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Thailand History Third Part
During reign of King Ananda Mahidol, Rama VIII (1935-1946), the country's name was changed from Siam to Thailand; he was assassinated in mysterious circumstances in 1946. The present monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, is King Rama IX of the Chakri Dynasty; is the world's longest-reigning king, he commands great admiration in both Thailand and throughout the rest of the world.
During World War II, Thailand signed a pact with Japan. Following the conflict, however, Thailand becomes a United States collaborator, since 1945 Thailand has had very close affairs with the United States.
Since the 1992 elections Thailand has a democratic system with constitutional changes of administration.
In 1997, Thailand was beat with the Asian financial disaster and the Thai baht for a short instant peaked at 56 baht to the U.S. dollar compared to about 25 baht to the dollar before 1997. Since then, the baht has recovered most of its strength and as of May 23, 2007, is valued at 33 baht to the US dollar.
In September 2006, a rapid and bloodless military coup overthrew the previous democratically voted government, promising elections in late 2007. There has been no hostility and no major military presence in public places, and all services are working normally.
The official calendar in Thailand is based on Eastern version of the Buddhist Era, which is 543 years ahead of the Gregorian (western) calendar. For example, the year AD 2008 is called 2551 BE in Thailand.
» Thailand History - First Part
» Thailand History - Second Part
» Thailand History - Third Part
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