User:Cj pim/sandbox/Westernization of Thailand

The Westernization of Thailand

Siam began to feel the tightening noose of the colonial powers when its neighboring countries were slowly being taken by opposing powers, with Vietnam, Burma, Laos and Malaysia all being colonized by different powers at the time the threat of colonization was very real even though Thailand was seen as a buffer between opposing powers at the time. Under the reign of King Chulalogkorn, Thailand began to rapidly modernize in order to keep up with the western world. By adopting Western practices, technology and organizational structures the Kingdom of Siam was able to demonstrate to the Western colonial powers of its ability to progress into the Western world without intervention from anyone else.

King Rama V
Also known as King Chulalongkorn is seen as one of the most defining monarchs in thailand's history. His progressive thinking ways helped saved Thailand from European colonial rule, which is something that many Thais today are very proud of.