Introduction to Thailand Part 3

Thailand has progressed through a multitude of changes and numerous influences throughout its history. The existence of multiple, separate, distinguished and often co-existing Thai kingdoms has chiefly been responsible for the establishment of multifarious Thailand we recognise today.

The word Thai in the Thai language translates as ‘independence’, prompting many scholars to suppose the choice of the name refers to Thailand’s capacity to oppose efforts at Western colonisation, the only Southeast Asian country to successfully do so.

However, many scholars believe the title refers to those who were to become the country’s most populous and prevailing group of people— the Tais. The Tais were initially part of an ethnic group from southern China, who migrated into the Chao Phraya River valley in central Thailand about AD 1000, an area already populated by two main Austro-Asiatic groups speaking Mon and Khmer. Present-day Thais are the product of the assimilation and amalgamation of these groups.

Let’s delve a little a deeper into the history of the early kingdoms and how the establishment of diverse Thailand occurred. First came Sukhothai. The Sukhothai kingdom of Thailand (1238–1448) is regarded to be the ‘Golden Age of Thailand’. As the first autonomous Thai state following the deterioration of the Khmer empire in the early 13th century, it is also considered to indicate the outset of modern Thai history.

The Sukhothai kingdom was a flourishing and abundant place for the country and its people, one where ‘rivers were full of fish and fields of rice’. It was also a time of comparative peace, with excellent relationships with adjacent countries.

During the Sukhothai period, it is understood that kings would install bells outside of their palaces. If any subject had a dispute, they could ring the bell, and the king would come to the gate and administer justice, respectively.

This administration style was later to become identified as ‘father governs children’ and is still pertinent today, not only in the palace but also in the hierarchy of Thai companies and institutions.

The Thai alphabet was invented by King Ramkhamhaeng during the Sukhothai period. This is evidenced by the finding of an inscribed tablet, which is today identified as the Ramkhamhaeng Stele. Late in the 14th century, the influence of the Sukhothai Kingdom began to decline, and the municipality came under the administration of the Ayutthaya Kingdom.

The Ayutthaya Kingdom (1350–1767) is possibly the best- known ancient Thai kingdom as its capital is still dazzling with historic structures and artefacts. This era of Thai history observed plentiful economic growth as well as the institution of relations with foreign traders, primarily the Portuguese. A significant amount of change to society occurred during the Ayutthaya period, this is when Thai culture became pointedly hierarchical.

The Ayutthaya period was fundamental in forming the Thai arts where all segments of society, from court administrators to philosophers, artisans and scholars of Buddhist education combined collectively to construct and decorate the area’s temples and palaces.

Nevertheless, this era in Thai history was also laden with wars and battles with Burma, and in 1767 a subsequent number of manuscripts, palaces and temples were destroyed. Notwithstanding, for an extended period during the Ayutthaya reign, the kingdom was primarily considered to be the most potent power in mainland Southeast Asia.

The Lanna kingdom coincided with the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya kingdoms. At its climax, its authority and influence were said to have matched Ayutthaya’s with whom it had various battles and conflicts.

The Lanna kingdom or Lan-Na-Thai which translate to ‘Thai Kingdom Of A Million Rice Fields.’ is a period in Thai history which ruled from the 13th to 15th century in northern Thailand. This era had an incredible impact on Thai society and culture and is still romantically revered.

It was throughout this era that Lanna’s culture and customs of what is widely regarded as the cultural capital of Thailand, Chiang Mai, were formed and solidly established in Thai culture. Lanna architecture, woodcraft and masonry are easily distinguishable and respected today.

King Taksin, the Great, reunited the country during the Thonburi Kingdom (1768–82). King Taksin ruled for many years until he decided to follow his spiritual calling and ordained as a monk. The territory founded by King Taksin the Great, was in Thonburi which is on the banks of the Chao Phraya River opposite modern-day Bangkok.

The Rattanakosin Kingdom is the fourth and existing established axis of power in the history of Thailand. Bangkok was chosen as the new capital city, because of its more favourable location, opposite Thonburi on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. In 1782 King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke (Rama I) became the first Chakri, (which means royal ruling house), king in the Rattanakosin kingdom.

A much-respected member of the monarchy from the Chakri dynasty was King Rama IV or King Mongkut. Reigning from 1851 to 1868, he is known as the ‘Father of Science and Technology’.

King Mongkut’s son, Chulalongkorn the Great, otherwise known as King Rama V (1868–1910), is also a revered king. He is acknowledged for building railways, roads and introducing electricity.

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great, (Rama IX), the former King of Thailand, was the world’s longest-serving monarch who throughout his 70-year reign devoted himself to developing his people’s lives. His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great, (Rama IX) is dearly loved by the people of Thailand.

His Majesty H.M. King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhuais the 10th Thai King of the Chakri Dynasty. His Majesty H.M. King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua Coronation Ceremonies took place on 4–6 May 2019.

Evidence of the Thai people’s love for the king and the royal family, past and present, is the considerable number of royal portraits in premises everywhere including homes, warehouses, companies and shops.

Whether Thai or not, you should show the utmost respect for the Thai royal family. The monarchy in Thailand is highly revered, and there are strict lèse-majesté laws.

The Thai national anthem is played at 8 am and 6 pm every day nationwide. It is broadcast on TV stations, radio stations and broadcast through loudspeakers. During a school assembly, in the cinema before movies, public events or while walking in the street, always stand to attention and observe the Thai national anthem.

The correct way to observe the Thai National Anthem is by standing to attention, and facing a Thai flag if you are in the vicinity of one. As the anthem is played, the flag is hoisted up the flagpole reaching the peak of the pole as the song concludes. At the end of the Thai National Anthem, Thai people will bow their head towards the flag as a sign of devotion and honour. In public places, such as bustling train platforms or market places, where the anthem is broadcast, it is extraordinary to see everybody come to a standstill and observe the Anthem.

Look out for the Introduction to Thailand Part 4 for more information on Thai antiquity, religion and traditions, as well as much, much more! 

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