ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Thailand in World War II

During World War II, Thailand was a country in Asia that was ruled by a king named King Rama VIII. At the time, Thailand was friendly with Japan, which was one of the countries that were fighting against other countries in the war.

Even though Thailand was not directly involved in the war, Japan wanted to use Thailand's territory to attack other countries. So, in 1941, Japanese troops were allowed to enter Thailand and use their territory for military purposes.

This made the western countries, including the United States, very upset. They believed that Thailand was helping Japan in the war, which made them an enemy too.

However, in 1944, the King of Thailand decided to change sides and break off their relationship with Japan. Thailand then joined the Allies, which were the countries fighting against Japan and its allies.

The King hoped that this would help protect his country from the devastation of war and help Thailand regain its independence after the war.

So, Thailand played a small but important role in World War II by changing sides and supporting the Allies in the end.