Thread: When Siam became Thai

As seen through the reporting of Life Magazine (long since swallowed by the inferior Time Magazine), and with thanks to 2bangkok.com for bringing up this fascinating slice of history, 73 years ago. Interesting times too- July 31 1939, one month before the commencement of World War Two.


‘Strategic Siam changes its name to Thai’


King Ananda Mahidol, 13, in whose favor King Prajadhipok abdicated in 1935, presents flag to youth organizations. After his summer vacation, he returns to school in Switzerland.


On June 24 the Government of Siam, only entirely free nation in Southeast Asia, changes its name to Thai, which means "Free," in the ceremonies shown on these pages. Last week the U.S. State Department rendered all American maps of the Orient obsolete by writing out Siam and writing in Thailand.

Sayam, from which Siam comes, was an old name given by the Chinese. The race of Thai came from Szechuan Province in China, near where the harried Chinese Government now has its capital. Only the canny rule of King Chulalongkorn in the late 19th Century saved Siam from being swallowed by Britain and France like the rest of the peninsula. But Chulalongkorn's 42 wives cursed his country with scores of ambitious, expensive princes.

In 1932 a cabal of brain-trusters and soldiers put over one of the quietest revolutions in history and got a Constitution from King Prajadhipok. The princes tried an abortive counter-revolt next year. In 1935 the annoyed reformers let Prajadhipok abdicate with nearly $3,000,000 for which they were last week suing him. New Government is idealistic and semi-Fascist, with youth organizations, army monopolies and a dictator, Premier Bipul (pronounced pee-bul). Enemies say Thai is now "of the Bipul, by the Bipul and for the Bipul."

Thailand, however, is so placed on the map as to be a natural steppingstone for Japan in a drive against the great British base of Singapore at the end of the Malay peninsula. It has professed to be completely neutral, meanwhile buying Japanese munitions and toying with the idea of a canal through its peninsula to cut off Singapore.

Two days before Siam became Thai, British and French admirals meeting at Singapore decided that that little monarchy could not be neutral, that Britain and France would "guarantee" her. Moaned the Bangkok newspaper Thai Mai: " What can small nations situated in the battle zone do? If Siam takes the side of Japan and the predicted troubles in the British and French colonial empires do not come off, then Siam would be in an unpleasant position."


Above: The new name, THAI, appears for the first time on a ship float in the June 24 parade in Bangkok celebrating the 7th anniversary of Siam's coup d'etat and the first Constitution.



Young women of Thailand, recently organized by the Yuvanari, swing briskly along the line of march. Only the rich still practice polygamy and women in Thai have many rights.



Above: Chief Prince regent Aditya Dirabha affixes the Royal Seal to the decree making Siam the Kingdom of Thai. Left: Coregent General Bijayendra Yodhin



Planes (28 of 400) fly over great King Chulalongkorn's statue. These pictures were brought to LIFE by Norman Lee, the first round-the-world paying passenger on commercial planes.


Tanks, made in England by Vickers, roll in the parade. Latest Thai armaments are Japanese. Notice the Thai flags, red white and blue stripes. Navy flag adds a white elephant.

‘Strategic Siam changes its name to Thai’ | 2Bangkok.com


Interesting stuff. With the world, including the Pacific theatre, girding up for an horrific War, Thailand retained it's diplomatic knack of remaining assiduously neutral- but 'blowing with the wind'. Note the old Vickers tanks- but more recent arnaments purchases were from the Japs. The devastation wrought by the War largely passed Thailand by, as a result. Even the 13 year old Monarch was being educated in neutral Switzerland- as indeed was his brother and successor, HM King Bhumipol. Quite astute, I have to say.

Agreed on the "astute" observation - there used to be quite astute individuals in charge back then in the 30s, 40s, and 50s. I believe this is probably true all over world - people in power used to be smarter back then.

All things considered, though, I do believe that the royal part of Thailand has proven to continue to remain rather astute through the years - unlike much of the governments that have come and gone in the past 40 years.

I like the fact its never been colonized but is named after a race of people from China.

Originally Posted by sabang

Chulalongkorn's 42 wives

Wow! 42 wives.

Originally Posted by VocalNeal

I like the fact its never been colonized but is named after a race of people from China.

I'd like to know more about the aboriginal people of Thailand. Apparently there's still a few pockets of them out in the sticks but I could never find much info.