THAILAND TIMELINE

THAILAND TIMELINE

Democracy Restored

Financial Turmoil

1945 to 70: Post War Uncertainty

1900 to 1930

2007 - General elections mark the first major step towards a return to civilian rule. (+7)

Population

How things have changed

1997 - Asian financial crisis: The baht falls sharply against the dollar, leading to bankruptcies and unemployment. The IMF steps in. Chuan Leekpai becomes prime minister. (-8)

1998 - Tens of thousands of migrant workers are sent back to their countries of origin. Chuan involves the opposition in his government in order to push through economic reforms. (+2)

1999 - Economy begins to pick up again. Thai media highlight high cost of drug treatments for Aids and HIV. Thailand begins to put pressure on drugs companies to find ways to make the drugs cheaper. (+6)

1945 - End of World War II. Thailand compelled to return territory it had seized from Laos, Cambodia and Malaya. Exiled King Ananda returns. (-7)

1946 - King Ananda assassinated. (-5)

1947 - Military coup by the wartime, pro-Japanese leader Phibun Songkhram. The military retain power until 1973. (-5)

1965 onwards - Thailand permits US to use bases there during the Vietnam War. Thai troops fight in South Vietnam. (-5)

to 1910: Reign of King Chulalongkorn. Employment of Western advisers to modernise Siam's administration and commerce. Railway network developed. (+8)

1917 - Siam becomes ally of Great Britain in World War I. (-5)

Sectoral Output:

1971:

30% Agriculture

17% Industry

16% Trade

10% Services

2014:

40% Industry

13% Services and trade

10% Transport and communications

8% Agriculture

1970-1995

2000s

1930

Present

1900

Religious Tension

Short lived Civilian Rule

1930 to 45

2003 - Controversial crackdown on drugs starts; more than 2,000 suspects are killed. (+2)

2004 - Martial law is imposed in south. More than 100 killed, attacks blamed on Islamic militants. (-5)

2004 - Thousands of people - both Thais and foreign tourists - are killed as when a massive tsunami. (-6)

2005 - Thailand redoubles efforts to fight bird flu as fresh outbreaks of the disease are reported. (-3)

2007 - Martial law is lifted in more than half of the country. (+5)

1973 - Student riots in Bangkok bring about the fall of the military government. Free elections are held but the resulting governments lack stability. (-7)

1976 - Military takes over again. (-4)

1983 - Prem gives up his military position and heads a civilian government. He is re-elected in 1986. (+3)

1995 - Government collapses. Banharn Silpa-archa, of the Thai Nation party, elected prime minister.(-3)

1932 - Bloodless coup against absolute monarch King Prajadhipok. Constitutional monarchy introduced with parliamentary government. (-1)

1939 - Siam changes its name to Thailand ("Land of the Free"). (+3)

1941 - Japanese forces land. After negotiations Thailand allows Japanese to advance towards British-controlled Malay Peninsula, Singapore and Burma. (-5)

1942 - Thailand declares war on Britain and US, but Thai ambassador in Washington refuses to deliver declaration to US government. (-7)