Basics Population: 62 million Area: 517,000 square metres Currency: Baht (£1 = 71 Baht) Capital: Bangkok History The Mons were the first people to arrive in Thailand (or Siam as it was originally known) and they came from India. In the 11th and 12th centuries a whole range of people arrived from all directions and the Khmer began to rule. Soon after this the Thai people rebelled and an independent kingdom was formed. The capital at this point was Ayuthaya. Between the 16th and 18th centuries the Burmese invaded Siam several times. The city of Ayuthaya was destroyed before the Thais managed to kick the Burmese out and regain control. In 1782 Bangkok became the new capital. In 1939 Siam changed its name to Thailand. Since then there have been many presidents and governments, and the military have violently taken over several times.