Etymology

The country's official name was Siam (Thai: สยาม; IPA: [saˈjaːm], RTGS: Sayam) until 24 June1939. It was again called Siam between 1945 and May 11, 1949, when it was once more changed by official proclamation. The word Thai (ไทย) is derived from the word Tai (ไท) meaning "freedom" in the Thai language and is also the name of the majority ethnic group.

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