1420 to 50 BCE), Lopburi Artillery centre (1225 to 700 BCE), Ong Ba Cave (310 to 150 BCE), Ban Don Ta Phet (24 BCE to 276 CE) (seePrehistoric Thailand). |
| Year | Date | Event | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 691 BC | The semi-legendarySinghanavati Kingdom is founded along theKok River in theChiang Rai basin (Northern Thailand).[7] It existed from circa 691 BCE to 638 CE.[7] | ||
| 600 BC | Chinese T’ai migration recorded.[8] Beginning of the migration ofTai people south towardsMainland Southeast Asia. These migrants speakTai languages. | ||
| 550 BCE | Southern Thailand has evidence of rice agriculture from 2500 - 2200 B.P (550 BCE - 250 BCE).[9] | ||
| 300 BC | Indian settlements bring theHindu religion to the region in Southeast Asia.[8] | ||
| 268 - 232 BC | Buddhism reaches places in the region such asNakhon Pathom fromIndia as propagated by theMauryan EmperorAshoka.[10] He sent monks during his reign to popularizeTheravada Buddhism (268-232 BC).[10] This is evident by excavated ruins in the cityNakhon Pathom in Thailand.[10] | ||
| 4th-8th century | Influence of theMon andKhmer kingdoms spreads into the region (present-day Thailand).[3] Most important are theFunan Kingdom (50 CE–627), theChenla Kingdom (550–802),Haripuñjaya (629–1281), theLavo Kingdom (648–1388), andDvaravati inCentral Thailand (6th–11th century). |
| Year | Date | Event | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 545 CE | An earthquake causesChiang Saen Lake to submerge the capital city ofSinghanavati in Yonok Nahaphan (Chiang Saen District,Chiang Rai).[11][12][13] The capital is moved toVieng Prueksa [th] (Fang District). There is a submerged town "Wiang Nong Lom" (เวียงหนองหล่ม, "drowned town") in a swamp south of the lake.[14] |
| Year | Date | Event | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7th-10th century | Hindu andBuddhistDvaravati culture of the ethnicMon people predominates in the region.[15] | ||
| 638 CE | TheSinghanavati Kingdom evolves into theNorthern ThaiNgoenyang Kingdom during the fourteen chiefdoms era (545–638). |
| Year | Date | Event | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8th to 10th century | TheTai peoples migrate south from China into northern Thailand,Burma andLaos.[3] According to recent theories the Tai people migrated between the 8th and 10th centuries fromGuangxi southwestward to Siam.[16] The already present peoples of Thailand migrated to the southern side, while the ones from China went to north Thailand, Laos, and Burma.[4] | ||
| 757 | The first king of the Siamese dynasty is calledPhraborom Suriyathep Northai Suwannabophit (Thai:พระบรมสุริยเทพนรไทยสุวรรณบพิตร) according to the record ofSimon de la Loubère.[17] His court is inChaiburi Mahanakhon (Thai: ไชยบุรีมหานคร).[17] Loubère did not know the exact location. His reign begins in 757 CE (1300 Buddhist Era).[17] |
| Year | Date | Event | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9th-13th century | TheKhmer Empire is founded by princeJayavarman II atAngkor in 802.[4] Thailand is mostly under the influence of theMon Kingdoms and theKhmer between 400 CE until 800 CE.[4] | ||
| 9th century | In the 9th century, the firstMuslim merchants settle in theMalay Peninsula including the area that was the southern part of Siam.[18] |
| Year | Date | Event | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1000 | TheMons from Burma settle in Central Thailand.[8] A monarchy with a unified Thai kingdom calledAyutthaya is established by KingUthong (Ramathibodi I).[8] A series of kings follow who rule what becomes known as Siam.[8] | ||
| 10th - 14th century | Southern Thailand is mainly ruled by the MonLavo Kingdom, but with growing influence from the eastern Khmer Empire (now Cambodia).[15] TheTai peoples - the antecedents of modern ethnic Thais start to move southwards into the area.[15] |
| Year | Date | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 1150 | The Siamese city-stateSuphannabhum is founded circa 1150.[19] |
| Year | Date | Event | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early 13th century | In the 13th century many Tais flee present-dayMyanmar andChina to escape theMongol armies ofKublai Khan.[20] | ||
| 1220 | Sukhothai is taken by theThais from theKhmers in 1220 and made their capital.[20] The once gloriousKhmer Empire is largely overrun by Thais.[20] | ||
| 1238 | Khmer power wanes in the region.[3] The Khmer are overthrown by Tai chieftains in Sukhothai.[20] The Khmer rule is abolished and replaced by theSukhothai Kingdom which is founded bySi Inthrathit in 1238.[4] | ||
| 1238-1448 | TheThai-speakingSukhothai kingdom expands its rule further south to dominate much of modern-day Thailand, before being eclipsed by a rival Thai kingdom ofAyutthaya.[15] | ||
