History

Before the establishment of the first capital of the Sukhothai Kingdom, the land was divided into many territories. These territories were influenced by India through the trade route that began in the 6th Buddhist century. At that time, India expanded its trade routes to this region by way of the China passage in the South. Many aspects of Indian civilization spread to this area, such as religion, politics, government, art, and culture. In particular, Buddhism and Brahminism became deeply rooted and had the most influential effects on civilization in these territories.

 Around AD 257-357, the communities in the area of the Chao Phraya River developed the highest civilization in the region because they had easy access to the sea and lived in a river basin suitable for agriculture. Many towns in this area amalgamated into territories, and, as the Indian culture took root, adopted the system of absolute monarchy in emulation of India and established themselves under a state-ruled system.

 During AD 257-857, before the Sukhothai Kingdom was established, a numner of territories emerged along many important transport routes in the land which is now Thailand. The Si Wichai Kingdom established itself in the South; the Hariphunchai inthe North became Chiang Saen, and later developed into Lanna; Dvaravati was located in the Central region in the Chai Phraya river basin and had its center in Nakhon Pathom.

Lawo rose after AD 957 and replaced Dvaravati, moving the center to the Lopburi River basin, Lawo was influenced by both the ancient Dvaravati and Khmer (Angkor Wat) cultures, the civilization advancing until it became the most prosperous in this region. While the power of Lawo deteriorated in the 18th Buddhist century (around AD 1100), Sukhothai, states was emerging. Within Sukhothai, states like Lawo played a less important role although they did not totally degenerate; they maintained their cultural and artistic heritage and continued to develop into the later Ayutthaya Peiod.

The Sukhothai Period (1238 - 1438)

The Sukhothai Kingdom originated from a number of small villages scattered along the Yom and the Nan Rivers basins in AD 1157. During that time these villages prospered from the expansion of interstate transport and trade to the own territory. Sukhothai was governed in the style of "the Father of the Town," or paternal kingship, and was ruled by nine consecutive kings. This kingdom lasted approximately two centuries from its inception until it was merged with the Ayutthaya Kingdom.

King Si Inthrathit was the first Sukhothai king. During his reign the kingdom was extened by amalgamation with other towns. The next most significant was the second son of King Si Inthrathit, King Ramkhamhaeng, the third king, who was also the most renowned of the Sukhothai monarchs. Through him Sukhothai became ever more prosperous and the Sukhothai holdings expanded greatly. He invented the Thai alphabet in AD 1283 and created the Inscription Stone to tell the stories of his period. According to the Inscription Stone, the northern border spread to Phrae, Nan and Vientiane, the South covered the area down to Nakhon Si Thammarat, the East reached the Mons' Hongsawadi (Pegu in Myanmar), and the West ended at the west bank of the Mekong River.

During this time, Sukhothai prospered in art, culture and trade. It was a significant trade junction because of its "duty-free" tax policy and permission for people to trade freely. Through contact and trade with various groups from the nearby kingdoms, Sukhothai became the center of civilization in many aspects such as religion, art, culture, and tradition.

During the reign of King Ramkhamhaeng, the Sri Lankan derivation of Hinayana Buddhism was introduced through Nakhon Si Thammarat and strongly influenced Sukhothai art. It was regarded as the most individual style. Sukhothai created beautiful bronze Buddha images under the influence of Lankan art. In addition, at this time a style of chinaware was adopted from Chinese craftsmen trading with Sukhothai.

Furthermore, during the reign of King Ramkhamhaeng, Sukhothai developed the first Thai alphabet by adapting it from the ancient Khmer alphabet. The invention of an alphabet has enabled us to have detailed information about the people 700 years ago based on the first Inscription Stone ordered made by King Ramkhamhaeng.

After the reign of King Ramkhamhaeng, Sukhothai lost much of its power, so King Li Thai, who ruled Sukhothai during AD 1347-1370, attempted to use Buddhism to restore Sukhothai Kingdom declined further and, in AD 1437, it finally merged with the Ayutthaya kingdom.

