Thailand to rename as Siam?

Despite changing its name from Siam in 1939, the South-East Asian nation of Thailand has reopened the name debate with a respected historian arguing for a return to the old name.

Dr Charnvit Kasetsiri, from Thammasat University in Bangkok, suggested the idea at a conference in Bangkok. He showed the 150 assembled academics a newly released video and argued the possibility of a name change in coming years.

The last name change took place during WWII after Rama VII abdicated from the throne in 1935, and the old institutions were linked with official nationalism, military dictatorship and racism.

Many now agree with Kasetsiri, and an online petition to rename the country has been launched.

Source: World Travel Guide