Westernization in Siam

Westernization in Siam (modern-day Thailand) refers to the process during the late 19th and early 20th centuries when the country adopted Western ideas, technology, customs, and institutions. This included modernizing the government, education, military, and infrastructure, often influenced by European and American models. Siam's leaders aimed to strengthen the nation and avoid colonization by embracing some Western practices while maintaining their cultural identity. This gradual transformation helped Siam modernize rapidly, balancing tradition with new ideas to become a more politically and economically stable state.