TEST
1946 - 1955
1946
Nation mourns death of the King
Nation mourns death of the King
1948
Khuang forced to resign
Khuang forced to resign
1950
US envoys converge to discuss ‘red threat’ in Asia
US envoys converge to discuss ‘red threat’ in Asia
X
1950
16 February 1950
US envoys converge to discuss ‘red threat’ in Asia
US envoys converge to discuss ‘red threat’ in Asia.
24 March 1950
The Return of the King
The Return of the King.
20 July 1950
Troops deployed in Korea, UN accepts offer of Thai forces to help in Korean peninsula
Troops deployed in Korea, UN accepts offer of Thai forces to help in Korean peninsula.
1952
Elephants check in for long-haul flight to London
Elephants check in for long-haul flight to London
X
1952
3 January 1952
Elephants check in for long-haul flight to London
Elephants check in for long-haul flight to London.
25 March 1952
Don Mueang boasts new 13-million-baht terminal
Don Mueang boasts new 13-million-baht terminal.
28 July 1952
An heir is born: Prince Vajiralongkorn
An heir is born: Prince Vajiralongkorn.
1954
Bangkok Bank opens first overseas branch
Bangkok Bank opens first overseas branch
X
1954
24 June 1954
Bangkok Bank opens first overseas branch
Bangkok Bank opens first overseas branch.
4 October 1954
Capital’s population swells to over 1 million
Capital’s population swells to over 1 million.
13 October 1954
Death for Chaleo, Chit, Butr Supreme Court ruling brings curtain down on six-year trial
Death for Chaleo, Chit, Butr Supreme Court ruling brings curtain down on six-year trial.
1947
First US Embassy opens in Bangkok
First US Embassy opens in Bangkok
1949
All aboard for the ‘summer capital’ of Hua Hin
All aboard for the ‘summer capital’ of Hua Hin
1951
Jim Thompson establishes the Thai Silk Company
Jim Thompson establishes the Thai Silk Company
1953
Pepsi starts ‘war’ with Coca-Cola
Pepsi starts ‘war’ with Coca-Cola
X
1953
1955
SEATO’s first meeting held in Bangkok
SEATO’s first meeting held in Bangkok
X
1955
23 February 1955
SEATO’s first meeting held in Bangkok
SEATO’s first meeting held in Bangkok.
24 June 1955
First TV channel airs, first 1,000 television sets arrive from the US
First TV channel airs, first 1,000 television sets arrive from the US.
23 November 1955
Thai-Japan trade returns to normal status
Thai-Japan trade returns to normal status.
1956 - 1965
1956
The King and I’ banned in Thailand
The King and I’ banned in Thailand
1958
Thanom plans to link seas
Thanom plans to link seas
1960
New organisation to protect tourists Government sets goal of 1 billion baht for tourism industry
New organisation to protect tourists Government sets goal of 1 billion baht for tourism industry
X
1960
18 March 1960
New organisation to protect tourists Government sets goal of 1 billion baht for tourism industry
New organisation to protect tourists Government sets goal of 1 billion baht for tourism industry.
16 April 1960
Pone takes world flyweight title
Pone takes world flyweight title.
1 May 1960
THAI flies to foreign skies
THAI flies to foreign skies.
1962
Khao Yai National Park opens to public
Khao Yai National Park opens to public
X
1962
10 February 1962
Khao Yai National Park opens to public
Khao Yai National Park opens to public.
14 May 1962
Silpa Bhirasri, founder of Silpakorn University
Silpa Bhirasri, founder of Silpakorn University.
Temple ruling shocks Thailand International Court awards ancient temple to Cambodia
Temple ruling shocks Thailand International Court awards ancient temple to Cambodia.
1962
Air conditioner arrives at the Grand Palace
Air conditioner arrives at the Grand Palace.
1964
‘Toyota opens assembly plant in Samut Prakan
‘Toyota opens assembly plant in Samut Prakan
X
1964
10 February 1964
‘Toyota opens assembly plant in Samut Prakan
‘Toyota opens assembly plant in Samut Prakan.
17 May 1964
Bhumibol Dam cuts power bills
Bhumibol Dam cuts power bills.
