[heennaRaf]

Sorry about getting a bit carried away, I am not arguing that the history of the language exactly, I am familiar with the fact the Thai People's Language is in part from the Tai family of languages. I meant not to incinuate the language is Khmer. The only reason we apply the geographical histories is because that is the rock solid information we have to apply, and that is usally the way a countrie's origin's are defined. I too think it is far to one dimensional. But if someone were to ask what the American roots were what would your response be? Likely European. If one were to ask the Malaysian Origins what would the response be ? How about Canadian? In the world we live in wether we like it or not it all goes back to geography

As for the names Siam vs. Thailand..... I agree full-heartedly with the name being Siam. The name Thailand only represents beauty to those who alread know of the place. Rattling bones in the closet, yes possibly. Why rattle bones when the people wanted a fresh start and outlook though? My main point though is this is what the people less than a century ago why the sudden change back? I mean it has only been Thailand for less than 80 years. Or are you trying to say that this vote to change the name 70+ years ago was not a public opinion thing? Was it simply a political statement? I thought the people have seemed to become endeared to their name. Possibly even grown to feel honored by it?

No I do not remember the origins of the name America. Was it not named after the man who "discovered" South America? Enlighten me please