The Ayutthaya Period (1350-1767)

The city of Ayutthaya was established as the capital in AD 1350, but the emergence of the Ayutthaya Kingdom was not so sudden. There is evidence that King U Thong, the first king of Ayutthaya, and his subjects had previously evacuated the city to establish a new capital in Nong Sano District. This area had long been settled, and many of the important temples situated near the bank of the Pa Sak River near Ayutthaya existed before the new town's establishment.

-King Ramathibodi I (1350-1369)

 The Ayutthaya Kingdom arose from the combination of two dynasties, namely, Lawo-Ayothaya and Suphannaphum, King U Thong, who ruled Lawo-Ayothaya, married King Suphannaphum's daughter and the two kingdoms were thus successfully combined by the family relationship. When an outbreak of plague occurred, King U Thong and his people evacuated the old Ayutthay city to establish a new town and set up a new government system. He divided the civil service administration into four departments, namely Wiang, Wang, Khlang, and Na, which were collectively called "Chatusadom" (Interior, Royal Household, Finance, and Agriculture). This system which the King initiated was effective for more than 400 years. King U Thong, the first king of Ayutthaya, was also known as King Ramathibodi I.

Throughout the 19 years of King Ramathibodi I's reign, Ayutthaya was enlarging and expanding its power over nearlby territories. In AD 1431, 81 years after the establishment of the city, Ayutthaya completely defeated the Khmer and merged with the Sukhothai Kingdom. It also adopted the Khmer system of government. The Khmer believed in the divinity of the monarchy, based on Indian beliefs, and therefore adhered to the concept of absolute monarchy. This concept was embraced throughout the 417 years of the Ayutthaya Kingdom.

-King Borommatrailokkanat (1448-1488)

One century after the establishment of Ayutthaya, King Borommatrailokkanat, the eighth king of Ayutthaya, established the authentic Royal Kingdom between AD 1448-1488.

The power of the king was centralized through government and state administration reforms. The king ceased sending high-ranking members of the royal family to rule the provinces and instead appointed aristocrats from the central government to rule under the supervision of officials in Ayutthaya, to whom they reported.

Furthermore, King Borommatrailokkanat also established the sakdina system (feudal system); under this system people could own rice fields in proportion to their rank. Sakdina was used to separate people according to status, and for the allocating or withdrawing of privileges.

-King Ramathibodi II (1491-1529)

During the reign of King Ramathibodi II, Ayutthaya began to have more contacts with foreign countries. The Portuguese were the first to establish a relationship and to trade with Ayutthaya. They brought with them the technology for manufacturing cannons and constructing fortresses, and they taught new battle strategies. As a result, towns and town walls were built in the important localities of the kingdom. The wealth gained from trade with foreign countries resulted in the construction of temples and the palace. The construction of a huge Buddha image wrapped in gold, the principal Buddha image in Wat Phra Si Sanphet, resulted in foreigners often talking about the beauty and wealth of Ayutthaya.

After King Chairachathirat ascended the throne (1534-1546), there was another great change in Ayutthaya. Following the king's assassination, there was a fight for the throne. Ayutthaya's leaders became weaker, while Burmese leaders gradually became stronger. The Burmese army attacked Ayutthaya in AD 1569 in the reign of King Maha Chakkraphat. Ayutthaya was defeated for the first time. Burma captured the city and took the people and all the wealth.

-King Naresuan the Great (1590-1605)

Fifteen years later, King Naresuan declared Ayutthaya's independence from Burma until finally Burma became weaker and no longer was strong enough to invade Thailand. Ayutthaya grew stronger and expanded its authority to nearby towns, once more becoming a prosperous kingdom.

-King Narai the Great (1656-1688)

 The reign of King Narai the Great can be said to be the period when Ayutthaya reached its zenith. There was trade with Portugal, Holland, Japan, and England, not counting China, which was already trading with Ayutthaya. Closer ties with France were established in order to lessen the influence of other Western countries like Holland. In consequence, the relationship between Siam and France prospered greatly. During this time, diplomatic corps were sent to Siam, and the coming of a large number of Europeans enriched the city. This resulted in more progress with the help of new technology in architecture, medicine, astronomy, and military affairs. The palace, other buildings, and fortresses were constructed in the Western style.

