History of Thailand - Chakri Dynasty (1782 AD to Present)

Chakri Dynasty (1782 AD to Present)

In 1782, the Chakri dynasty was founded and the nation also received a new capital. King Rama I crowned himself as the first king and ordered the relocation of the capital across the river from Thonburi to Bangkok. The establishment of the Chakri dynasty marked the beginning of the so-called Rattanakosin period.

It was for strategic reasons that King Rama I decided to move the capital to the east bank of the Chao Phraya River. He believed that the site could be more easily defended than Thonburi should the Burmese ever try to attack again. However, defense was not his only purpose. He also wanted to wipe out the memory of defeat and restore national pride with the construction of a city that would recreate the lost glory of Ayutthaya.

In building Bangkok as the capital city, attempts were made to revive the glory of Ayutthaya as faithfully as possible. The Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) were replicated from Ayutthaya's grand palace and royal temple. Modern Thailand is deeply indebted to King Rama I for his cultural revival programs.

King Rama I died in 1809. His son, King Rama II, took the throne and ruled until 1824. King Rama III (1824-1851) began to develop trade with China and boosted domestic agricultural production. During the two succeeding reigns, Bangkok was further expanded and embellished. It became one of the most magnificent cities in the Orient, achieving the height of glory formerly enjoyed by Ayutthaya. The early Rattanakosin period also marked the beginning of relations between the Thai kingdom and the West during the Age of Imperialism.

When King Mongkut (Rama IV) took the throne in 1851 he quickly established diplomatic relations with European nations, while at the same time astutely avoiding colonization. He also began a period of trade reform and modernization of the Thai education system.

His son, King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), continued this tradition. He ordered extensive reform of the legal and administrative systems and also revolutionized the communication and transportation systems. King Chulalongkorn's efforts and contributions helped the country avoid colonization and made Thailand the only country in the region to maintain independence from the West. But of all his achievements, abolition of slavery was the greatest. This accomplishment earned him the name 'Piya Maharaj', the 'Beloved Great King'. He became one of the most beloved and revered kings of modern Thai history.

Like his father, King Vajiravudh (Rama VI), the successor of King Chulalongkorn, continued to modernize Siam. During his 15-year reign from 1910 to 1925, the king introduced compulsory education and other reforms. He also established the country's first western-style universities: Chulalongkorn University, perhaps most famous of all, was named in honor of his father.

In 1925 the brother of King Vajiravudh, King Prajadhipok (Rama VII 1925-1935) ascended the throne. Seven years later a group of Thai students living in Paris mounted a successful bloodless coup d'etat, which led to the establishment of a constitutional monarchy similar to the system in Britain.

A key military leader in the coup, Phibul Songkhram, took power and maintained control until after the end of WW II. Rama VIII, Ananda Mahidol, became king in 1935 but was assassinated under rather mysterious circumstances in 1946.

His younger brother Bhumibol Adulyadej succeeded him and from then on became the ninth king of the Chakri dynasty. He remains on the throne to this day, respected and revered in both Thailand and throughout the rest of the world.

Grand celebrations to commemorate His Majesty the King's 72nd birthday anniversary were held throughout 1999. He has become the longest-reigning king in Thai history with more than 50 years on the throne. The year-long celebrations highlighted the deep respect and pride of the Thai people for their monarch.

Throughout all these years, Thailand has portrayed itself as a country with amazing history. While the other nine members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations all fell under the yoke of European imperialism, Thailand steadfastly defended its independence, something that the Thai people are very proud of. As an independent nation, the Thai people have continually developed a unique and distinctive society and culture. Undoubtedly, the most outstanding characteristics of 'Thainess' are the dual forces of Buddhism and the monarchy, the main cohesive elements of Thai society since ancient times until today.