| 1253 | TheMongol Armies lead byKublai Khan conquer the Kingdom ofNanzhao in southern China in 1253.[20] This causes amass migration including Tai warriors who consolidate the independent Tai states.[20]Ayutthaya is reinforced by the Tai migrants which ensures Tai supremacy over the Khmer in theCentral Plain.[20] | ||
| 1279 | The rule of KingRamkhamhaeng is established in Sukhothai.[4] Sukhothai is a small local power until its third rule in the year 1279.[4] Sukhothai's power expands into theMalay Peninsula.[4] | ||
| 1280 – 1298 | The reign of KingRamkhamhaeng is marked by major advancements.[4] The King makes the first attempts to unify the Thai people with the first utilization of theThai script and significant flourishing of the arts.[3][4] The Thai script is created by KingRamkhamhaeng in 1283.[21] Thai institutions are also developed.[20] The people in theCentral Plain call themselves "Thai" to distinguish themselves as freed Tai people from others under foreign rule.[20] | ||
| 1280 | Siamese begin to occupy the northernMalay Peninsula.Negara Sri Dharmaraja andPatani, becomeSiamese vassals. | ||
| 1281 | In 1281, the Thai Chiang Rai kingdom is founded and takes over power in northern Thailand.[4][3] | ||
| 1282-1294 | KingRamkhamhaeng of Sukhothai pursues good relations withKublai Khan and negotiates atreaty of amity with theYuan dynasty in 1282.[20]Ramkhamhaeng makes a personal visit to China to see Kublai Khan shortly before his death in 1294.[20] The Mongols threaten to destroy Burma and Vietnam, but Sukhothai could prosper at their expense. The Mongols have no concern over Sukhothai and the laterLan Na Kingdom to the north is a buffer state.[20] | ||
| 1292 | The Thai rulerMangrai fromMueangNgoenyang unites several principalities and conquers the Mon KingdomHaripunjaya in 1292.[20] This is achieved with Tai war parties of theNorthern Thai people.[20] | ||
| 1292 | TheLan Na kingdom is founded atChiang Mai in 1292.[22][20] The thriving Lan Na covers a large portion of northern Thailand and Laos which is controlled by KingMangrai.[3][4] | ||
| 1296-1301 | A border dispute between the Lan Na kingdom and the Mongols causes a war in 1296.[20] In 1301, the Mongols carry out an expedition which ends in a Mongol disaster.[20] | ||
| 1298 – 1347 | The period ranging from 1298 to 1357 is marked as the slow decline and fall of the Sukhothai kingdom when the Lo Thai are rising to power in the city of Sukhothai.[4][3] |
| Year | Date | Event | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1350 | The city of Ayutthaya is founded byUthong (Ramathibodi I).[3] | ||
| 1350 | A Thai monarchy is established under the rule of KingRamathibodi which unifies theAyutthaya kingdom.[8] A series of kings follow, ruling what was then known as Siam.[8] | ||
| 1350 | The Ayutthaya kingdom rivals the Sukhothai kingdom and gradually brings Thailand under its control.[4][15] Ayutthaya becomes a major power in Southeast Asia.[4][15] Ayutthaya reached its greatest extent around 1600 by ruling over parts of modern-day Cambodia, Laos and Burma (Myanmar).[15] | ||
| 1390-1393 | PrinceRamesuan of Ayutthaya conquersChiang Mai in the north andAngkor the former capital of the Khmer Empire.[3] |
| Year | Date | Event | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1430-1850 | TheLittle Ice Age causes modest cooling in theNorthern Hemisphere. The climate impact is negligible in Thailand andSoutheast Asia. | ||
| 1431 | A Khmer rebellion against theSuphannaphum-Mon dynasty ofAyutthaya results in a 7-month siege and theFall of Angkor.[23][24] This marks the end of the Angkorian period. | ||
| 1438 | The fall of the Sukhothai kingdom.[4] Sukhothai is virtually deserted.[3] Power shifts to the Ayutthaya Kingdom.[3] the Ayutthaya Kingdom is established on the ruins of the Sukhothai Empire, and it is the start of their rule.[4] | ||
| 1438 | Suphannabhum was completely annexed byAyutthaya in 1438.[25]: 282 | ||
| 1448 | KingBorommarachathirat II dies in 1448. Prince Ramesuan is crowned KingBorommatrailokkanat of Ayutthaya, making apersonal union between Sukhothai and Ayutthaya.[15][26] |
| Year | Date | Event | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1511 | The Portuguese explorerDuarte Fernandes is the first European to arrive in the Ayutthaya Kingdom in 1511.[27] The Portuguese are theorized to have named the kingdom Siam. | ||
| 1516 | The Portuguese send an envoy to the Thai Court and sign a treaty.[8] | ||
| 1547 | TheBurmese–Siamese War (1547–1549) (aka theShwehti war) was the first war fought between theToungoo dynasty ofBurma and theAyutthaya Kingdom ofSiam. Notable for the introduction ofearly modern warfare to the region and the SiameseQueen Suriyothai died in battle on her elephant. TheBurmese–Siamese wars continued until the mid 19th century. | ||
