Introduction to Thailand Part 2
UNDERSTANDING THAILAND-PART TWO
How Siam Became Thailand
Thailand was known by the name Siam—from the Sanskrit word Syama, meaning ‘dark’ or ‘brown’ until 1939, when it was changed to Thailand. In the Thai language, Thailand is “Prathet Thai,” which means Land of the Free. It returned to Siam shortly after the Second World War but became Thailand again in 1949.
The Flag of Siam
When Thailand was Siam, the flag used was a red-based flag with a white elephant. This was from the mid-19th century until 1916. The elephant flag was replaced in 1916 with a white & red horizontally striped flag. That flag was modified in 1917, when blue was added, Thailand’s national colour.
The flag from 1917 is still being used to this day. The Thai flag is known locally as Thong Trairong, which means “tricolor flag .”It was selected on 28 September 1917 after King Rama VI declared a royal decree.
The Flag of Thailand
Thong Trairong comprises five horizontal stripes using red, white, blue, white, and red. The central blue line is twice as broad as the other four. The colours represent nation-religion-king: red for the land and people, white for Theravada Buddhism (the principal religion of Thailand), and blue for the monarchy.
Thailand shares boundaries with Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, and Myanmar. Although neither China nor Vietnam borders Thailand, their territories are within 100 km of the regions of Thailand.
Thailand’s Geography and Climate
The southwestern shoreline of Thailand meets the Andaman Sea of the Indian Ocean to the west. The south-central coast and the eastern coastline of the Malay Peninsula border the Gulf of Thailand (formerly the Gulf of Siam) of the Pacific Ocean.
Thailand’s Thailand’s tropical climate only has three central seasons, not four. The hot season is March into May, the rainy season is June into September, and the cold season is October into February. However, don’t be deceived by the terms “Cold” and “Rainy” a cold day in Thailand would be summertime for many other nations.
The capital city, Bangkok, is one of the planet’s hottest cities; Bangkok has an annual mean air temperature of around 28°C. The months from March into May are the hottest, with 35°C + days with 90 percent humidity.
However, Thailand’s climate changes according to location. In the mountains of the North, the nights can be cold during December plus January. In October, flooding will likely occur throughout Thailand, particularly in Bangkok.
In the South of Thailand, the climate is different on each coast. The southwestern coast endures the monsoon between May and October, while there are abundant rainfalls from October to December on the eastern side.
FAQ’s
What does Siam mean in Thai?
Siam is derived from the Sanskrit word Syama, meaning ‘dark’ or ‘brown.’
What is King Rama IX known for?
King Rama IX reformed many areas of Thai society and is known as "The Father of Science and Technology" in Thailand.
Why did Siam Change its name to Thailand?
In 1927 a radical People’s Party was assembled. One of its originators was an army officer named Phibun (his full name was Luang Phibunsongkhram).
In 1932, he assisted a coup against the Chakri king and set up a government closer to a Western-style democracy with a parliament. The monarchy prevailed, but in 1938 Phibun took charge as a dictator. A fierce nationalist and modernizer, he changed the country’s name to Thailand.
The change was part of Phibun’s resolution to carry his people into the modern world and simultaneously accentuate their unique identity.
Relevant
Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/teacher-training-program-thailand to read about Meaningful Work and Travel Teaching Positions starting in May 2023 with teacher training in April 2023.
Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/seasons-in-thailand-explained to read about the seasons in Thailand.
Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/the-complete-guide-to-the-thai-alphabet to read about the structure of the Thai alphabet, plus some tips on how to learn Thai.
Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/laosvisaguide to read a detailed guide for completing a visa run to Savannakhet, Laos.
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