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History
The origins of Thailand
There are several different versions of Thai history. But there are
two main, but different, theories of Thai history. The traditional
version claims that the Thai people originated from China. It is
estimated that about 4,500 years ago the Thai ancestors in
Szechuan, a province in China, migrated south to Thailand. They then divided into two groups of people.
One group of people inhabited the northern part of Thailand and
created what was then called the kingdom of "Lan Na". The
other group migrated further south and after being defeated by the Khmers
created the kingdom of "Sukhothai".
The second theory is much newer. Due to recent
archaeological
excavations and bronze metallurgy, it appears that Thai people originated in
Thailand and later migrated to other parts of Asia.
Khmer influence
From the 9th to 11th centuries central and western
Thailand were occupied by the Mon. The Mon have the same heritage as the Khmers.
Their occupation influenced the Thai culture. One important way was the introduction
of Theravada Buddhism. By the 11th and 12th centuries their influence on Thai culture had
spread to Thai language and art. Parts of the 'Sanskrit' language were integrated into
the Thai-Mon dialect. Much architecture in the north east of Thailand has been influenced
by this period. It can be seen in Kanchanaburi and Lopburi. This architecture is
similar to the buildings in Angkor (Cambodia), another Khmer architecture.
The Sukhothai period
In 1238, in the south of Thailand, the first Kingdom of Thailand
was created by two governors. These two governors rebelled against their Khmer
occupiers and gained independence for all Thai people from Lamprang, in the north east,
to Vientaine, in the north west, and all the way down to the Malay peninsula. This
was called the Sukhothai period and is considered the golden age of Thai culture.
During that period of time everyone could say, 'There was fish in every water and
rice in every field'. Also during this time, the Sukhothai kingdom created strong
friendships with it's neighbouring countries. This resulted in a mix of cultures as
many foreigners migrated to Thailand to profit from the trade routes running through
it. Later in this period a king by the name of Ramkhamhaeng, organised a writing
system that evolved into the modern day Thai alphabet.
The Lan Na period
The Lan Na period started in 1259, in the north, when the then King Mengrai,
captured the Mon stronghold of Harupinjaya and extended his borders from Laos
to Lamphum. For the next 200 years the Lan Na kingdom flourished. It's culture
peaked during the reign of King Tilokoraj in the middle of the 15th
centaury.
Chang Mai was the capital of the Lan Na kingdom and during King Tilokoraj's reign
it was named the navel of the eight world synod of Theravada Buddhism. After the
Kings death the kingdom was weakened by his successors fighting for control.
The Ayutthaya period
In 1350 the U-Thong king founded the kingdom of Ayutthaya. It was formed in the
city now known by the same name. This location was the source of much power to the
new kingdom because of it's strategic location. Ayutthaya is located at the point
where 3 major rivers intersect. In fact the ancient city center is located on a
island in the middle of where these three rivers connect. Clearly a geographical
and economic advantage for them.
In the generations after King U-Thong, his successors expanded the kingdoms
borders in the north to Sukhothai and to the east to the Khmer capital of
Angkor. Later during the early 16th centaury, many of the European powers arrived in
Thailand. They set up embassy's and began trading. However later in the 16th centaury
the Burmese invaded Ayutthaya (and the independent kingdom of Chang Mai). However the
Ayutthayians regained control of their kingdom by the end of the centaury.
Unfortunately the Burmese invaded Ayutthaya again in 1765 and destroyed many of the
kingdoms important documents and artifacts. A few years later in 1769, a general
called Phaya Taksin created a new capital for the Ayutthayians on the riverbanks
of Phraya river. Opposite what is now called Bangkok. He ruled the kingdom for
some time before trying to be the next Buddha. His ministers did not approve of
this and had him executed.
The Ratanakosin period
In 1782, King Buddha Yot Fa Chulalok (also known as Rama I) established a new
capital across the river in a small town called Bangkok. He is remembered for creating
a new set of laws to govern by and during his reign his kingdom included all of today's
Thailand and Laos, parts of Burma, Cambodia and Malaysia.
Rama II (1809)is remembered for his contributions to literature. He preserved the dialect
from the Ayutthayain period and created a new version, which today is considered by the
Thai to be the classical literature. In other words, he did for the Thai language, what
Shakespeare did for the English language.
Rama III (1824-1851) was successful for re-establishing trade routes with China. This is very
important as the Thai economy was groaning under the supply of the agricultural industry.
Rama IV (1851-1868) lived as a monk for 27 years. During that time he knew 7 languages
including Latin and English. Later, when he assumed the role of monarch, he improved rights
for women and children. He also created Thailand's first printing press.
Rama V (1868-1910) reformed the legal and administrative aspects of Thai society.
He also developed relations between Thailand, Europe and North America. He introduced
schools, roads, railways, a civil service system and Thailand's first post office. Later
he reformed the Thai authorities and made a government lead by 12 ministers.
Rama VI (1910-1925) ruled for only a short period of time. But during this time he
introduced football, surnames, primary school education and encouraged Thai women
to grow their hair. He is considered to have westernised Thailand during this period.
Rama VII (1925-1935) changed the constitution of Thailand from a Monarchy to Democracy.
Rama VIII was assassinated in mysterious circumstances in 1946. His brother succeeded as
Rama IX. Under Rama IX's governance, the countries name was changed from Siam to Thailand.
In Thai this name means 'free country'.
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