The Kingdom of Siam

Siam was the old name for the country we now call Thailand. It is located in Southeast Asia. Siam is special because it was the only country in the region that was never colonized by a European power. Wise kings helped Siam stay independent by making smart agreements with other countries.

A Proud Kingdom

Siam had powerful kingdoms for hundreds of years. The capital of Ayutthaya was one of the largest cities in the world in the 1600s. After Ayutthaya was destroyed in a war, a new capital was built in Bangkok. The Grand Palace in Bangkok is still one of the most beautiful buildings in Asia.

Staying Independent

In the 1800s, European countries were colonizing most of Southeast Asia. Kings Mongkut and Chulalongkorn modernized Siam to keep it independent. They built railroads, schools, and a modern government. In 1939, the country changed its name from Siam to Thailand, which means "Land of the Free."

Fun Facts

• Thailand means "Land of the Free" and the country was never colonized.
• The ancient city of Ayutthaya once had over one million people.
• King Chulalongkorn abolished slavery in Siam and modernized the country.

Did You Know?

The movie "The King and I" is loosely based on the story of King Mongkut of Siam and an English teacher.