Bangkok History

Before Bangkok became the capital of Thailand in 1782 and the center of Thai government, many city-states formed loosely organized principalities. Military might determined which state was ruler within the larger area. In order to unify the Thai states into a unitary nation, government officials and the Thai people requested by invatation Phra Buddha Yodea Chulaloke to become the first king of the Chakri period and became known as King Rama I.

Ayuthia at the time was virtuly completely destroyed by constant attacks from the Burmese. The Palace was then located in Thonburi and stood in a bend of the Chao Phraya river and was threatened by erosion. It was also sandwiched between two monistaries so extending its precints were not possible. Thus King Rama I moved the palace to a more strategic site across the river where it stands today. The raising of the city pillar took place on the 21st of April, 1782 at 6:45 AM.

King Chulaloke ordered that a moat be dug at a distance of 2 kilometers from the Royal Palace and 7.2 kilometers long. This moat today is called Klong Bang Lamphu and Klong Ong Ang leaving the river to the north of the city and rejoining it in the south. Strong and solid walls were then constructed along the inner side of the moat being 3.6 meters high and 2.7 meters thick broken by 16 gates and 16 forts. two of the forts remain today as historic monuments along with 200 meters of the wall, namely, Fort Mahakan and Fort Phrasumen.

One of the Kings important duties is to promote Buddhism along with enccouraging the other religions of his people. Thus the the renovation of the old temples and building of new ones have been the characteristic tradition of the Kingdom and her society up to the present day. The history of Bangkok is depected in her all important palaces, temples, building, and monuments.