|
Thailand - It's History (Part 2)
Ayutthaya Period (1350-1767)
In 1350, the mightier state of Ayutthaya exerted its influence over Sukhothai. Adopting Khmer culture, the Ayutthaya kings were absolute monarchs and assumed the title devaraja (god-king). They extended their sovereignty over neighboring Thai principalities and come into conflict with their neighbours.
In 1767, a Burmese invasion succeeded in capturing Ayutthaya. Despite their overwhelming victory, the Burmese did not retain control of Siam for long. A young general named Phya Taksin and his followers broke through the Burmese and escaped to Chantaburi, and seven months after the fall of Ayutthaya, he and his forces sailed back to the capital and expelled the Burmese occupation garrison.
Thon Buri Period (1767-1772)
It was during the 17th century that Siam started diplomatic and commercial relations with western countries. To improve defenses against renewed Burmese attacks and also to facilitate foreign trade, including the procurement of arms, General Taksin transfered the capital from Ayutthaya to Thon Buri on the West bank of the river Chao Phraya, a site nearer to the sea. However Taksin's reign was a difficult one.He spent most of his time trying to reunite the provinces, no easy task due to the lack of a central authority afrter the downfall of Ayuthya, and the Kingdom disintigrated rapidly.
More...
|
