History

The word "Thai" means free, and therefore Thailand means the "land of the free". Previous to this name, the country was known as "Siam" but was changed in 1939, changed back between 1945 and 1949 then on May 11, 1949 was officially changed to "Prathet Thai" or "Thailand"

Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia never to have been colonized throughout it’s history.

Thailand is a Kingdom reigned over by His Majesty King Bhumipol Adulyadej, the ninth king of the Chakri Dynasty: King Rama the IX of Thailand. He was born in December 1927, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where his father, His Royal Highness Prince Mahidol of Songkhla was studying medicine at Harvard University. He ascended the throne in 1946 and is already the longest reigning Thai monarch, and in 2000 he also became longest reigning ruler in the world.As a constitutional monarch, he maintains neutrality at times of crisis.

The Thai people have a deep and traditional reverence for the Royal Family. To a very large degree, H.M. King Bhumibol's popularity mirrors his deep interest in his people's welfare. He concerns himself intimately with every aspect of Thai life. Both he and his wife, H.M. Queen Sirikit devote much of their time to inspect and improve the welfare of the people.

King and Queen of Thailand

King of Thailand