18 August 1964
Bangkok Planetarium opens
Bangkok Planetarium opens.
14 December 1964
Japanese royals make first state visit
Japanese royals make first state visit.
1957
‘The dirtiest election ever’ Seni Pramoj calls for nullification, Premier Plaek denies poll fraud allegations
‘The dirtiest election ever’ Seni Pramoj calls for nullification, Premier Plaek denies poll fraud allegations
X
1957
26 February 1957
‘The dirtiest election ever’ Seni Pramoj calls for nullification, Premier Plaek denies poll fraud allegations
‘The dirtiest election ever’ Seni Pramoj calls for nullification, Premier Plaek denies poll fraud allegations.
12 May 1957
2,500 years of Buddhist era
2,500 years of Buddhist era.
15 December 1957
Sarit’s coalition wins a majority Only 30 percent of eligible voters cast ballots in national election
Sarit’s coalition wins a majority Only 30 percent of eligible voters cast ballots in national election.
1959
Up in smoke: opium banned Sarit hails the dawning of a new, ‘civilised’ era
Up in smoke: opium banned Sarit hails the dawning of a new, ‘civilised’ era
X
1959
1 July 1959
Up in smoke: opium banned Sarit hails the dawning of a new, ‘civilised’ era
Up in smoke: opium banned Sarit hails the dawning of a new, ‘civilised’ era.
24 November 1959
Bangkok, Thon Buri merged into single city
Bangkok, Thon Buri merged into single city.
17 December 1959
Bangkok hosts SEAP Games
Bangkok hosts SEAP Games.
1961
Ringleaders of ‘communist plot’ executed Convicted plotters taken by police to their home village in Sakon Nakhon to be shot
Ringleaders of ‘communist plot’ executed Convicted plotters taken by police to their home village in Sakon Nakhon to be shot
X
1961
31 May 1961
Ringleaders of ‘communist plot’ executed Convicted plotters taken by police to their home village in Sakon Nakhon to be shot
Ringleaders of ‘communist plot’ executed Convicted plotters taken by police to their home village in Sakon Nakhon to be shot.
1 July 1961
Americans set up first Thai stock exchange
Americans set up first Thai stock exchange.
20 July 1961
‘Thailand’ to be retained as name of country
‘Thailand’ to be retained as name of country.
1963
‘The Ugly American’ premieres
‘The Ugly American’ premieres
X
1963
25 March 1963
‘The Ugly American’ premieres
‘The Ugly American’ premieres.
Automatic lights set to tame traffic chaos
Automatic lights set to tame traffic chaos.
8 December 1963
Sarit Thanarat passes away Ruled with an iron hand, but won respect for his patriotism
Sarit Thanarat passes away Ruled with an iron hand, but won respect for his patriotism.
1965
Now the world’s top rice exporter
Now the world’s top rice exporter
1966 - 1975
1966
King completes solo dinghy voyage
King completes solo dinghy voyage
1968
First satellite station in Southeast Asia opens
First satellite station in Southeast Asia opens
X
1968
3 May 1968
First satellite station in Southeast Asia opens
First satellite station in Southeast Asia opens.
15 July 1968
Siamese twins split for first time in Thailand
Siamese twins split for first time in Thailand.
1 October 1968
Last nine trams reach the end of the line
Last nine trams reach the end of the line.
1970
Hotel is capital’s tallest building
Hotel is capital’s tallest building
1972
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II visits, Pomp and ceremony mark first-ever trip by reigning British monarch
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II visits, Pomp and ceremony mark first-ever trip by reigning British monarch
X
1972
9 February 1972
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II visits, Pomp and ceremony mark first-ever trip by reigning British monarch
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II visits, Pomp and ceremony mark first-ever trip by reigning British monarch.
3 August 1972
Thai team puts some spin on ping-pong diplomacy
Thai team puts some spin on ping-pong diplomacy.
28 December 1972
The investiture of the Crown Prince
The investiture of the Crown Prince.
1974
Women’s rights group demands equality
Women’s rights group demands equality
X
1974
8 March 1974
Women’s rights group demands equality
Women’s rights group demands equality.
4 July 1974
Bedlam in Chinatown, Plabplachai riots claim 33 lives
Bedlam in Chinatown, Plabplachai riots claim 33 lives.
