Ayutthaya
Kingdom was founded by King Rama Thibodi (Utong) and it had expanded
rapidly. Sukhothai, Angkor and Lanna became its dependency.
Ayutthaya
sovereigns were absolute monarchs. Their kings adopted Khmer
cultural influences and assumed the title "Devaraja"
(god-king).
During
the 17th century, Ayuthaya started diplomatic and commercial
relations with western countries and became a renowned trading
post. Portuguese, French, Dutchman, British, Chinese, Japanese,
and Persians came to trade animal skins, spices, ivory, minerals,
etc.
THONBURI PERIOD
1767 - 1772 A.D.
After
Ayuthaya was defeated by Burmese. 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.
King
Taksin founded the capital, Thonburi, on the west of Chao Phraya
River. During his reign, he reunited Siam back together.
