Thailand emerged as a kingdom in the 13th Century and by the late 17th century its capital, then Ayudhya, was the largest city in Southeast Asia. In 1767, Burmese invaders destroyed the city. In 1782, the present Chakri dynasty and a new capital, Bangkok, were founded.
* 1855 King Mongut signs Bowring trade treaty with British ╨ Thailand never colonized by Europeans.
* 1868-1910 King Chulalongkorn westenizes Thailand. Laos and Cambodia, taken by Thailand 1824-1851, ceded to France.
* 1980-1988 Gen. Prem Tinsulanond Prime Minister. Partial democracy restored. Center-right coalition.
* 1988 Elections. Gen. Chatichai Choonhaven, right-wing CT leader, is prime minister.
* 1991 Military accuses governmnet of corruption and takes over in coup. Civilian Anand Panyarachun is caretaker premier.
* 1992 Elections. Gen. Suchinda named premier. Demonstrations. King forces Suchinda to step down and reinstalls Anand. September: moderates win new elections.
* 1995 Prime minister Chuan Leekpai dissolves parliament after allegations of corruption in the government land reform program. New elections to be held in July.