VI. The World Wars and the Interwar Period, 1914–1945 > G. South and Southeast Asia, 1914–1945 > 2. Southeast Asia > a. Mainland Southeast Asia > 2. Thailand (Siam) > 1934, Jan. 12
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  The Encyclopedia of World History.  2001.
 
 
1934, Jan. 12
 
The king left for a prolonged visit to Europe, from which he did not return.  1
 
1935, March 2
 
Abdication of King Prajadhipok, who was dissatisfied with the new regime and disagreed with the government over the execution of the counterrevolutionary leaders.  2
 
1935–46
 
ANANDA MAHIDOL, the ten-year-old nephew of Prajadhipok, became king, and a council of regency, headed by Prince Aditya Dibabha, was set up on his behalf. The young ruler was being educated in Europe and did not even visit his kingdom until Nov. 1938. Meanwhile the country was governed by a triumvirate consisting of the prime minister (Phya Bahol Sena), the minister of defense (Col. Luang Phibun Songgram), and the foreign minister (Luang Pradit).  3
 
1938–44
 
First government under popular Col. Phibun, who strongly espoused Thai (not just Siamese) nationalism. In a world context in which the ultranationalist and militarized state of Japan was seen as very attractive (alliance, 1941—see (See Dec. 21)), Siamese politics turned to the right, glorifying the army and national values while attacking Western culture and imperialism. The name of the kingdom was changed to Thailand to reflect territorial claims and nationalist identity (reverted briefly to Siam, 1945–47).  4
 
1941, Dec. 21
 
Thailand concluded a ten-year treaty of alliance with Japan.  5
 
1942, Jan. 25
 
Thailand declared war on Great Britain and the U.S. (See Thailand)  6
 
 
 
The Encyclopedia of World History, Sixth edition. Peter N. Stearns, general editor. Copyright © 2001 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Maps by Mary Reilly, copyright © 2001 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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