Part 66

Explore Part 66 of Civilization V, detailing Siam's modernization under King Rama IV and V, the transition to Thailand, and its involvement in World War I.

King Rama IV (ruled 1851 - 1868) was a keen student of the West, appointing Western advisors and hiring Anna Harriette Leonowens to tutor his children. He sought to reform Buddhism and remake the Siamese monarchy, removing some of its more onerous trappings of godhood.

His son, Rama V (reigned 1868 to 1910), continued granting concessions to the West to maintain Siam's independence, losing territory to the French and British. He further reformed the monarchy and government, abolishing slavery, introducing a modern school system, constructing railways and telegraph systems, and establishing a new law court and judiciary.

Successors Rama VI (ruled 1910-1925) and Rama VII (ruled 1925-1935) continued modernization. In 1917, Rama VI opened the first university in Thailand and entered World War I on the side of the Allies. After the war, he convinced victors to give up special concessions, regaining full independence for Siam after seventy-five years. However, his reforms and wars were expensive, causing resentment.

In 1932, students and the military staged a bloodless coup, compelling the king to rule under a constitution and accept a National Assembly. In 1933, a royal family counter-coup failed, and King Rama VII abdicated in 1935. A regency council was appointed until Prince Ananda Mahidol came of age.

By 1938, a military dictator, Phibun Songkhram, was in charge. He changed the country's name to Thailand, encouraged nationalism, and invaded French territory in Laos and Cambodia in 1940. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor in late 1941, Japanese troops entered Thailand. After minimal resistance, Thai forces laid down arms. In 1942, Thailand allied with Japan and declared war on Britain and the US. Resistance groups formed, attacking the Japanese and the Thai government. Phibun was forced to resign in July 1944, and the dictatorship collapsed after Japan's surrender in 1945.

Thailand returned territories seized from the French but suffered internal strife. In 1946, the king was found dead, and the government leader was blamed and exiled, allowing Dictator Phibun Songkhram to return to power.

During the Cold War, the US funneled money into Thailand, much of which was taken by the military and dictatorship. In 1957, another coup placed Sarit Thanarat in charge. Thanarat ruled for five years, implementing economic reforms that spread wealth to the growing Thai middle class. The US provided more money, used for the military and infrastructure improvements. Thanarat also supported the monarchy, which became a symbol of Thai nationalism. After his death, it was discovered he had stolen and hidden much of Thailand's money.

Thanarat's successors continued to receive US money and supported the American adventure in Vietnam. By the late 1960s, over 10,000 Thai troops served in Vietnam, and thousands of American soldiers were stationed in Thailand, a key base for the US Air Force. Popular discontent grew due to the war and government, leading to a student-led revolt in 1973 that drove out the current leader.