| 1549 | The Burmese and siamese agree to a truce which ended the Shwehti war in February 1549.[28]: 282 | ||
| 1549 | First-ever major warfare with the MonKingdom of Bago (Burma).[3] The conflicts continue till 1569.[4] | ||
| 1563-1564 | Burmese–Siamese War (1563–1564), (aka theWar over the White Elephants), the 2nd Siege of Ayutthaya. After an extensive siege of the city ofAyutthaya, theAyutthaya Kingdom becomes a vassal of theToungoo dynasty for the first time. This vassal status lasts until 1568. | ||
| 1567 | The first 2 Christianmissionaries travel to Siam and arrive in Ayutthaya in 1567.[29] These are theDominicans Friar Jeronimo da Cruz and Sebastiao da Canto.[29] | ||
| 1568 | The Ayutthayans revolt against the Burmese rulers and briefly regain independence. | ||
| 1568-1569 | Burmese–Siamese War (1568–1569), (aka theWar of the first fall) the 3rd Siege of Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya unsuccessfully attacked the Burmese vassal statePhitsanulok in 1568. The Burmese responded by intervening which resulted in the defeat of Ayutthaya on 2 August 1569. Ayutthaya became a Burmese vassal state again. | ||
| 1569 | The Burmese capture and destroy Ayutthaya.[3][30] | ||
| 1584-1593 | Burmese–Siamese War (1584–1593) (aka theNandric War), the Fourth Siege of Ayutthaya. TheAyutthaya Kingdom declares independence in 1584, Burma invades Ayutthaya five times but is driven back each time (Siamese victory). | ||
| 1590-1605 | Naresuan becomes the 18thking ofAyutthaya in 1590.[3] He abolishes a period of Burmese suzerainty.[3] Ayuttaya expands rapidly to the detriment of the Burmese and Khmer realms. He also conquers Cambodia and parts of southern Burma.[15][3][4] | ||
| 1593-1600 | Burmese–Siamese War (1593–1600) (aka theNaresuan War), The first Siamese invasion of Burma. Siam conquers theTenasserim coastal region toMartaban.Lan Na (Chiang Mai) becomes a vassal of Siam, c. 1602. |
| Year | Date | Event | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1609-1622 | Burmese–Siamese War (1609–1622), Wars of Nyaungyan restoration. Burma regainsMartaban andTavoy (1613), andLan Na (1614). | ||
| 1628-1655 | Reign of KingPrasat Thong. Trading concessions expand and regular trade with China and Europe is established.[3] | ||
| 1656-1688 | The reign ofKing Narai starts in 1656.[4] The influence of theBritish Empire expands.[4] The reputation of Ayutthaya as a magnificent city and a remarkable royal court spreads in Europe.[3][4] | ||
| 1662-1664 | Burmese–Siamese War (1662–1664), (akaSecond Siamese Invasion of Burma). Siam briefly captures the upper Tenasserim coast to Martaban in 1662 before driven back. In 1663, Siam again invades upper Tenasserim coast and Lan Na, capturing Chiang Mai. Siamese forces evacuate Chiang Mai in 1664. | ||
| 1684 | The firstSiamese embassy to France composed of two Siamese ambassadors and FatherBénigne Vachet who leftSiam for France on 5 January 1684.[31] | ||
| 1686 | The secondSiamese embassy to France (1686) from Siam (Ayutthaya Kingdom). KingNarai sent the embassy led by ambassadorKosa Pan.[32]: 262–263 | ||
| 1691 | The travel recordDu royaume de Siam by French diplomatSimon de la Loubère is published.[17] This is one of the few remaining records of the history and society of theAyutthaya Kingdom in 1687.[17] Most Thai chronicles were lost during the Burmese sacking of Ayutthaya in 1767.[17] |
| Year | Date | Event | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1733-58 | Reign of KingBorommakot. It is a period of peace, and of flourishing arts and literature.[3][4] | ||
| 1759-1760 | Burmese–Siamese War (1759–1760) (aka theAlaungpaya's War) the Fifth Siege of Ayutthaya. Burma conquers the Tenasserim coastal region down to theTavoy–Mergui frontier. Burma besieges theAyutthaya, but returns home when their King is injured and becomes ill. | ||
| 1765-1767 | Burmese–Siamese War (1765–1767) (aka theWar of the second fall of Ayutthaya), Burma invades Siam and besiegesAyutthaya. The invading Burmese forces sack the capitalAyutthaya city prior to being expunged by GeneralTaksin.[15] TheAyuthaya Kingdom collapses.[15] Precious Thai historical records about the history of Siam were burned by the Burmese.[17] The Burmese invasion force returned to Burma to defend their homeland against an imposingChinese invasion of Ava. | ||
| 1767-1771 | Taksin's reunification of Siam (1767-1771). The fall of Ayuthaya left Siam divided into 5 separate states—Phimai, Phitsanulok, Sawangburi,Nakhon Si Thammarat, andThonburi. The state of Thonburi, led byTaksin, prevailed, subjugating its rivals to successfully reunify Siam under theThonburi Kingdom (1767–1782) by 1770/71. The capital is moved from Ayutthaya toThonburi, near Bangkok.[4][30] Phaya Taksin is crowned as King Taksin in 1767.[3] | ||