18 July 1974
Government seizes assets of the ‘Three Tyrants’
Government seizes assets of the ‘Three Tyrants’.
1967
Thompson vanishes in jungles of Malaysia
Thompson vanishes in jungles of Malaysia
1969
National elections helds
National elections helds
1971
Open university launched 50,000 freshmen sign up to study at Ramkhamhaeng
Open university launched 50,000 freshmen sign up to study at Ramkhamhaeng
X
1971
15 May 1971
Open university launched 50,000 freshmen sign up to study at Ramkhamhaeng
Open university launched 50,000 freshmen sign up to study at Ramkhamhaeng.
5 October 1971
Jumbo welcome for new jets Larger Boeing 747s to open Thailand to increased tourism
Jumbo welcome for new jets Larger Boeing 747s to open Thailand to increased tourism.
17 November 1971
Unexpected coup as government declares martial law
Unexpected coup as government declares martial law.
1973
Rice exports banned, Economy in dire straits
Rice exports banned, Economy in dire straits
1975
First trade made on stock exchange
First trade made on stock exchange
X
1975
30 April 1975
First trade made on stock exchange
First trade made on stock exchange.
30 June 1975
China, Thailand friends, Mao says Thai communists are nothing to fear
China, Thailand friends, Mao says Thai communists are nothing to fear.
11 August 1975
Monk honoured for healing drug addicts
Monk honoured for healing drug addicts.
First foreign Khunying honoured by King Rama IX
First foreign Khunying honoured by King Rama IX.
1976 - 1985
1976
Payao punches his way into Olympic history
Payao punches his way into Olympic history
X
1976
7 August 1976
Payao punches his way into Olympic history
Payao punches his way into Olympic history.
6 October 1976
Dozens slaughtered at Thammasat, government toppled
Dozens slaughtered at Thammasat, government toppled.
5 November 1976
Pattaya gets status of independent city
Pattaya gets status of independent city.
1978
China’s Deng Xiaoping arrives on historic visit
China’s Deng Xiaoping arrives on historic visit
1980
Mass rally over surging oil prices
Mass rally over surging oil prices
X
1980
9 February 1980
Mass rally over surging oil prices
Mass rally over surging oil prices.
29 February 1980
Prem is prime minister, Kriangsak Chomanand resigns from top post
Prem is prime minister, Kriangsak Chomanand resigns from top post.
19 November 1980
New Siam Water Park making waves
New Siam Water Park making waves.
1982
Shoppers head to Chatuchak
Shoppers head to Chatuchak
1984
Pope makes inaugural visit
Pope makes inaugural visit
1977
Investors offered a 10-year ‘tax holiday’
Investors offered a 10-year ‘tax holiday’
X
1977
24 January 1977
Investors offered a 10-year ‘tax holiday’
Investors offered a 10-year ‘tax holiday’.
26 March 1977
Leader of abortive military putsch, Gen Chalard, executed
Leader of abortive military putsch, Gen Chalard, executed.
5 December 1977
Princess Sirindhorn given new royal titles
Princess Sirindhorn given new royal titles.
1979
Kampuchea (Cambodia) collapses, Thai-Kampuchean border is closed to stem exodus
Kampuchea (Cambodia) collapses, Thai-Kampuchean border is closed to stem exodus
X
1979
7 January 1979
Kampuchea (Cambodia) collapses, Thai-Kampuchean border is closed to stem exodus
Kampuchea (Cambodia) collapses, Thai-Kampuchean border is closed to stem exodus.
8 March 1979
Historic bus company rides no more
Historic bus company rides no more.
22 April 1979
Samak scores a surprise election victory
Samak scores a surprise election victory.
1981
Commandos storm hijacked Garuda jet
Commandos storm hijacked Garuda jet
X
1981
31 March 1981
Commandos storm hijacked Garuda jet
Commandos storm hijacked Garuda jet.
1 April 1981
Prem has last laugh as ‘April Fool’s Coup’ is quashed
Prem has last laugh as ‘April Fool’s Coup’ is quashed.
12 September 1981
A major step towards energy independence
A major step towards energy independence.
