The
Chakri dynasty came to power in Siam, a country in south-east Asia,
in 1792. Although coming under pressure from Burma
and several European countries Siam kept its political independence
throughout the 19th century.
A coup,
supported by the emerging middle class, took place in 1932. The Chakri
dynasty was left on the throne but power was transferred to a constitutional
government. In 1939 the name of the country was changed from Siam
to Thailand.
The Japanese
Army landed on the southeast coast of Thailand on 8th December
1941 and crossed the country in order to attack Burma
and Malaya. For the next four years the
Thai people fought a guerilla campaign against Japanese forces.
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