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Siamese

Siamese may refer to people, things, or concepts related to Siam, the former name of until , particularly its central region and dominant ethnic group. The term also applies to various species, medical conditions, and modern concepts named after it.

Origins and Historical Context

Etymology and Historical Name for Thailand

The term "Siamese" originated as an adjectival form of "Siam," the historical exonym for the kingdom of Thailand, first appearing in English around the 1690s. It derives from the Thai name Sayam, which traces back to the Sanskrit word śyāma (or syam), meaning "dark" or "brown," likely referring to the skin color of the people or the land itself. Portuguese traders adopted "Siam" in the 16th century as the standard geographical term during their early contacts with the region, including the arrival of diplomat Duarte Fernandes at the Ayutthaya court in 1511, marking the beginning of sustained European trade relations. This name quickly spread through European maps, such as those produced by Portuguese cartographers, and trade records documenting commerce in spices, textiles, and timber from the 1500s onward. A pivotal early use of "Siamese" in English appears in the 1693 publication A New Historical Relation of the Kingdom of Siam by Simon de la Loubère, based on his 1686–1687 embassy to the Siamese under Narai. La Loubère's account, one of the most detailed European descriptions of the kingdom at the time, employed "Siamese" to describe the people, , and , influencing subsequent and . The term "Siam" remained the official international name for the country until 24 June 1939, when Plaek decreed a change to "" (meaning "") as part of a broader nationalist campaign to emphasize ethnic Thai identity and modernization. Despite the 1939 renaming, "Siam" and "Siamese" persisted in English-language usage and some official contexts well into the mid-20th century, partly due to a brief reversion to "Siam" from 1945 to 1949 following , when Allied powers pressured the pro-Japanese Thai government to restore the former name as a wartime penalty. This temporary change, along with lingering references in historical treaties and diplomatic records—such as those tied to pre-war boundaries like the 1909 Anglo-Siamese Treaty—helped maintain "Siamese" as a descriptor for the people and pre-1939 history even after the permanent adoption of "Thailand" in 1949.

Ayutthaya Kingdom and Siamese Identity

The , a pivotal Siamese realm, was established in 1351 by King Ramathibodi I (also known as ), who unified scattered Thai principalities in the basin and declared the capital. Ramathibodi I, reigning until 1369, consolidated power by promulgating early legal codes, the kingdom's foundational framework blending local customs with Indian-influenced principles, which reinforced monarchical authority. Over the subsequent centuries, Ayutthaya expanded into a major Southeast Asian power, controlling trade routes and territories from the to the frontiers, with its population swelling to over a million by the through and conquest. The kingdom endured until its destruction in 1767, spanning more than four centuries marked by prosperity and recurrent conflicts. Key events, particularly the protracted Siamese-Burmese wars, profoundly shaped Ayutthaya's political landscape and the external perception of its inhabitants as "Siamese." The first major Burmese incursion occurred in 1548 under King , who besieged Ayutthaya with a but withdrew after a month-long failure due to logistical strains. Subsequent invasions by in 1563–1564 and 1568–1569 led to temporary Burmese occupations, forcing Ayutthaya into status with annual payments of silver and elephants, though Siamese resilience allowed recovery and independence by the early . contacts began in the with Portuguese traders arriving in 1511, followed by and English merchants, who documented the kingdom as "Siam" and its people as Siamese, a term derived from external that solidified in diplomatic records amid growing trade in , deer hides, and spices. The kingdom's fall came in April 1767 after a 14-month by Burmese Konbaung forces under King , resulting in the sacking and burning of the capital, mass enslavement, and the dispersal of its court, which fragmented Siamese political unity. Siamese identity during the Ayutthaya period coalesced around Theravada Buddhism, a centralized , and expansive networks, forging a distinct cultural and political ethos. Buddhism, introduced via Sri Lankan lineages from the 13th century and formalized as the under Ramathibodi I in 1360, permeated governance and society, with royal patronage of monasteries reinforcing the king's role as a (righteous ruler) and integrating ethical precepts into law and rituals. The evolved into an absolutist system by the , drawing on devaraja concepts where the king embodied cosmic order, supported by a of nobles and slaves that centralized control over resources and . networks with , initiated in the through tributary missions exchanging ceramics and for Siamese forest products, and with via maritime routes carrying spices and textiles, bolstered economic vitality and cultural syncretism, embedding cosmopolitan elements into Siamese elite identity. Following Ayutthaya's collapse, Siamese revival occurred under the , founded in 1782 by General Chakri (Rama I), who expelled Burmese forces and relocated the capital to , inaugurating the Rattanakosin Kingdom as a direct . 's reign emphasized restoration of Ayutthayan traditions, including legal codes and Buddhist institutions, to rebuild national cohesion amid refugee influxes and regional threats. The retention of "Siam" in international persisted through the 19th and early 20th centuries, as evidenced in treaties with powers and , preserving the historical exonym while internally cultivating a unified Thai-Siamese heritage under Chakri rule.