1983
Thailand enters the oil age
Thailand enters the oil age
1985
First McDonald’s opens in Bangkok
First McDonald’s opens in Bangkok
1986 - 1995
1986
Telephones go wireless
Telephones go wireless
1988
Eastern Seaboard Development Plan commences
Eastern Seaboard Development Plan commences
X
1988
23 January 1988
Eastern Seaboard Development Plan commences
Eastern Seaboard Development Plan commences.
24 May 1988
Porntip wins Miss Universe crown in Taipei
Porntip wins Miss Universe crown in Taipei.
20 November 1988
Ancient city of Sukhothai opens to modern eyes
Ancient city of Sukhothai opens to modern eyes.
1990
Saudi gem thief arrested, fake jewels and police cover-ups begin decades-long saga
Saudi gem thief arrested, fake jewels and police cover-ups begin decades-long saga
X
1990
Saudi gem thief arrested, fake jewels and police cover-ups begin decades-long saga
Saudi gem thief arrested, fake jewels and police cover-ups begin decades-long saga.
Green light for more international schools
Green light for more international schools.
1 September 1990
Seub Nakhasathien, Wildlife sanctuary chief commits suicide
Seub Nakhasathien, Wildlife sanctuary chief commits suicide.
1992
Confusion greets VAT duties
Confusion greets VAT duties
1994
Truck bomb found near the Israeli Embassy
Truck bomb found near the Israeli Embassy
1987
King Bhumibol ‘The Great’, Forty million Thais vote on new title in nationwide poll
King Bhumibol ‘The Great’, Forty million Thais vote on new title in nationwide poll
X
1987
5 May 1987
King Bhumibol ‘The Great’, Forty million Thais vote on new title in nationwide poll
King Bhumibol ‘The Great’, Forty million Thais vote on new title in nationwide poll.
31 August 1987
Plane ‘shatters’ in the sea
Plane ‘shatters’ in the sea.
22 November 1987
Celebrations for King peak Marathon, Royal Barge Procession highlight birthday pageantry
Celebrations for King peak Marathon, Royal Barge Procession highlight birthday pageantry.
1989
Chalerm Thai’s final curtain
Chalerm Thai’s final curtain
1991
Generals seize total power
Generals seize total power
1993
“The world is watching you”, Nobel Peace Prize laureates unite against Myanmar junta
“The world is watching you”, Nobel Peace Prize laureates unite against Myanmar junta
X
1993
17 February 1993
“The world is watching you”, Nobel Peace Prize laureates unite against Myanmar junta
“The world is watching you”, Nobel Peace Prize laureates unite against Myanmar junta.
24 August 1993
‘King of Pop’ on Dangerous Tour
‘King of Pop’ on Dangerous Tour.
18 December 1993
First Thai broadcasting satellite launched
First Thai broadcasting satellite launched.
1995
Princess Mother passes away at the age of 94
Princess Mother passes away at the age of 94
X
1995
18 July 1995
Princess Mother passes away at the age of 94
Princess Mother passes away at the age of 94.
Cabinet approves subway proposal
Cabinet approves subway proposal.
A pillar of democracy MR Kukrit Pramoj, respected scholar, statesman, dancer
A pillar of democracy MR Kukrit Pramoj, respected scholar, statesman, dancer.
1996 - 2005
1996
The First Supermarket in Thailand in 1996
The First Supermarket in Thailand in 1996
X
1996
1 January 1996
The First Supermarket in Thailand in 1996
The First Supermarket in Thailand in 1996.
The ‘Bangkok Post’ enters the Internet age
The ‘Bangkok Post’ enters the Internet age.
4 August 1996
Boxer strikes Olympic gold
Boxer strikes Olympic gold.
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip visit
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip visit.
1998
Thai Rak Thai Party established, offering ‘new choice’ in politics
Thai Rak Thai Party established, offering ‘new choice’ in politics
X
1998
31 May 1998
Thai Rak Thai Party established, offering ‘new choice’ in politics
Thai Rak Thai Party established, offering ‘new choice’ in politics.
Thailand first in Asia to approve Viagra sales
Thailand first in Asia to approve Viagra sales.
17 July 1998
First Starbucks coffee shop opens in Bangkok
First Starbucks coffee shop opens in Bangkok.
