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"The water is the true home of the Siamese, and it is on this, their native element, that their real character and genius are best exhibited ..." 
There is never a dull day in Thailand. Whether it is the Songkran Festival or the first cool breeze of the winter season, there is always something to make you smile, laugh, cry or get excited about. Thailand is a land of magic and mystery attracting the Western world in seek of advantage and romance. Blessed with a huge allocation of beautiful natural resources and extraordinary culture, it is no wonder that Thais are such fun-loving people.Quite simply, where else can you find pristine beaches, crystal blue waters, an assortment of activities and a choice of modern or primitive accommodations all in one compact package? Take the opportunity to view the destinations by clicking on the leftpanel or rightpanel and see what hidden treasures await you.
Pre History :
Archaeological discoveries suggest that the some Bronze Age Civilization must be here in many areas of today Thailand.
I.e. at Baan Chiang in Northeast , Krabi in South, or other found at Baan Kao Kanchanaburi next to Prasart Muang Singh.Nanchao Period (650-1250 A.D.) :
The Thai people founded their kingdom in the southern part of China, which is Yunnan, Kwangsi and Canton today. A great number of people including Mons, Laos, Aka and Thais migrated south as far as the Chao Phraya Basin and settled down over the Suwannaphum (Indochina) which was the sovereignty of the Khmer Empire. Around 1200 A.D. the Thais had established states in Khamphaengphet (before 1200 A.D.), Lanna, Phayao and Sukhothai. After the rebelled against the Khmehr Empire the Thai founded their independent state of Sukhothai in 1238 A.D., which marks the beginning of the Sukhothai Period.
A unified Thai kingdom was established in the mid-14th century. Known as Siam until 1939, Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country never to have been taken over by a European power. A bloodless revolution in 1932 led to a constitutional monarchy. In alliance with Japan during World War II, Thailand became a US ally following the conflict.
Sukhothai Period (1238-1378 A.D.) :
Thais began to emerge as a dominant force in the region in the13th century, gradually asserting independence from existing Khmer and Mon kingdoms. Called by its rulers "the dawn of happiness", this is often considered the golden era of Thai history,an ideal Thai state in a land of plenty governed by paternal and benevolent kings, the most famous of whom was King Ramkamhaeng the Great. However in 1350, the mightier state of Ayutthaya exerted its influence over Sukhothai.
Ayutthaya Period (1350-1767 A.D.) :
The Ayutthaya kings adopted Khmer cultural influences from the very beginning. No longer the paternal and accessible rulers that the kings of Sukhothai had been, Ayutthaya's sovereigns were absolute monarchs and assumed the title devaraja (god-king). The early part of this period saw Ayutthaya extend its sovereignty over neighboring Thai principalities and come into conflict with its neighbours. During the 17th century, Siam started diplomatic and commercial relations with western countries. 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 encirclement and escaped to Chantaburi. Seven months after the fall of Ayutthaya, he and his forces sailed back to the capital and expelled the Burmese occupation garrison.
Thonburi Period (1767-1782 A.D.) :
General Taksin, as he is popularly known, decided to transfer the capital from Ayutthaya to a site nearer to the sea which would facilitate foreign trade, ensure the procurement of arms, and make defence and withdrawal easier in case of a renewed Burmese attack He established his new capital at Thon Buri on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. The rule of King Taksin was not an easy one. The lack of central authority since the fall of Ayutthaya led to the rapid disintegration of the kingdom, and King Taksin's reign was spent reuniting the provinces.
Rattanakosin Period (1782 - the Present) :
After King Taksin's death, General Chakri became the first king of the Chakri Dynasty, Rama I, ruling from 1782 to 1809. His first action as king was to transfer the royal capital across the river from Thon Buri to Bangkok and build the The Grand Palace.
Rama II (1809-1824) continued the restoration begun by his predecessor.
King Nang Klao, Rama III (1824-1851) reopened relations with Western nations and developed trade with China.
King Mongkut, Rama IV, (1851-1868) of "The King and I" concluded treaties with European countries, avoided colonialisation and established modern Thailand. He made many social and economic reforms during his reign.
King Chulalongkorn, Rama V (1869-1910) continued his father's tradition of reform, abolishing slavery and improving the public welfare and administrative system.
Compulsory education and other educational reforms were introduced by King Vajiravudh, Rama VI (1910-1925).
During the reign of King Prajadhipok, (1925-1935), Thailand changed from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy.
The king abdicated in 1933 and was succeeded by his nephew, King Ananda Mahidol (1935-1946).The country's name was changed from Siam to Thailand with the advent of a democratic government in 1939.
Our present monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, is King Rama IX of the Chakri Dynasty."Bangkok" means "The Olives Village". The official with 163-letters, name of the city :
"Krungthep Mahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahintar Ayutthaya Mahadilok Phopnoppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasatharn Amornphiman Awatansathit Sakkathatiyawitsanukamprasit " , is recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest city's name in any language.
A shortened version, "Krung Thep", "City of Angels", is the name by which all Thais know it.[ Top ] [ next ]