People and Society

Siamese Ethnicity and Demographics

The Siamese, also known as the Central Thai, constitute one of the major ethnic subgroups in , forming a core part of the nation's in the central region. Historically, "Siamese" referred to the broader Thai population, but in modern ethnic classifications, it specifically denotes the Central Thai. They represent approximately 37% of 's total population, estimated at around 26.5 million individuals as of 2025 based on the ' overall population estimate of 71.6 million. This ethnic group traces its roots to the , who speak languages from the Kra-Dai family and have historically shaped the political and social fabric of the central region. The historical formation of the Siamese ethnicity involved migrations of groups from southern into between the 10th and 13th centuries, driven by political pressures during the late and dynasties. Upon arrival, these migrants blended with indigenous Mon-Khmer (Austroasiatic) and populations, resulting in a multifaceted ethnic profile through intermarriage and . Genetic studies from the , including analyses of and autosomal markers, confirm this admixture, revealing significant Austroasiatic contributions in modern Thai genomes alongside Tai-Kadai ancestry. In contemporary , the Siamese population exhibits a pronounced urban-rural divide, with about 52% residing in urban areas as of recent data, though many remain concentrated in rural rice-growing regions of the central plains. Major population centers include , home to over 17 million in its metropolitan region, and the basin, which supports roughly 40% of the national population due to its fertile agricultural lands and economic hubs. Beyond , the Thai diaspora (including Central Thai) numbers an estimated 1 to 1.5 million globally, with significant communities in the United States (approximately 340,000), (around 80,000 Thai-born), and various European countries (over 100,000 combined), often comprising professionals, students, and family migrants. Cultural markers of Siamese identity include the widespread adoption of unique family following the 1913 Surname Act promulgated by King Vajiravudh (Rama VI), which mandated surnames for all Thai subjects to foster national unity and administrative efficiency. This reform distinguished Siamese households by creating over a million distinct surnames, many reflecting , , or aspirational themes, and remains a key identifier in modern and .

Cultural Practices and Traditions

Theravada permeates daily life in Siamese society, serving as the dominant religious framework that influences personal conduct, social interactions, and community events. Merit-making, or tam bun, is a core practice where individuals accumulate spiritual merit through acts of generosity, such as offering food to s during daily alms rounds or donating to , believed to improve one's karma and future rebirths. This ritual reinforces social hierarchies and communal bonds, with activities ranked by perceived spiritual value, from ordaining a son as a to funding construction. Iconic architecture exemplifies this devotion; in , built in 1782, houses the revered and features ornate gables, gilded chedis, and intricate murals depicting , symbolizing royal patronage and national identity. Traditional arts reflect Siamese cultural heritage through expressive forms that blend spirituality, history, and craftsmanship. , a masked dance-drama, originated in the as part of Brahmanical ceremonies honoring deities like , evolving into a courtly performance that narrates episodes from the epic using stylized gestures, elaborate costumes, and orchestral accompaniment without dialogue. , the martial art known as the "art of eight limbs," traces its roots to the 13th-century , where soldiers developed unarmed combat techniques using fists, elbows, knees, and shins during warfare, later formalized as a national sport under King Rama V in the late . Silk weaving, practiced since at least the among Tai-Kadai communities, employs techniques like mat mii (weft ), where threads are tie-dyed before weaving to create intricate geometric patterns, often in royal workshops for ceremonial garments. Festivals highlight Siamese traditions by merging religious observance with seasonal rites. , the celebrated in mid-April, stems from ancient astrological traditions marking the sun's entry into , adapted through and agricultural rituals to include water pouring on images for purification and communal water fights symbolizing renewal. , held during the full moon of the 12th lunar month, involves floating lotus-shaped baskets (krathong) on waterways to pay homage to the water goddess Phra Mae Kong Kha and release misfortunes, with origins in pre- animist beliefs about appeasing river spirits, later infused with elements. Gender roles and family structures in Siamese culture exhibit patriarchal norms characteristic of the central regions. Historically, royal courts maintained harem systems where consorts and secondary wives supported the king's and political alliances, expanding elite networks through children who could ascend to power. In contemporary central rural areas, remain multigenerational and patriarchal at the core, deferring to senior males, though women's roles as caregivers and economic contributors underscore their integral status.

