• Thailand
• Historical Summary
• Nanchao Period (650-1250 A.D.)
• Sukhothai Period (1238-1378 A.D.)
• Ayutthaya Period (1350-1767 A.D.)
• Thonburi Period (1767-1772 A.D.)
• Rattanakosin Period (1782-Present A.D.)

Thailand means "the Land of the Free".  In Thailand's 800-year history, Thailand  has the distinction of being the ONLY country in Southeast Asia never to be colonized.

Historical Summary

Going back to the Mons in central Thailand, who brought with them a Buddhist culture from the subcontinent of India, is believed to be the earliest civilization of Thailand.  During the 12th century, Thailand's diversification process began.  From the South moved the Sumatran-based Srivijaya culture, while from the east came a Khmer culture and from the north, migrating south were the citizens of the Thai state of Nan Chao, which is now southern China.  The Thai princes formed the first Siamese capital in Sukhothai, and later in Chiang Mai and Ayutthaya.

During both the 16th and 18th century, the Burmese attacked Siam, destroying Ayutthaya and seizing Chiang Mai.  The Thais managed to drive away the Burmese and they proceeded to move their capital to Thonburi.  In 1782, the current Chakri dynasty was formed by King Rama I and the capital of Siam was moved across the Chao Phrya River to Bangkok.

Throughout the 19th century, Siam remained independent by cleverly playing off one European power against another. In 1932, a peaceful coup converted the country into a constitutional monarchy, and in 1939 Siam became Thailand, under King Ananda Mahidol.

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In the southern part of China, which is now known as Yunan, Kwangsi and Canton, the Thai people founded their Kingdom.  Under the sovereignty of the Khmer Empire, a large number migrated south, settling down over the central plains and as far as the Chao Phrya Basin.  Around 1238 A.D., the independent state of Sukhothai was founded by the Thai people, marking the beginning of the Sukhothai Period.

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In the 13th century, called "the dawn of happiness" by its rulers, the Thais began emerging as a dominant force in the region.  They gradually asserted independence from existing Khmer and Mon kingdoms.  This period is generally considered the golden era of Thai history.  Governed by paternal and benevolent kings in a land of plenty, the most famous was King Ramkamhaeng the Great.  In 1350, the mightier state of Ayutthaya exerted its influence over Sukhothai.

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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 neighbors, especially Burma. During the 17th century Siam started diplomatic and commercial connections with western countries.

In 1767, a Burmese invasion succeeded in capturing Ayutthaya. Despite their overwhelming victory, the Burmese didn't retain control of Siam for long. A young general named Phya Taksin and his followers broke through the Burmese encirclement 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.

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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 renewed Burmese attack. He established his new capital at Thonburi on the west bank of the Chao Phya river.

The rule of Taksin was not an easy one. The lack of central authority since the fall of Ayutthaya had led to the rapid disintegration of the kingdom, and Taksin's reign was spent reuniting the provinces.

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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 Thonburi 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 democratic government in 1939.

Our present monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, is King Rama IX of the Chakri Dynasty.

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