2000
Karen ‘God’s Army’ rebels seize Ratchaburi Hospital
Karen ‘God’s Army’ rebels seize Ratchaburi Hospital
X
2000
24 January 2000
Karen ‘God’s Army’ rebels seize Ratchaburi Hospital
Karen ‘God’s Army’ rebels seize Ratchaburi Hospital.
19 April 2000
New airport at Nong Ngu Hao tapped
New airport at Nong Ngu Hao tapped.
1 May 2000
‘Ghost buildings’, a reminder of the past
‘Ghost buildings’, a reminder of the past.
2002
20,000 Thai millionaires and rising
20,000 Thai millionaires and rising
X
2002
19 June 2002
20,000 Thai millionaires and rising
20,000 Thai millionaires and rising.
26 November 2002
‘Tongdaeng’ is a national sensation
‘Tongdaeng’ is a national sensation.
1 December 2002
Thousands of medical tourists flock to Thailand’s hospitals
Thousands of medical tourists flock to Thailand’s hospitals.
2004
Southern separatists increase attacks, martial law imposed in three border provinces
Southern separatists increase attacks, martial law imposed in three border provinces
X
2004
4 January 2004
Southern separatists increase attacks, martial law imposed in three border provinces
Southern separatists increase attacks, martial law imposed in three border provinces.
13 April 2004
Thousands rush to ride Bangkok’s first subway
Thousands rush to ride Bangkok’s first subway.
26 December 2004
OCEAN TSUNAMI, 8,000 killed in Thailand, 230,000 in region
OCEAN TSUNAMI, 8,000 killed in Thailand, 230,000 in region.
1997
Asian financial crisis
Asian financial crisis
X
1997
1 January 1997
Asian financial crisis
Asian financial crisis.
Cabinet rules Hopewell project hopeless
Cabinet rules Hopewell project hopeless.
11 October 1997
Hopes high as King approves ‘People’s constitution’ hailed as a new beginning for Thai democracy
Hopes high as King approves ‘People’s constitution’ hailed as a new beginning for Thai democracy.
1999
Sino-Thai relationship ‘getting healthier’
Sino-Thai relationship ‘getting healthier’
X
1999
2 September 1999
Sino-Thai relationship ‘getting healthier’
Sino-Thai relationship ‘getting healthier’.
1 October 1999
Burmese rebels storm Myanmar Embassy, taking 89 hostages
Burmese rebels storm Myanmar Embassy, taking 89 hostages.
Bangkok residents welcome SkyTrain, passengers struggle with unfamiliar systems
Bangkok residents welcome SkyTrain, passengers struggle with unfamiliar systems.
BTS opens its first rail
BTS opens its first rail.
2001
Child rebel leaders surrender in the jungle
Child rebel leaders surrender in the jungle
2003
Thai Embassy torched in Phnom Penh
Thai Embassy torched in Phnom Penh
2005
Thaksin wins by a landslide
Thaksin wins by a landslide
X
2005
6 February 2005
Thaksin wins by a landslide
Thaksin wins by a landslide.
12 April 2005
Government encourages use of alternative fuels
Government encourages use of alternative fuels.
18 November 2005
Anti-Thaksin drive building Sondhi goes mobile with graft-busting talk show
Anti-Thaksin drive building Sondhi goes mobile with graft-busting talk show.
2006 - 2015
2006
World’s monarchs pay tribute to King, country abuzz with celebrations to mark the 60th anniversary of HM’s accession
World’s monarchs pay tribute to King, country abuzz with celebrations to mark the 60th anniversary of HM’s accession
X
2006
9 June 2006
World’s monarchs pay tribute to King, country abuzz with celebrations to mark the 60th anniversary of HM’s accession
World’s monarchs pay tribute to King, country abuzz with celebrations to mark the 60th anniversary of HM’s accession.
19 September 2006
Coup topples Thaksin
Coup topples Thaksin.
28 September 2006
Suvarnabhumi Airport (finally) opens
Suvarnabhumi Airport (finally) opens.
2008
Kingdom mourns the loss of a princess
Kingdom mourns the loss of a princess
X
2008
2 January 2008
Kingdom mourns the loss of a princess
Kingdom mourns the loss of a princess.
