HISTORY
Throughout its 800-year history, Thailand can boast the distinction
of being the only country in Southeast Asia never to have been
colonized. Its history is divided into five major periods
Nanchao Period (650-1250 A.D.)
The Thai people founded their kingdom in the southern part of
China, which is Yunnan, Kwangsi and Canton today. A great number
of people migrated south as far as the Chao Phraya Basin and
settled down over the Central Plain under the sovereignty of
the Khmer Empire, whose culture they probably accepted. The
Thai people founded their independent state of Sukhothai around
1238 A.D., which marks the beginning of the Sukhothai Period
Sukhothai Period (1238-1378 A.D.)
Thais began to emerge as a dominant force in the region in the13th
century, gradually asserting independence from existing Khmer
and Mon kingdoms. Called by its rulers "the dawn of happiness",
this is often considered the golden era of Thai history, an
ideal Thai state in a land of plenty governed by paternal and
benevolent kings, the most famous of whom was King Ramkamhaeng
the Great. However in 1350, the mightier state of Ayutthaya
exerted its influence over Sukhothai.
Ayutthaya Period (1350-1767)
The Ayutthaya kings adopted Khmer cultural influences from the
very beginning. No longer the paternal and accessible rulers
that the kings of Sukhothai had been, Ayutthaya's sovereigns
were absolute monarchs and assumed the title devaraja (god-king).
The early part of this period saw Ayutthaya extend its sovereignty
over neighboring Thai principalities and come into conflict
with its neighbours, During the 17th century, Siam started diplomatic
and commercial relations with western countries. In 1767, a
Burmese invasion succeeded in capturing Ayutthaya. Despite their
overwhelming victory, the Burmese did not retain control of
Siam for long. A young general named Phya Taksin and his followers
broke through the Burmese and escaped to Chantaburi. Seven months
after the fall of Ayutthaya, he and his forces sailed back to
the capital and expelled the Burmese occupation garrison.
Thon Buri Period (1767-1772)
General Taksin, as he is popularly known, decided to transfer
the capital from Ayutthaya to a site nearer to the sea which
would facilitate foreign trade, ensure the procurement of arms,
and make defense and withdrawal easier in case of a renewed
Burmese attack. He established his new capital at Thon Buri
on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. The rule of Taksin
was not an easy one. The lack of central authority since the
fall of Ayutthaya led to the rapid disintegration of the kingdom,
and Taksin's reign was spent reuniting the provinces.
Rattanakosin Period (1782 - the Present)
After Taksin's death, General Chakri became the first king of
the Chakri Dynasty, Rama I, ruling from 1782 to 1809. His first
action as king was to transfer the royal capital across the
river from Thon Buri to Bangkok and build the Grand Palace.
Rama II (1809-1824) continued the restoration begun by his predecessor.
King Nang Klao, Rama III (1824-1851) reopened relations with
Western nations and developed trade with China. King Mongkut,
Rama IV, (1851-1868) of "The King and I" concluded
treaties with European countries, avoided colonialization and
established modern Thailand. He made many social and economic
reforms during his reign.
King Chulalongkorn, Rama V (1869-1910) continued his father's
tradition of reform, abolishing slavery and improving the public
welfare and administrative system. Compulsory education and
other educational reforms were introduced by King Vajiravudh,
Rama VI (1910-1925). During the reign of King Prajadhipok, (1925-1935),
Thailand changed from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional
monarchy. The king abdicated in 1933 and was succeeded by his
nephew, King Ananda Mahidol (1935-1946). The country's name
was changed from Siam to Thailand with the advent of a democratic
government in 1939. Our present monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej,
is King Rama IX of the Chakri Dynasty.
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