After King Narai's death, the fight of the throne constantly caused internal conflicts, so the people lacked unity to protect their kingdom. Finally, the Burmese army invaded again. Ayutthaya lost the battle in the reign of King Ekkathat in 1967, and the palace and all the temples were burnt.

The Thonburi Period (1767-1782)

-King Taksin the Great

After the fall of Ayutthaya, there were many clans in the provinces; they each gathered their people and were prepared to fight for power.

Among these clans of various sizes, King Taksin's group became stronger and he led the people in the fight for the independence from Burma.

The king considered Ayutthaya beyond renovation, so he temporarily moved the capital to Thonburi, a city on the Chao Phraya River, closer to the sea. Here he could facilitate weapon collection and manpower delivery. When King Taksin arrived in Thonburi, his coronation took place by virtue of conquest, and he became King Thonburi.

The kingdom was still in turmoil; groups struggling for power had to be conquered, and at the same time the king had to accelerate rehabilitation of the economy and give the people moral support. He also promoted trade with China.

 Thonburi remained the capital for only 15 years and collapsed because of disorder at the end of the reign. Somdet Chao Phraya Maha Kasatsuek was then crowned through right of conquest and establish Rattanakosin as the capital in 1782.

The Rattanakosin Period (1782 - present)

-King Rama I (1782-1809)

The Building of the Kingdom

Phra Phutthayotfa Chalalok the Great, the first king of the Chakri Dynasty, moved the capital from Thonburi on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River and established the new capital was named Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok), or the City of Angels. He had the Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha Temple built in the style of palace and the Emerald Buddha Temple built in the style of the palace in Ayutthaya.

In the beginning, the Ayutthaya palace architecture, and the style of government and social management were followed. The kind decreed that the Three Seals Code be complied from the former laws of the Ayutthaya society, which were still used as the basis for governing. The sakdina system, the foundation of the Ayutthaya society, was also used in Rattanakosin. The slavery system was improved and made more efficient; the numbers and names of people from the ruling class who owned slaves were tattooed on the slaves' wrists.

Throughout his 27 years as king, Phra Phutthyotfa, the first king of Rattanakosin, devoted his time to restoring the nation and the culture that had almost been extinguished at the end of the Ayutthaya Period.

-King Rama II (1809-1824)

  and King Rama III (1824-1851)

The Golden Age of Art

When King Rama I passed away, his oldest son ascended the throne as Phra Phutthaloetia. His reign was considered to be the golden age of art and culture because the country was peaceful and did not have any war. Trade was prosperous, and, more importantly, the king was a philosopher and talented poet. He was regarded as a highly skilled artist and major poet. He ordered that many new temples be constructed around Bangkok, and he carved the wooden door of the viharn in Wat Suthat Wanaram himself. This wood carving is recognized as the best work of its kind in Rattanakosin, and is presently kept in the National Museum.

The reign of King Rama III, which began in 1824, was the age of trade because the king had extensive contacts and trade with foreign countries, especially China. Royal Thai ships carried goods such as pepper and sugar from Thailand to China for sale. This trade was in the form of a monopoly, as the goods had to be sold only to the Royal Treasury. The profits from such direct trade greatly increased the country's financial prosperity.

-King Rama IV (1851-1868)

Confronting the Challenges from the West

King Mongkut was the best-informed and most forward-looking king. He realized that while neighboring countries like Burma were under siege by England, and Indochina was under the influence of France, the Royal Kingdom would survive only if he implemented a new foreign policy by opening the country to trade with the Western countries. In 1855, the king welcomed the English diplomatic corps led by Sir John Bowring and made a diplomatic and trade pact called the Bowring Treaty. As a result, the British were allowed extraterritorial rights and Siam had to change certain tariffs. Furthermore, the Royal Treasury's monopoly of the sale of rice had to be lifted. Later, Siam had to sign similar pacts with other Western countries, too. However, such pacts made Siam prosper tremendously, both economically and in trade.

King Mongkut was also very interested in science and astronomy and calculated that there would be a full solar eclipse at Wa Ko. Prachuab Khiri Khan Province. During that time there were very few Western scientists who could do so. The king went to see the solar eclipse and, because of the journey, he had a bad attack of malaria and passed away two weeks later.