Telegraph service closes after 133 years
Telegraph service closes after 133 years.
15 December 2008
Parliament elects Democrat leader Abhisit as prime minister
Parliament elects Democrat leader Abhisit as prime minister.
2010
Government bombs out
Government bombs out
2012
Tourism revival takes wing
Tourism revival takes wing
2007
‘Magical’ Jatukham talismans set off national craze
‘Magical’ Jatukham talismans set off national craze
X
2007
‘Magical’ Jatukham talismans set off national craze
‘Magical’ Jatukham talismans set off national craze.
31 May 2007
Thai Rak Thai disbanded, Democrats survive poll fraud charges
Thai Rak Thai disbanded, Democrats survive poll fraud charges.
1 November 2007
Demand for pink polo shirts soars
Demand for pink polo shirts soars.
2009
Nightclub blaze kills 66
Nightclub blaze kills 66
2011
Three army helicopters crash in one month
Three army helicopters crash in one month
X
2011
16 July 2011
Three army helicopters crash in one month
Three army helicopters crash in one month.
5 August 2011
Yingluck Shinawatra becomes the country’s first female leader
Yingluck Shinawatra becomes the country’s first female leader.
7 October 2011
Massive flooding in Bangkok and several provinces
Massive flooding in Bangkok and several provinces.
2013
Unstoppable increase in Chinese tourist numbers
Unstoppable increase in Chinese tourist numbers
2015
Commercial surrogacy banned
Commercial surrogacy banned
2016 - 2025
2016
Referendum for the new constitution
Referendum for the new constitution
X
2016
7 August 2016
Referendum for the new constitution
Referendum for the new constitution.
29 August 2016
Country’s new tallest building ‘Maha Nakorn’ opens
Country’s new tallest building ‘Maha Nakorn’ opens.
12 October 2016
Gross National Happiness Centre inaugurated
Gross National Happiness Centre inaugurated.
13 October 2016
Passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej
Passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
2018
Bupphaesannivas (Love Destiny) boosts vintage vibe
Bupphaesannivas (Love Destiny) boosts vintage vibe
X
2018
Bupphaesannivas (Love Destiny) boosts vintage vibe
Bupphaesannivas (Love Destiny) boosts vintage vibe.
2018
OR IPO journey makes SET history
OR IPO journey makes SET history.
11 July 2018
All Wild Boars saved
All Wild Boars saved.
30 September 2018
Dusit zoo closed and moved
Dusit zoo closed and moved.
2020
Curfew in place to combat Covid-19
Curfew in place to combat Covid-19
X
2020
3 April 2020
Curfew in place to combat Covid-19
Curfew in place to combat Covid-19.
21 May 2020
Thai Airways loses state enterprise status after stake sell-off, moves to sell Patong-go
Thai Airways loses state enterprise status after stake sell-off, moves to sell Patong-go .
4 August 2020
Green light to grow marijuana
Green light to grow marijuana.
2017
Yingluck’s great escape
Yingluck’s great escape
2019
Election under new charter results in 19 coalition parties
Election under new charter results in 19 coalition parties
X
2019
24 March 2019
Election under new charter results in 19 coalition parties
Election under new charter results in 19 coalition parties.
4 May 2019
Royal coronation of King Rama X, King sets out goals for reign
Royal coronation of King Rama X, King sets out goals for reign.
22 November 2019
Pope Francis visits Thailand, his compassion, humility wins over many Thais
Pope Francis visits Thailand, his compassion, humility wins over many Thais.
1 December 2019
Thailand hosts first FEI Championship in Asia
Thailand hosts first FEI Championship in Asia.
2021
Central Pattana celebrates 40 years of Growth & Sustainability
Central Pattana celebrates 40 years of Growth & Sustainability
X
2021
1 January 2021
Central Pattana celebrates 40 years of Growth & Sustainability
Central Pattana celebrates 40 years of Growth & Sustainability.
1 April 2021
Thailand crowned top durian exporter for 2021
Thailand crowned top durian exporter for 2021.
Covid-19 deadly third wave
Covid-19 deadly third wave.
1 May 2021
New rule makes GrabCar legal
New rule makes GrabCar legal.