The early Tai people migrated south from Southern China called Tai into the region that is now Thailand, Laos and the Shan hills of eastern Burma between 2000 and 1000 years ago.  They were joined with the Khmer people from the east and with the Sumatrans from the South.  For some time the people lived in groups and the first kingdom, Kingdom of Sukhothai, was founded in the thirteenth century B. C.In 1350, King Uthong established a new capital at Ayudhya. A new dynasty was founded and Sukhothai became a tribunal state.   Ayudhaya served as a capital of Siam (as the country was called until 1932) for about 400 years. During Ayudhaya period, Siam fell to the Burmese power twice. After the first time, Ayudhaya was restored as the capital of the country. However, after the Burmese's second successful invasion, Ayudhaya was destroyed beyond recovery. A new capital city was established in Thon Buri by King Taksin.    After his death, King Rama the first of Chakri dynasty moved the capital city across Chaopraya river to Bangkok.  The present king of Thailand is King Bhumibol, Rama the ninth.  In the 19th century, Siam remained independent by deftly playing off one European power against another. In 1932, a peaceful coup converted the country into a constitutional monarchy, and in 1939 Siam became Thailand. During WW II, the Thai government allowed Japanese troops to occupy Thailand. In the 19th century, Siam remained independent by deftly playing off one European power against another. In 1932, a peaceful coup converted the country into a constitutional monarchy, and in 1939 Siam became Thailand. During WW II, the Thai government allowed Japanese troops to occupy Thailand.  .In 1979 democratic elections were held and Thailand has experienced a long period of stability and prosperity as power shifted from the military to the business elite.  This has led to corruption and buying of power. Genuine attempts to weed out corruption seem underway, but the poor of Thailand are agitating for more reforms.