1000 AD: The Tai people began migration to Thailand. Most of them migrated from China. When they got to Thailand, the Mon and Khmer peoples were already there so the Tai adopted much of their culture. That included Buddhism.

1511 AD: First European contact. Portuguese, Dutch, English, Spanish, and French traders first come to Southeast Asia. The Tai were concerned that the foreign contact would badly influence their culture so they limited relations in 1688 AD.

1939 � 1945 AD: World War II. In 1941, Japan invades Thailand. Thailand tries to resist but gives in and Japan gains control of the country. With the help of some allied nations, Thailand manages to win back Thailand in 1942.

1944 � 1947 AD: Opposition to communism. During the Cold War, the United States provides Thailand with economical help and their ties become closer. The United States stationed military bases in Thailand and started ASEAN � Association of South East Asian Nations.

1973 AD: Democracy gains some power. Some students lead a revolt against the totalitarian dictatorship. Although some elections are run democratically afterwards, it is still controlled by the nation�s military.