| 1768 | Thai control is re-established with the short-livedThonburi Kingdom observed by King Taksin in 1768.[4] | ||
| 1774-1775 | Siamese conquest of Lan Na (1774–1775). TheLan Na kingdom which was under Burmese rule for 2 centuries, is conquered by the Siamese armies of KingTaksin of Thonburi. The Siamese take Burmese-heldChiang Mai in January 1775. | ||
| 1775 | Bangkaeo Campaign (aka theBattle of Bangkaeo). The Burmese commanderMaha Thiha Thura sent an expeditionary force to invadeWestern Siam through theThree Pagodas Pass. The Burmese force inBangkaeo was encircled and defeated via starvation by the armies ofTaksin. | ||
| 1775-1776 | Burmese–Siamese War (1775–1776) (aka theAthi Wungyi's War).Lan Na declares independence in 1775 with support of KingTaksin. Burma invades Lan Na and Siam. After the death ofKing Hsinbyushin, the Burmese withdraw from Siam. The Siamese claimLan Na which ends over 2 centuries of Burmese rule in 1776. | ||
| 1779 | The cityChiang Mai is captured and the Burmese are expelled.[3] TheEmerald Buddha is brought fromVientiane in Laos, toThonburi inBangkok.[3][4] | ||
| 1782 | King Taksin is toppled by a coup launched by rebbels and GeneralChao Phraya Chakri, who founds a new dynasty centered onBangkok.[15][4] | ||
| 1782 | General Chao Phaya Chakri establishes theChakri dynasty and assumes the name of Phra Phutthayotfa.[4][3] He ascends the throne asKing Rama I.[8] The country is internationally known as Siam. The capital is moved across the river where Bangkok is founded.[15][30][8][4][3] | ||
| 1785 | Wat Phra Kaew, the temple of theEmerald Buddha is completed. | ||
| 1785-1786 | Burmese–Siamese War (1785–1786) (aka theNine Armies' Wars). The first war between theKonbaung dynasty ofBurma and the SiameseRattanakosin Kingdom of theChakri dynasty. The Burmese invaded with 9 armies consisting of 144,000 soldiers via 5 directions and were soundly defeated. | ||
| 1786 | Tha Din Daeng campaign (aka theTha Din Daeng War). A short conflict, occurring in 1786 in Tha Din Daeng, nowKanchanaburi province in westernThailand. TheRattanakosin forces ofPhraphutthayotfa Chulalok andMaha Sura Singhanat destroy the Burmese belligerents of KingBodawpaya of theKonbaung Dynasty. | ||
| 1788 | Tavoy campaign (1788). TheKingdom of Siam fails to reclaim the town ofTavoy and theTenasserim Coast from the BurmeseKonbaung dynasty. | ||
| 1792-1794 | Burmese–Siamese War (1792–1794) (aka theSiamese Invasion of Tavoy). Conflict where Siam fails to regain the lowerTenasserim Coast (Tavoy and Mergui). | ||
| 1797-1798 | Burmese–Siamese War (1797–1798). Burma invadesLan Na and besiegesChiang Mai. The city was taken, but KingKawila asks for reinforcement fromRama I, which helped them recapture the city. |
| Year | Date | Event | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1802-1805 | Burmese–Siamese War (1802–1805). The Burmese forces of KingBodawpaya invadeChiang Mai in 1802. The Burmese are repelled by PrinceKawila with Siamese support. The Siamese under KingRama I retaliate and conquer the Burmese cityChiang Saen and the district in 1805. | ||
| 1802 | TheKingdom of Chiang Mai is founded with the installation ofKawila in December 1802. This was a vassal state of theRattanakosin Kingdom. | ||
| 1809-1812 | Burmese–Siamese War (1809–1812) (aka theBurmese Invasion of Thalang). The Burmese unsuccessfully attempt to captureJunk Ceylon. They are repelled by the Siamese in 1810 and 1812. TheKedah Sultanate helpsSiam during theBurmese invasion ofTanjung Salang. | ||
| 1821 | Siamese invasion of Kedah. TheRattanakosin Kingdom invades theKedah Sultanate in November 1821. It results in a Siamese victory and direct Siamese rule on Kedah. | ||
| 1822 | First trade treaty with Britain is signed.[30] It was negotiated by John Crawfurd.[30] | ||
| 1824-1826 | First Anglo-Burmese War. Conflict mostly between Burma and the United Kingdom. Siam is a nominal British ally. TheRoyal Siamese Army supports with 20,000 troops. Siam secures theBurney Treaty in 1826. | ||
| 1826 | Burney Treaty is signed betweenSiam and theUnited Kingdom which partitions the northern Malay states betweenBritish Malaya and theRattanakosin Kingdom. | ||
| 1833 | FirstAmerican envoy to the Thai Court. The United States and Siam (now Thailand) concluded a commercial treaty in Bangkok.[8] | ||
| 1833-1834 | Siamese–Vietnamese War betweenKing Rama III and EmperorMinh Mạng.[8] Vietnam annexes eastern Cambodia (Tây Thành Province) in 1834. | ||
| 1851-1868 | Reign ofKing Mongkut (Rama IV). Mongkut accedes the throne in 1851. He embraces Western innovations and initiates the modernization of Thailand.[15] King Mongkut accedes in 1851.[30] | ||
| 1855 | Bowring treaty signed between the United Kingdom and Siam.[30] | ||