-King Rama V (1868-1910)

The Period of Reform

Prince Chulalongkorn, the son of King Rama IV, became the fifth king of the Chakri Dynasty when he was only 15 years old.

During his reign, he initiated important social reforms. The king abolished serfdom and the conscription of commoners for slave labor, but implemented these reforms gradually so that society could adjust without having a civil war, as had happened in other places. As a result of the abolishment of these two systems. a lot of independent labor entered the market, and consequently, the economy of Siam expanded enormously at this time.

In addition, the king also reformed the government by applying the nation-state policy. The central purpose of creating a nation-state was to centralize power. The central government would have the power to govern and administer its policies and create unity among the people in the nation. At the same time, in 1892 he established 14 Western-style ministries.

By the time of King Rama V's reign, Rattanakosin had been established for 100 years, and Bangkok was quite developed and much changed. Many houses and ministry buildings were built in the style of Western architecture. Modern telegraph, telephone, train, and tram systems were constructed. Siam had to develop in all ways modern so that no Western power could claim the lack of civilization as an excuse to colonize the country.

Nevertheless, the pressure from the great powers such as France and England who had invaded Southeast Asia put Siam in a difficult situation. The disputes between Siam and France occurred very often and resulted in French warships closing the Gulf of Siam in 1893. As a result, Siam had to give the land to the north and east of the Mekong River, and some parts of Cambodia, to France. The southern territories of Kedah, Perlis, Kelantan, and Terenggany went to England. The loss of some territories enabled Siam to save the main part of the country. Besides, England and France made an agreement to keep Siam as a "buffer state" between the British and French colonies in this region. Thailand, therefore, has never been a colony of any Western country in all its long history.

-King Rama VI (1910-1925)

  and King Rama VII (1925-1935)

The Winds and Waves of Change

The reign of King Rama VI, a son of King Rama V, was a period when Siam underwent many social changes in preparation for the country to modernize further and step completely into the democratic system.

The king introduced the democratic system by creating a model city called " Dusit Thani". He ordered that the people's representatives must be elected according to a constitution. There would be a government formed by a political party, together with an opposition party, in the model city. Besides this, he also reformed the education system by announcing that education was compulsory. Chulalongkorn University, the first university in the country, was established at this time. Regarding freedom of thought, he gave extensive opportunity to express opinions in the press. The king himself also expressed his own views concerning politics and society under several pen names, such as "Sri Ayudhya" and "Ramchitti". The king's encouragement and creation of an atmosphere for free thinking assisted in laying the foundation of a democratic atmosphere, and was also partly responsible for the revolution at a later date.

King Rama VI reigned for only 15 years before he passed away. His brother Prince Prajadhipok succeeded him as King Rama VII of the Chakri Dynasty. It was a time of economic depression all over the world following World War I. Rice, which used to provided the principal income of the country, had a much lower price, and inflation spread worldwide. These factors had an inevitable impact on his government. To find solutions to these crises, the king had to cut the court budget, reduce the salaries of some government officials, and dismiss others. These events caused dissatisfaction among some government officials.

During that time a trend to change to the new democratic power system was prevalent. This notion originated with the new intellectuals, those who had completed their studies in Western countries. These young men had seen the new government system at first hand and wished to change Thailand from an absolute monarchy into a democratic-system. Therefore, in the year when the Chakri Dynasty had ruled for 150 years, on 24 June 1932, a group of people who called themselves "the People's Party" staged a coup d'etat.

Since then, Thailand has moved into a new age with a democratic constitution, and the king as leader of the country. The present king is King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the ninth king of the Chakri Dynasty. Since democratization, Thailand has had 20 elections; the Parliament consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate, and at present the members of both are publicly elected.

 Following the change in government almost seven decades ago, Thailand has had to face numerous political crises, such as the events on 14 October 1971, on 6 October 1976, and in May 1992, as well as the economic crisis in 1997. But fortunately, Thai society is highly resilient, and, especially because the King is at the center of the people's spirit, it has been able to survive each crisis and has always re-established itself.