Language and Linguistics

Thai Language as Siamese

The , historically known as Siamese, is classified as a member of the Kra-Dai , which encompasses languages spoken primarily in and southern . This designation reflects its origins within the Southwestern branch, with "Siamese" serving as the colonial-era term specifically for the Central Thai dialect spoken in the region and central plains, a usage that persisted until the mid-20th century when efforts unified it as the national variety of Thai. The shift from "Siamese" to "Thai" aligned with broader reforms following the renaming of the country from Siam to , emphasizing linguistic unity across ethnic groups. The Thai script, an abugida derived from the Khmer script with influences from the Mon script, was finalized in the 13th century during the Sukhothai Kingdom under King Ramkhamhaeng the Great, who is credited with its invention around 1283 to promote literacy and administration. This script features 44 consonants, 15 basic vowel symbols that combine to form 32 vowel sounds, and a tonal marking system distinguishing five tones—mid, low, falling, high, and rising—which are essential for conveying meaning in this monosyllabic, analytic language. The development marked a departure from earlier Brahmic influences, adapting rounded forms for easier carving on palm leaves while retaining phonetic principles from its Khmer and Mon antecedents. Standardization of the intensified in the through efforts by the Royal Institute of Thailand, established in 1933, which undertook orthographic and lexical reforms in the 1940s to codify grammar, vocabulary, and spelling amid nationalist policies promoting linguistic homogeneity. A key milestone was State Convention 9 in 1940, which formally declared Central Thai the , reinforcing its use in , media, and while marginalizing regional dialects. Today, Thai holds the status of 's sole , mandated for , schooling, and official documentation, ensuring its dominance in a multilingual . The lexicon of Thai incorporates significant loanwords from and , introduced via and Indian cultural exchanges, accounting for over half of its formal and religious vocabulary, alongside Chinese borrowings from centuries of trade and migration that enriched terms in , , and daily life. As of 2025, Thai has approximately 70 million native speakers worldwide, primarily in but also in diaspora communities across and beyond, underscoring its role as a vital medium for literature and cultural expression.

Dialects and Linguistic Features

The , known historically as Siamese, exhibits significant regional variation across its major dialects, which are primarily distinguished by , historical influences, and phonological patterns. The Central Thai dialect serves as the standard form, spoken in the capital and surrounding areas, and forms the basis for formal education, media, and government communication. In contrast, the Northern Thai dialect, also called Lanna, is prevalent in the northern regions and reflects influences from ancient Lanna kingdom scripts and vocabulary, often featuring distinct lexical items for local flora, fauna, and cultural concepts. The Northeastern Thai dialect, known as , is spoken by approximately 15-20 million people in the region and shows strong linguistic influences, including shared vocabulary for and daily life. The Southern Thai dialect, found in the southern provinces, incorporates a substrate, resulting in unique terms related to coastal and trade activities, as well as altered patterns. These dialects differ notably in tonal systems and vocabulary. Central Thai employs five tones—mid, low, high, falling, and rising—while Northern Thai and Isan dialects typically feature six tones, with an additional distinction in falling tones that can alter word meanings. For instance, distinguishes between a short falling tone and a long falling tone not present in Central Thai, affecting lexical comprehension across regions. Southern Thai maintains five tones but exhibits mergers and splits influenced by Mon-Khmer and elements, leading to variations like the replacement of certain Central Thai aspirates with fricatives. Vocabulary divergences are evident in everyday terms; for example, "water" is "nám" in Central Thai but "nám" with a different and regional synonyms like "dâo" in Southern dialects for specific contexts. Phonologically, all Thai dialects share core features such as the phonemic distinction between aspirated and unaspirated stops (e.g., /pʰ/ in "phǒɔ" for "want" versus /p/ in "bòt" for "temple"), which is crucial for meaning differentiation. Word-final consonant clusters are absent, with only unreleased stops (/p/, /t/, /k/) or nasals (/m/, /n/, /ŋ/) permitted in coda position, simplifying syllable structure compared to languages like English. A hallmark grammatical feature is the numeral classifier system, which categorizes nouns by shape, function, or animacy when quantified. For example, rivers are counted using the classifier "sǎi" (line or thread), as in "mɛ̂ɛ-nám sǎi nùŋ" meaning "one river," emphasizing conceptual grouping over direct enumeration. Sociolinguistically, Thai displays , with a formal "high" variety (book Thai or phâasǎa rûuak) used in writing, official speeches, and education, contrasting with colloquial "low" varieties in casual conversation. This is exacerbated in regional contexts, where Central Thai holds as a symbol of national unity and , while dialects like function in informal domains to foster community solidarity. In , for instance, speakers often code-switch between the two, with Central Thai dominating formal settings (over 90% usage) and Isan preferred among peers (around 80%). since the 2000s has introduced numerous English loanwords, particularly in technology and commerce (e.g., "" as "ʔì-nə-tən" and "computer" as "kʰɔm-phʉu-tə-ʔə"), adapted via to enhance comprehension and reflecting Thailand's integration into global networks. Preservation efforts for these dialects have gained momentum amid concerns over toward Central Thai, particularly in and urban migration. In communities, intergenerational transmission is challenged by the prestige of Central Thai, leading to initiatives like bilingual programs to maintain regional identity. While not globally classified as endangered by , localized studies highlight as "threatened" in displaced or rural settings due to pressures, prompting cultural through and festivals in the .

