History of Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is today Thailand's capital and was founded in 1782 by King Rama I (named Phra Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke).   It situates on the Great Chao Phya River Delta which flows from the North down to the Gulf of Thailand. The word - Bangkok is derived from two primitive Thai words, i.e. "Bang" means Village and "Kok" means Olive, thus its original meaning is "Village of Olive".  In the olden days, Bangkok was just a small agricultural and fishing village where people traveled mainly by rowing boats.

The birth of Bangkok as a capital was due to the fall of its former Krung Sri Ayuthaya in the middle of 18th century.  Ayuthaya, an ancient capital of 417 years old, was rich in cultures, traditions, and religions and well-flourished in trade, and agricultures. After resisting the Burmese troop for several months, the city was finally torn down and severely destroyed.  Thai people were being held captives under the Burmese rule for over a decade.

Being patriotic, a nobleman named "Taksin" led Thai people to fight against the Burmese troop.  His military genius helped his army to win in every battle ground, although his fighting force was far less than those of Burmese, until he drove the Burmese away. Anyhow, there was no peace in the land as he had to continue war with the neighboring countries such as Khmer (former Cambodian),  Laotian, Burmese and the other ambitious Thai cults.

After surveying the destruction of Ayuthaya, he decided to establish the new capital called "Krung Thonburi", because Ayuthaya was too large for his small army to protect as a stronghold and the damage seems irreparable. He was later named "King Taksin the Great", and ruled over Krung Thonburi for 14 years.

Unfortunately, King Taksin was overthrown by a group of his own noblemen who betrayed him and seized power while his Grand Army was waging war with Khmer. This Grand Army was led King Taksin's most beloved commander - "Yodfa Chulaloke", who also never lose in any battle.  Yodfa Chulaloke quickly returned and fight back. Although he won, it was too late as King Taksin and the Royal Family were all assassinated.

Being a far-sighted man, Yodfa Chulaloke saw that Krung Thonburi would be too small to be a great capital in the future; he then moved the capital to another side of Chao Phya Riverbank in 1782 - which is today Bangkok.  Yodfa Chulaloke succeeded the throne and was the 1st Monarch of the present Chakri Dynasty (See Chakri Dynasty chronology).  His Majesty gained the title "the Great".

Today, the Bangkokians and most Thai people called "Bangkok" as "Krungthep" which means the City of Angels.  Believe it or not? The official full name of Bangkok wins the Guinness Book Records as the longest place name. See if you could read it:-

This is Bangkok's official name in full version. Is it long enough?

A century ago, Bangkok had many river tributaries and canals until it was known as "Venice of the East". As modernization steps in during the past 30 years, more and more roads were built with the sacrifice of these canals.  Small and mega-buildings replaced the rice paddy fields and agricultural farms. However, Bangkok still retains its charm by portraying the combination of old and new and is one of the most attractive cities to visit.

CHAKRI DYNASTY

King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke (Rama I) from 1782 - 1809 The Great - The first King of the Chakri Dynasty, moved the capital city from Thonburi to Bangkok and built the Grand Palace that houses the Emerald Buddha. Helped release Thailand from Burmese control, after the fall of Ayuthaya 14 years earlier. There are currently nine kings in the present-day Chakri Dynasty. 

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