| 1863 | French protectorate of Cambodia is established.[30] | ||
| 1868-1910 | Reign of KingChulalongkorn (Rama V) begins in 1868.[30] The infrastructure, government, schools, and military are modernized.[4][3] Employment of Western advisers to modernise Siam's administration and commerce. Railway network developed.[15] | ||
| 1870 | ThePhra Pathommachedi is completed inNakhon Pathom. Its height is 120 meters and it was the talleststupa in the world until 1954.[note 1] | ||
| 1872 | King Chulalongkorn visits India.[30] | ||
| 1874 | Front Palace Crisis happens.[30] Anglo-Siamese treaty over Chiang Mai is signed.[30] Edict abolishingslavery is issued.[30] | ||
| 1885 | Prince Prisdang's memorial on a constitution prepared.[30] | ||
| 1886 | After 3 wars the British makeBurma a province ofBritish India on 1 January 1886.[35] This ends the Burmese conflicts with Siam. | ||
| 1890 | Privy Purse Bureau established.[30] | ||
| 1892 | Ministerial council formed.[30] | ||
| 1892 | The Bangkok Times is founded in January 1887. It is the longest running English-language newspaper in Bangkok untilWorld War II (30 Sep 1942). | ||
| 1893 | 1893 Franco-Siamese crisis. French gunboats threaten Bangkok in thePaknam Incident.[30] The French won which lead to substantial territorial concessions east of theMekong river to theFrench which now forms most ofLaos. | ||
| 1893 | Interior Ministry founded.[30] | ||
| 1893 | ThePaknam Railway is the first Siamese railway-line.[36] It was constructed in 1891 and opened to the public byKing Rama V on 11 April 1893.[36] | ||
| 1897 | King Chulalongkorn makes the first visit to Europe.[30] |
| Year | Date | Event | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1901 | Holy Man's Rebellion. Armed rebellion of the Phu Mi Bun religious movement takes place.[30] | ||
| 1902 | Revolts break out inPhrae and the southern states revolt; Shangha Act passed.[30] | ||
| 1904 | TheFranco-Siamese Treaty of 1904 officially demarcated clear boundaries betweenFrench Indochina and Thailand. | ||
| 1905 | A series of reforms are implemented from 1874 untilslavery is abolished by KingChulalongkorn in 1905.[8] | ||
| 1905 | Conscription edict issued for theRoyal Thai Armed Forces.[30] | ||
| 1908 | Sun Yat-Sen visits Bangkok.[30] | ||
| 1909 | Anglo-Siamese treaty of 1909 finalizes Siam's border withBritish Malaya.[30] | ||
| 1910 | King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) accedes; Chinese strike in Bangkok.[30] | ||
| 1911 | Sra Pathum Airfield is the first airport inThailand, established in 1911 at the site of theSra Pathum Racecourse inBangkok. | ||
| 1912 | Plot uncovered in the military.[30] | ||
| 1913 | Thai Nationality Act passed;Surname Act passed.[30] | ||
| 1916 | Chulalongkorn University founded.[30] | ||
| 1917 | The design of the national flag called Trairanga (thong trai rong,tricolour flag) was adopted on 28 September 1917. | ||
| 1917 | Siam becomes an ally of theUnited Kingdom inWorld War I.[8] | ||
| 1917 | Siamese contingent established to fight on theAllied side in Europe. The first 'political newspaper' is published.[30][15] | ||
| 1920 | Prince Damrong's history bookOur Wars with the Burmese (Thai Rop Phama) is first published.[30] | ||
| 1925 | TheGrand Palace in Bangkok is completed. Themonarchy of Thailand was permanently settled there from 1782 until 1925. Many new buildings were added by various kings. | ||
| 1930 | The first Siamese commercial airline was formed called the Aerial Transport of Siam Company (ATSC) on 3 July 1930.[37] | ||
| 1932 | TheSiamese Revolution is a bloodless coup d’état against theabsolute monarchy of KingPrajadhipok. It ends centuries of absolute royal rule.[38] AConstitutional monarchy is officially established and democracy with parliamentary government.[15][3][38][4] | ||
| 1933 | TheBoworadet Rebellion, aimed at restoring an absolute monarchy, is put down by the ruling People's Party, a military-bureaucrat alliance.[38] | ||
| 1937 | The first two submarines of theRoyal Siamese Navy (Matchanu-class) were completed and delivered on 4 September 1937.[39] These were built byMitsubishi Heavy Industries.[39] | ||
| 1939 | Siam officially changes its name to Thailand which means “Land of the Free”.[8][15][4][3] | ||
| 1939 | TheThai National Anthem in its current form was adopted on 10 December 1939. | ||
| 1940 | Franco-Thai War begins on October 1940. After a sporadic battle between Thai and French forces, culminating in the Thai invasion of Laos and Cambodia on January 1941. Thailand successfully occupies the disputed territories inFrench Indochina. | ||
| 1941 | Japan uses its influence withVichy France to obtain concessions for Thailand in May 1941.[40] Thailand annexes the territoriesLan Chang Province,Nakhon Champassak Province,Phra Tabong Province, andPhibunsongkhram Province from Laos and Cambodia. | ||