Biology and Named Species

Siamese Cat Breed

The Siamese cat breed originated in ancient (formerly Siam), with depictions in 14th- to 18th-century manuscripts such as the Tamra Maew, where it was revered as a guardian and companion. The breed was first exported to the West in the late 1800s, with a pair arriving in the in 1884 as a gift to the British Consul-General's sister, and the first arriving in the United States in 1879 as a gift to the wife of . Named after its country of origin, the Siamese gained popularity in and for its exotic appearance, leading to formal recognition by the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) in 1906. Siamese cats are characterized by a slender, elegant body with a long, tubular frame, fine bones, and firm muscles, typically weighing 8-12 pounds for adults. They feature a wedge-shaped head, large ears, and striking almond-shaped blue eyes that convey alertness. The breed's signature colorpoint coat pattern—lighter body fur with darker points on the ears, face, paws, and tail—results from a temperature-sensitive form of partial albinism caused by a mutation in the tyrosinase (TYR) gene, specifically the cs allele, which produces pigment only in cooler body areas like the extremities. This cs allele is inherited in a recessive manner, requiring homozygous expression for the pointed pattern. CFA breeding standards emphasize traditional pointed colors: seal (dark brown-black points), chocolate (milk chocolate points), blue (dilute black points), and lilac (dilute chocolate points), with the short, glossy coat lying close to the body and requiring minimal grooming. Known for their vocal, social, and playful temperament, Siamese cats form strong bonds with owners, often following them around and communicating through distinctive meows and chirps. They thrive on interaction and mental stimulation, making them unsuitable for neglectful environments, and have an average lifespan of 15 years, with many reaching their 20s under proper care. Health-wise, Siamese are prone to hereditary issues, including dental problems like and , necessitating regular veterinary dental cleanings. They also face a higher risk of familial , a genetic condition involving abnormal protein deposits in organs such as the liver and kidneys, which can lead to failure in young adults aged 1-5 years. Responsible breeding focuses on screening for these traits to maintain the breed's vitality.

