History of Thailand (1932–1973)

Early 20th-century Siam/Thailand
Early 20th-century Siam/Thailand
24 June 1932 – 14 October 1973
	King Prajadhipok signing the 1932 Constitution of Thailand on 10 December 1932
Monarch(s)	Prajadhipok (Rama VII); Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII); Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX);
Leader(s)	Manopakorn Nitithada; Phahon Phonphayuhasena; Plaek Phibunsongkhram; Khuang Aphaiwong; Thawi Bunyaket; Seni Pramoj; Pridi Banomyong; Thawan Thamrongnawasawat; Pote Sarasin; Thanom Kittikachorn; Sarit Thanarat;
Key events	Siamese revolution; April 1933 coup; June 1933 coup; Boworadet Rebellion; Rebellion of the Sergeants; Songsuradet rebellion; Franco-Thai War; Japanese invasion; World War II; Cultural restoration; 1947 coup; 1948 coup; Korean War; Army General Staff plot; Palace Rebellion; Manhattan Rebellion; Silent Coup; 1957 coup; 1958 coup; Vietnam War; Communist insurgency; 1971 coup; 14 October uprising;
Rattanakosin period	Late 20th century

The history of Thailand from 1932 to 1973 was dominated by military dictatorships which were in power for much of the period. The main personalities of the period were the dictator Plaek Phibunsongkhram, who allied the country with Japan during the Second World War, and the civilian politician Pridi Banomyong, who founded Thammasat University and was briefly prime minister after the war.

A succession of military dictators followed Pridi's ouster—Phibun again, Sarit Thanarat, then Thanom Kittikachorn—under whom traditional, authoritarian rule was combined with increasing modernisation and Westernisation under the influence of the United States. The end of the period was marked by Thanom's resignation, following a massacre of pro-democracy protesters led by Thammasat University students.

From 1939 (excluding a few months in 1946), the official name of Thailand was changed from the Kingdom of Siam to the Kingdom of Thailand, which is still the official name of Thailand today.