| 1941 | Japanese invasion of Thailand on 8 December 1941 duringWorld War II.[8] After negotiations Thailand lets Japanese advance towards the British-controlledMalay Peninsula,Singapore and Burma.[15][4] Thailand deploys troops to fight on the Japanese side against Allied forces and became a member of theAxis Powers.[41] | ||
| 1942 | Thailand declares war on Britain and the United States, but the Thai ambassador inWashington refuses to deliver the declaration to the U.S. government.[8][15] | ||
| 1943 | Thailand annexesSaharat Thai Doem (Burma), andSirat Malai (Malaysia), includingSaiburi (Kedah State). | ||
| 1943 | Thai envoyWan Waithayakon attends theGreater East Asia Conference inTokyo from 5 to 6 November 1943.[42] | ||
| 1944 | Thailand takes back the declaration of war against the United States and Britain. After the war, it becomes an ally of the U.S.[8] | ||
| 1945 | End ofWorld War II. Thailand is compelled to return the territories it has seized from Laos, Cambodia, and Malaya.[4][8][15] The exiled KingAnanda Mahidol returns.[8][15][4] | ||
| 1946 | In 1946, Thailand agreed to cede the territories regained during Japanese presence in the country as the price for admission to theUnited Nations.[43] Consequently all wartime claims against Thailand were dropped and the country received a substantial package of U.S. aid.[43] | ||
| 1946 | King Ananda is assassinated in a mysterious shooting incident.[8][15][4][3] | ||
| 1946 | KingBhumibol Adulyadej becomes monarch aged 18.[3][38] During his 70-year reign, Thailand has 10 coups and 17 constitutions.[38] | ||
| 1946 | TheBangkok Post, an English-language daily newspaper published in Bangkok, Thailand, was founded on 1 August 1946. | ||
| 1947 | Military coup by the royalist-military forces lead by the wartime, pro-Japanese leaderPlaek Phibunsongkhram.[38] The military retains power until 1973.[15] The royalist-military forces end the People's Party's political role.[38] | ||
| 1947 | "Lèse-majesté" laws against insulting the king, dating back to the days ofabsolute monarchy, are carried over into a newCriminal Code.[38] | ||
| 1959 | The firstSouth East Asian Peninsular Games is hosted in Bangkok, Thailand from 12 to 17 December 1959, with more than 527 athletes and officials from 6 countries. | ||
| 1961 | TheAssociation of Southeast Asia (ASA) is formed on 31 July 1961 and consisting ofThailand, thePhilippines, andMalaya.[40] | ||
| 1967 | ASEAN is created on 8 August 1967.[44] Thailand is a founding member withIndonesia,Malaysia, thePhilippines andSingapore.[44] This is the successor of ASA. | ||
| 1967 | The 4thSouth East Asian Games is hosted inBangkok,Thailand on 9–16 December 1967. | ||
| 1962 | United States sends troops to Thailand during theVietnam War. Thailand permits the United States to use bases there.Thai troops fight inSouth Vietnam.[8][15] | ||
| 1970-1974 | 1970s peasant revolts in Thailand.Prime MinisterThanom Kittikachorn ignores their pleas to reduce theirdebt and ensure fairrice prices. The farmer representatives form the Farmers Federation of Thailand (FFT). The Land Rent Control Act (LRCA) is finally enacted in December 1974. | ||
| 1973 | The1973 Thai popular uprising in Bangkok has pro-democracy protests. There are bloody clashes between the army and demonstrating students.[3][4] It ends in a crackdown with 77 casualties, according to official estimates.[38] On Oct. 14, KingBhumibol intervenes and announces the resignation of the military government.[38] Free elections are held, but the resulting governments lack stability.[8][15] Political and economic blunders bring down the resulting civilian government just three years later.[3][4] | ||
| 1975 | 8thSouth East Asian Games is hosted in Bangkok on 9–16 December 1975. | ||
| 1976 | The military takes over the government again.[8][15] | ||
| 1976 | Two military leaders who were ousted in 1973, return to Thailand.[38] Protests follow and dozens of people are killed on 6 Oct 1973.[38] Later that day is a military coup. The king appoints a newprime minister. The maximum penalty for insulting the monarchy is raised from 7 to 15 years.[38] | ||
| 1976-1991 | A period of military-royalist government ensues with some roles for elected politicians.[38] | ||
| 1978 | New constitution is promulgated.[8][15] | ||
| 1980s | Thailand had the fastest developing economy in the world for about a decade from the late 1980s to the early 1990s.[4] The development rate was 8% from 1985 till 1995.[4] | ||
| 1985 | 13thSouth East Asian Games is hosted in Bangkok on 8–17 December 1985. | ||
| 1991 | The 17th military coup since 1932. The civilianAnand Panyarachun is installed as prime minister.[15] | ||