Siamese Fighting Fish

The Siamese fighting fish, scientifically known as Betta splendens, is a species of freshwater fish native to the shallow waters of central Thailand and the lower Mekong River basin, historically part of the region known as Siam. This labyrinth fish belongs to the Anabantoidei suborder, characterized by a specialized suprabranchial organ, or labyrinth apparatus, that enables aerial respiration by extracting oxygen directly from the air, allowing survival in low-oxygen environments like stagnant ponds and flooded rice fields. Domestication began in Thailand during the 18th and 19th centuries, when the fish were selectively bred for their aggressive fighting traits and staged in matches that became a national pastime, leading to their export as ornamental species by the late 19th century. Physically, B. splendens males are distinguished by their vibrant, iridescent scales in , green, red, or maroon, along with elongated , anal, and caudal fins that can extend dramatically during displays, while females typically have shorter fins and duller coloration. This supports their reproductive behavior, where males construct floating bubble nests from saliva-coated air bubbles on the water surface to house fertilized eggs, guarding them aggressively until the fry hatch and become free-swimming. Male aggression stems from strong territorial instincts, evolved to defend nesting sites and resources in their natural, densely vegetated habitats, often resulting in fierce confrontations with intruders that can lead to injury or death if not separated. Through extensive commercial , particularly in and export hubs, B. splendens has diversified into numerous varieties, including the halfmoon with its 180-degree fanned tail and the crowntail featuring elongated, spiky fin rays for enhanced visual appeal. These selectively bred forms dominate the global trade, where betta fish represent a key segment of the ornamental , contributing to an industry valued at approximately USD 7.17 billion in 2025. In , this trade ties into cultural traditions of fish fighting and appreciation, though modern emphasizes over combat. Wild populations of B. splendens face significant threats from habitat degradation, including the conversion and of rice paddies and shallow wetlands due to agricultural intensification and in and neighboring countries. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified the species as Vulnerable since its 2011 assessment (as of version 2025-1), citing ongoing declines from these pressures despite robust captive populations that sustain the pet industry. Conservation efforts focus on protecting remaining natural habitats and promoting sustainable wild collection to prevent further erosion of .

Medical and Human Anatomy

Conjoined Twins (Siamese Twins)

Conjoined twins, also known as Siamese twins, are monozygotic twins who remain physically connected after birth due to incomplete separation during embryonic development, specifically when the embryonic disk cleaves more than 13 days after fertilization, resulting in shared body parts and often a single and . This rare condition occurs in approximately 1 in 50,000 to 200,000 live births worldwide, with about 60% of cases resulting in and a female-to-male ratio of 3:1. Common types include thoracopagus, where twins are joined at the chest (accounting for about 18.5% of cases), and craniopagus, where they are fused at the head (about 6% of cases); other types involve connections at the , , or . The term "Siamese twins" originated from the famous case of , ethnic Chinese brothers born on May 11, 1811, in Samut Songkhram, Siam (modern-day ), who were conjoined at the chest by a cartilaginous band connecting their torsos and livers. Discovered by British merchant Robert Hunter, the twins were exhibited internationally starting in 1829, touring the and as curiosities, which popularized the moniker based on their birthplace and led to its widespread use for . In 1839, they settled in , became U.S. citizens, and on April 13, 1843, married sisters and Sarah Yates, eventually fathering a combined 21 children while managing separate households and farms. The brothers lived until 1874, dying within hours of each other at age 63 from stroke-related complications, and their case marked the first well-documented survival of conjoined twins into adulthood without separation. Due to the term's association with nationality and potential to stigmatize individuals from Thailand, "conjoined twins" has become the preferred medical and ethical terminology since the mid-20th century to emphasize the condition rather than geographic origin. Surgical separation techniques have advanced significantly since the , when improved , , and multidisciplinary teams first enabled successful separations for various types, with over 200 reported cases by the 2020s. Recent examples include the successful separation of Jamaican conjoined twins Azaria and Azura Elson in November 2025 at King Abdullah Specialized Children's Hospital in , . Today, survival rates for separated twins vary by type and shared organs, but approximately 60% of surgically separated pairs survive long-term, rising to 75% or higher for at least one twin in elective procedures on less complex unions like thoracopagus. Ethical considerations in managing conjoined twins center on balancing , , and the , particularly when separation risks one or both twins' survival or involves shared vital organs. Decisions often require assessing , potential futility, and , with parents or guardians weighing separation against lifelong conjunction. A notable case highlighting these issues was the 2003 attempted separation of Iranian Ladan and Laleh Bijani in ; despite their autonomous insistence on independence after 29 years conjoined, massive blood loss during the procedure led to both deaths, sparking global debate on surgical risks versus personal agency.

