Siam Passport 1947 – When Siam Became Thailand

Brief History Siam Thailand Passport

Around a thousand years ago, people who spoke a language from the Tai group settled in what is now Thailand. The Sanskrit word syam is where the name Siam originated. The Portuguese used it starting in the sixteenth century, and it eventually became a widely used geographical term. Kingdoms came and went, but starting in the 1780s, the Bangkok-based Chakri dynasty reigned over all of Siam. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, they expanded their dominion into portions of current Laos, Cambodia, and Malaya, but they were compelled to cede those lands to the French. Siam Thailand Passport

A radical People’s Party was founded in 1927. One of its founders was an army officer by the name of Phibun (full name Luang Phibunsongkhram), who in 1932 assisted in leading a coup against the Chakri King and installed a government with a parliament that was more like western democracy. The monarchy continued, but Phibun became the dictator in 1938. He renamed the nation Thailand and was a fervent nationalist and modernizer.

Phibun’s resolve to modernize his people while also highlighting their distinctive individuality led to the transformation. The motto “Thailand for the Thai,” was an anti-Chinese action. There were many profitable Chinese enterprises and numerous Chinese people living there, but Phibun reduced Chinese immigration and established Thai firms with government support while restricting the use of Mandarin in Chinese schools to just two hours per week. Phibun mandated that Thais dress in Western-style, including caps, and Thailand adopted the Western calendar while also creating a new flag and national anthem. Siam Thailand Passport

Siam-Thailand-Siam, and back

In 1939, a decree was issued renaming the country from “Siam” to “Thailand”. After the war, on September 7, 1945, the new civilian-led government announced the restoration of the country’s English name to Siam. At that time, Thailand was engaged in challenging negotiations with the British, who regarded Thailand as an enemy power. The name change aimed to dissociate the new government from its nationalist predecessor.

Post-war Siam faced severe difficulties, grappling with widespread shortages of essential commodities. The government struggled to maintain support, culminating in a military coup d’état in November 1947. Remarkably, just five months later, Phibun Songkhram orchestrated one of the most extraordinary political comebacks, returning as Prime Minister.

During his second term, Phibun styled himself as a champion of democracy, securing support from the United States amid the burgeoning Cold War. However, he also reinstated anti-Chinese campaigns and pursued a policy of nationalizing key industries. Reflecting these policies, the country’s name was once again changed to Thailand on May 11, 1949.

The Passport

Siam was officially renamed Thailand on June 23, 1939, and once again on September 7, 1945, until May 11, 1949.

This passport, therefore, represents a rare issue from the second modern Siam period. Issued in Bangkok in February 1947 to a couple, the passport was valid for two years and features a hardcover. Unlike the earlier Siam types, which typically had soft covers, this later version is distinctly more robust.

Thai Passport – Rear Admiral Kulkamthorn

 

Tom Topol | Passport History Expert & Author.
Featured in media incl. CNN, BBC, Newsweek. Awarded by the U.S. Department of State.
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