| 1992 | During the elections in September 1992,Chuan Leekpai (leader of theDemocrat Party) is chosen as prime minister.[15] | ||
| 1992 | TheBlack May demonstrations against another coup.[38] The clash between military forces and civilian demonstrators causes 50 civilian casualties.[3] King Bhumibol subsequently intervenes; a period of democracy follows.[38] The military leaves the government to the civilian politicians.[3][4] | ||
| 1993 | In this period, from 1993 to 1997, the country saw unprecedented, exceptional economic growth.[3] The financial boom kept growing with time. Thailand enjoyed fast economic development with sound increments in GDP.[4] | ||
| 1995 | The government collapses.Banharn Silpa-archa of theThai Nation Party is elected prime minister.[15] | ||
| 1995 | Prolonged floods occurr in Bangkok for 2 months in 1995. It causes over US $400 million in property damage and slows the economy. | ||
| 1995 | 18thSouth East Asian Games is hosted inChiang Mai,Thailand on 9–17 December 1995. | ||
| 1996 | Thepopulation of Thailand passes the 60 million people milestone.[45] | ||
| 1996 | Banharn government is accused of corruption and resigns.Chavalit Yongchaiyudh of theNew Aspiration Party wins the elections.[15] | ||
| 1997 | The1997 Asian financial crisis: TheThai Baht currency falls sharply against thedollar, leading to bankruptcies and unemployment. The IMF steps in. Chuan Leekpai becomes prime minister.[15] | ||
| 1997 | TheHTMS Chakri Naruebet is the firstaircraft carrier of Thailand.[46] It was commissioned into the Royal Thai Navy on 27 March 1997.[46] | ||
| 1997 | Thailand’s banking system and economy is in freefall as theBaht loses half of its value.[3] | ||
| 1998 | Tens of thousands of migrant workers are sent back to their countries of origin.[4][15] Prime MinisterChuan Leekpai includes the opposition in his administration to push economic reforms through.[4][15] Thailand follows the established guidelines given by theInternational Monetary Fund to resuscitate its economy.[4][3] | ||
| 1999 | TheRama III Bridge is completed. It crosses theChao Phraya River inBangkok. It is the longest bridge in Thailand with a length of 2,170 m (7,120 ft).[47] |
| Year | Date | Event | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000-2001 | Senators are democratically elected for theSenate for the first time.[3] The populistThai Rak Thai Party founded byThaksin Shinawatra, won the national polls for theHouse of Representatives.[4][3] Billionaire businessman Thaksin Shinawatra is elected prime minister and forms a coalition government.[15][38] Within a few years, Thailand is riven by rival demonstrations between Thaksin's Red Shirt supporters and Yellow Shirt opponents, who call Thaksin corrupt and disloyal to the monarchy. These will drag on for a decade.[38] | ||
| 2002 | Muslim nationalists step up terror operations inYala,Pattani andNarathiwat provinces (South Thailand insurgency).[3][4] | ||
| 2004 | The2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami causes a massive earthquake and tsunami which strikes the west-coast ofSouthern Thailand and several other countries in Southeast Asia.[8] There were over 8,000 casualties in Thailand and widespread devastation to the infrastructure and the economy.[8][4][3] | ||
| 2004 | In January–March 2004,martial law is imposed in largely-Muslim southern provinces after over 100 casualties in a wave of terrorist attacks which are blamed onethnic-Malay separatists.[15] | ||
| 2005 | The Thaksin administration wins a second four-year term in the general elections.[3] | ||
| 2006 | TheSuvarnabhumi Airport in theBangkok Metropolitan Region officially opened in 2006.[48] | ||
| 2006 | Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra accuses several army officers of plotting to kill him after police find a car containing bomb-making materials near his house.[8] | ||
| 2006 | Thaksin is accused for tax evasion.[3] There are months of mass Yellow Shirt protests in Bangkok. In September–October 2006, military leaders stage a bloodless coup which overthrows the Thaksin administration.[3][38][4] Meanwhile, Shinawatra is at theUN General Assembly. Retired GeneralSurayud Chulanont is appointed interim prime minister by the military while a new constitution was drafted.[15] | ||
| 2007 | Martial law is lifted in more than half of the country.[8] | ||
| 2007 | In August 2007, voters approve a new, military-draftedconstitution in a referendum.[15] | ||
| 2007 | During the December elections, the Thaksin-endorsedPeople's Power Party wins the post-coup elections.[3][38][4] | ||
| 2007 | 24thSouth East Asian Games is hosted inNakhon Ratchasima,Thailand on 6–15 December 2007. | ||
