The History of Bangkok

1300s-1700s: From 1350 to 1767, the capital of Siam (the old name for Thailand) was Ayutthaya, approximately 85km north of Bangkok. During this period, Thai culture flourished, the city becoming a major commercial and international center. The Thai population also steadily increased during this period, reaching roughly a million inhabitants.

The 1700s: In the late 1700s, the Burmese attacked the capital of Ayutthaya, sacking and burning it to the ground. This forced King Rama I to move the capital further south by the banks of the Chao Phraya river in what we know today to be Bangkok. Wanting the new capital to be equal in majesty and splendor to the once-great Ayutthaya, Rama I commissioned the construction of several palaces and religious temples still standing today (e.g. the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew).

The 1800s: During the reign of King Rama II and King Rama III, even more, major temples and monasteries were constructed. These include the famous Wat Arun, Wat Pho, and Wat Yan Nawa. These were considered centers of learning, medicine, and recreation. However, the kings neglected the rest of the city, failing to build roads to further urbanize the capital. Instead, the citizens relied on the interconnected canals for transportation.

It wasn’t until the late 1800s, under the leadership of King Rama V, that public transportation became a priority. During this period, the king established a system of roadways and bridges, introduced a post, telegraph, electric track, and railway services, finally lifting Bangkok out of its rural beginnings.

The 1900s: By the 1900s, many rural areas in the city saw an increase in residents, and since then Bangkok has continued to undergo immense modernization. Despite World Wars I and II, Thailand is one of the few, if not the only, countries in Asia to have successfully evaded colonization by any other country. Following the war, the late 20th century saw rapid economic and touristic growth.

The 2000s: Bangkok was not without its fair share of problems, including an unstable government with consistent overthrows and oustings. The city has also suffered from massive growth in population, with problems like air pollution, overcrowding, transportation, housing, and flooding arising. Despite all this, the city’s many imperfections are overlooked due to its ancient charm, its hospitable and positive citizens, and unique and magical culture.

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