The Asian country recently known as Siam is Thailand. The name "Siam" was used until 1939, when the government officially changed it to Thailand, meaning "Land of the Free." This name change reflected a broader national identity aimed at promoting unity and independence, particularly during the rise of nationalism. Thailand has a unique history as it is the only Southeast Asian country to have never been colonized by a European power, maintaining its sovereignty while navigating geopolitical influences over the years.