| 2008 | February 2008, return to civilian rule after the December elections. In a parliamentary vote on 28 January 2008,Samak Sundaravej of the People's Power Party (PPP) is sworn in as prime minister.[15] | ||
| 2008 | Thai troops shoot two Cambodian soldiers in a firefight on thedisputed border, near thePreah Vihear temple.[8] | ||
| 2008 | In August 2008, Thaksin flees to Britain with his family after failing to appear in court to face corruption charges.[15] Thaksin returns to Thailand with his wife, but skips bail before being tried on charges of corruption and debasement.[4] Thaksin was sentenced to two years in jail in absentia.[3] | ||
| 2008 | Yellow Shirt protestors block the terminals of Bangkok's two international airports for 10 days, causing widespread disruption.[4] They end their occupation after a court dissolves the ruling pro-Thaksin party. A new government led by another party is formed.[38]Abhisit Vejjajiva becomes prime minister.[3][4] | ||
| 2010 | In March–May 2010, mass protest of tens of thousands of Thaksin supporters - in trademark red shirts - paralyze central Bangkok with a month-long protest calling for early elections and Prime Minister Abhisit's resignation.[8][15] Anti-government Red Shirts protests in central Bangkok are quelled by the army in May after two months of violence.[3][4] It culminates in a crackdown by troops who storm the protesters' barricades which causes 91 casualties.[15][38][4] | ||
| 2011 | In July 2011, the pro-ThaksinPheu Thai Party wins a landslide victory in the elections.[8][15]Yingluck Shinawatra (sister of Thaksin Shinawatra) becomes the first female prime minister of Thailand.[15] More anti-Thaksin protests follow.[38] | ||
| 2013 | The government cuts the guaranteed price for rice, provoking an angry reaction from farmers and protests in Bangkok.[8] | ||
| 2013 | February 2013, the Government and separatists inSouthern Thailand sign a first-ever peace talks deal.[15] | ||
| 2014 | May 2014, theConstitutional Court of Thailand orders Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and several ministers out of office over alleged irregularities in appointment of security adviser.[15] The Thai army with army chiefPrayuth Chan-ocha seize power in a coup.[38][15] | ||
| 2016 | TheKing Power Mahanakhon is recognized as thetallest building in Thailand (314 m) by theCTBUH on 4 May 2016 .[49] | ||
| 2016 | August 2016, voters approve a new constitution giving the military continuing influence over the country's political life.[15] | ||
| 2016 | October 2016,King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest reigning monarch, dies at the age of 88 after 70 years on the throne.[15] | ||
| 2016 | In December 2016, Crown PrinceVajiralongkorn is proclaimed king.[15][38] | ||
| 2017 | April 2017, King Vajiralongkorn signs the new, military-drafted constitution that paves the way for a return to democracy.[15] | ||
| 2018 | TheTham Luang cave rescue in June and July 2018 had a team of international rescuers save a group of young soccer players and their coach who were trapped in a flooded cave inNorthern Thailand. The dramatic rescue mission involved a complex network of divers, engineers, and volunteers, and captured global attention.[8] | ||
| 2019 | March 2019, the General election sees former generalPrayut Chan-o-cha returned to power as prime minister.[15] Opposition parties complain that the process was rigged, which Prayuth denies.[38] | ||
| 2019 | November 2019, suspected separatists kill at least 15 people in southern Thailand. This is one of the country's worst terror attacks in years.[15] | ||
| 2020 | Thailand has a wave of anti-government protests led by young activists calling for democratic reforms and an end to military influence in politics. The protests were met with a crackdown by the authorities, including arrests and charges oflèse-majesté which carries severe penalties in Thailand.[8] | ||
| 2020 | Court dissolves the oppositionFuture Forward Party. Its founderThanathorn Juangroongruangkit denies wrongdoing in separate criminal charges over criticism of the military.[38] This causes student-led protests.[38] | ||
| 2020 | COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand. Thailand was the first country to report a case outsideChina, on 13 January 2020. There were a total of 34,715 deaths. | ||
| 2021 | TheSappaya-Sapasathan is completed on 1 May 2021.[50] It is the world's largest parliamentary building with 424,000 m2 of floor space.[50] | ||
| 2024 | The leader of thePheu Thai Party,Paetongtarn Shinawatra becomes the 31st prime minister of Thailand.[51] | ||
| 2025 | 2025 Myanmar earthquake causes at least 36 deaths and 33 injuries in Bangkok.[52] There are 14,430 reports of building damage to theBangkok Metropolitan Administration.[53] |
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