Chronology

Dates Image Periods Politics Art and Literature
1238-1350

Sukhothai Historical Park

Sukhothai Period  

King Ramkhamhaeng made Sukhothai a powerful and extensive kingdom which included many parts of what are today neighboring countries.

He opend direct political relations with China and made two trips to China - the first in 1282 to visit the Emperor Kublai Khan and the second in 1300 after Kublai Khan's death.

 
A major achievement of King Ramkhamhaeng was the revision of various forms o Khmer alphabets into a system suitable for the writing of Thai words. The alphabet that he invented in 1283 was essentially the same as that in use today.
1350-1767

Ayutthaya Period  Not only is Ayutthaya at the confluence of three rivers, plus some canals, but its proximity to the sea also gave its inhabitants an irresistible stimulus to engage in maritime trade.

Trade and commerce flurished.

Ayutthaya also captured Angkor on at least one occasion but was unable to hold on to it for long.

This was one of the most politically glorious and culturally influential epochs in Thai history.

With international trade and commerce came the international cultural influences.

1767 Thon Buri.jpg (30878 bytes)  

Post-Ayutthaya Period

Capitol moved to Thon Buri on the opposite side of the Chao Praya River from today's Bangkok.  Wai Khru ritual practiced nation-wide to honor teachers of art and performance.
1800 bangkok.jpg (25781 bytes) Ratanakosin Period Bangkok is the capitol.

Chakri Dynasty 

Excavation projects conducted to learn more about ancient times, at the same time,  pop-culture thrives and dominates the television airwaves.

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Revised: 05 May 2004 11:36:25 -0500