Siam or Thailand (with English subtitles)

[Bamboo Grove]

Could this be similar to Burma or Myanmar?

[JimmyGreaves]

Yes roll on Siam, I can tell all my mates I live in Siam without the sniedy remarks

[Pleng]

I didn't watch the video, sorry (it's like 13 minutes long), but what I understand is this:

Siam is the ye'olde name for Thailand. Thais themselves do not refer to Thailand as Siam unless they are talking about the country in the past. If you were to refer to the country in a present tense as Siam in conversation they would be confused and probably not know which country you were talking about.

Thailand is the international name and accepted name when talking in English.

When talking of Thailand in the Thai language itself you would use "prateat Thai" or "meung Thai"

[Bamboo Grove]

You should watch the video as there are Thai people explaining their point of view why the name change happened (during the military dictatorship are) and why it should or should not be returned to Siam.
Some claim that the name Siam would cover all the nationalities living in Thailand (like the junta in Burma/Myanmar claimed Myanmar would do) and thus be more acceptable for all. I'm not saying this is my point of view nor vice versa, I just found the interviews very interesting.

[Nereus]

Could this be similar to Burma or Myanmar?

Not sure what your point is here Bamboo Grove, but whatever, it is interesting.
Both countries have had their name changed by a military dictator, although there may be different reasons behind it with each country. I think that a very valid point made in the video is racism. But the present day Thais would be the last to admit to being racist! Just as the biggest part of the modern population would not have a clue who Pibun(sp) was.

[Braveheart]

Thanks for that, I knew Thailand was previously known as Siam but knew nothing of the story behind the change of name,Very interesting video.

[STEVE G]

I can't imagine the average Bangkok Thai liking this connotation:

"Also spelled Siem, Syâm or Syâma, it has been identified with the Sanskrit Śyâma (श्याम, meaning "dark" or "brown")."

[Bamboo Grove]

Nereus wrote:

Not sure what your point is here Bamboo Grove

What I'm trying to say is: how similar the events in Burma/Myanmar and Siam/Thailand have been, although, for opposite reasons from the point of view of those who wanted and did change the names.

The junta in Burma said that "Myanmar" would suit better to cover all the nationalities living in the country, not only the Burmese and Phibool wanted to emphisize the Thai nationality over the others.in a nationalist era.