Historical Cases and Terminology

One of the earliest recorded cases of appears in medieval European chronicles, such as Berthold of Reichenau's Annales, which describe a two-headed born near , , in 1063. Another prominent early example is the , Mary and Eliza Chulkhurst, who were reportedly born conjoined at the hips and shoulders in Biddenden, , around 1100 and lived until age 34. In the 19th century, exhibitions of gained widespread attention, exemplified by , whose case popularized the term "Siamese twins." Other notable 19th-century cases included (two-headed) in , such as the Tocci brothers, Giacomo and Giovanni, born in 1877 in and joined at the torso with separate upper bodies but shared lower limbs; they toured as performers and survived into adulthood without major cardiopulmonary issues. In the 20th century, survival rates improved with medical advances, as seen in the case of , born in 1990 in , , joined at the torso from the chest down, sharing organs like the torso, legs, and but with independent upper bodies and heads. The term "Siamese twins" originated with the 1829 exhibition of , whose birthplace in Siam led physicians and journalists to apply it broadly to , embedding it in popular and medical lexicon. By the mid-20th century, this label was phased out in favor of "conjoined twins" in medical literature, recognized as more precise and less geographically or culturally specific, though no explicit WHO guideline formalized the shift; the change reflected growing emphasis on biological accuracy over . The cultural portrayal of conjoined twins evolved from exploitative spectacles, such as P.T. Barnum's 1860 exhibition of Chang and Eng at his American Museum in , where they were advertised as "living curiosities" to draw crowds and generate revenue, to modern debates on separation surgeries. In the 21st century, cases like the 2000 separation of Jodie and Mary Re twins in the UK highlighted tensions between parental , individual identity, and survival odds, with ethicists arguing that forced separations risk violating the twins' if they prefer remaining joined. By the 2020s, ongoing discussions in , including refusals of surgery on religious grounds, underscore a shift toward respecting conjoined individuals' without intervention.

Other Modern Uses

Siamese Networks in Artificial Intelligence

Siamese neural networks, also known as twin networks, were introduced in by Jane Bromley and colleagues for the task of signature verification using a architecture. The model consists of two identical subnetworks that share weights and process input pairs independently, followed by a computation layer to measure similarity between the outputs, enabling effective comparison without requiring extensive for each new class. A key component of Siamese networks is the , which trains the model to minimize the distance between embeddings of similar inputs while pushing dissimilar ones apart beyond a margin. The loss is defined as: L = (1 - Y) \| f(x_1) - f(x_2) \|^2 + Y \max(0, m - \| f(x_1) - f(x_2) \| )^2 where Y = 0 for similar pairs and Y = 1 for dissimilar pairs, f(\cdot) represents the function of the shared subnetwork, and m is a predefined . This formulation, popularized in work on and mappings, encourages the network to learn discriminative representations in a compact . Siamese networks have found wide application in tasks requiring similarity assessment, such as face recognition and one-shot learning. In face recognition, Google's FaceNet (2015) employs a Siamese-like with —a variant of contrastive loss—to generate 128-dimensional embeddings, achieving 99.63% accuracy on the LFW benchmark dataset for face verification. For one-shot learning, where models classify novel classes from a single example, Siamese networks compare query images against support sets by learning similarity metrics, as demonstrated in early work on image recognition tasks. In the 2020s, advancements have integrated Siamese architectures with models for tasks, such as 3D object tracking in point clouds, where dual transformer branches process spatial-temporal data to maintain tracking robustness across frames. Compared to traditional convolutional neural networks (CNNs), Siamese networks offer advantages in efficiency for scenarios by leveraging shared parameters and similarity-based training, reducing the need for large per-class datasets.

Miscellaneous References in Culture and Technology

The Siamese connection, a Y-shaped pipe fitting used in systems, originated in the United States during the to enable firefighters to connect two hoses simultaneously, supplying additional water to a building's sprinkler or standpipe system from dual sources such as fire engines or hydrants. This design, inspired by the conjoined nature of Siamese twins, enhances water pressure and flow during emergencies, becoming a standard feature in modern building plumbing. In popular culture, the term "Siamese" appears in music through the 1993 album by the American alternative rock band , which achieved commercial success and critical acclaim, peaking at number 10 on the chart and earning platinum certification. Literary references include depictions of Siamese cats in twentieth-century British fiction, where the breed symbolizes emotional companionship and domesticity, as explored in works reflecting post-war cultural shifts toward pet ownership. In technology, "Siamese" describes combined cables in electronics, such as those used in CCTV systems that integrate coaxial video transmission with power lines in a single jacket, facilitating efficient installation for security applications. In botany, the Siamese cassia (Senna siamea), a medium-sized evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia, is valued for agroforestry, firewood production, and as a shade tree in tropical regions. The use of "Siamese" to refer to declined after the country's official from Siam to Thailand in 1949, reflecting post-World War II nationalist efforts to emphasize ethnic Thai identity over the older exonym derived from . However, the term persists in regional branding, such as Siamese Asset Public Company Limited, a Thai firm active in the 2020s that develops residential and commercial properties.