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 Bangkok - History

Bangkok was established as the capital of Thailand in 1782 and the center of Thai government. Until then city-states formed loosely organized principalities. As always the state with the most military power would be thr uler of the larger area. The government and people requested by invitation Phra Buddha Yodea Chulaloke to become the first king of the Chakri period in order to unify the Thai states into a nation. He became known as King Rama I.

At the time, the Burmese were constanlty attacking Ayuthia. As a result it was virtuly completely destroyed. The Palace was then located in Thonburi and stood by the river Chao Phraya and was threatened by erosion. Extending its precincts was also impossible because the palace was situated between two monasteries. Therefore King Rama I decided to move the palace across the river where it stands today. This site is better even from a strategic point of view. On the 21st of April, 1782 at 6:45 AM the raising of the city pillar took place.

A 7.2 kilometers long moat was dug 2 kilometers far from the Royal Palace after King Chulaloke ordered it. 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. Then, along the inner side of the moat, strong and solid walls were constructed (3.6 meters high and 2.7 meters thick) broken by 16 gates and 16 forts. Two of the forts, Fort Mahakan and Fort Phrasumen, are still here today, standing as historic monuments along with 200 meters of the wall.

One of the King's important duties is to promote Buddhism along with enccouraging the other religions of his people. Up to the present day the characteristic tradition of the Kingdom and its society has been the renovation of the old temples, and building of new ones. The history of Bangkok is depected in all the important palaces, temples, buildings, and monuments.