UNDERSTANDING THAILAND-PART THREE

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

The meaning of the word ‘Thai’

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 colonization, the only Southeast Asian country to do so successfully. 

Origin of the Thai Population

However, many scholars believe the title refers to those who were to become the country’s most populous and prevailing group— 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.

Thailand’s Unified Origins

Let’s delve a little deeper into the history of the early kingdoms and how the establishment of multifarious Thailand occurred. First came Sukhothai. The Sukhothai kingdom of Thailand (1238–1448) is regarded as 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 great 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 was understood that kings would install bells outside 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 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.

Origins of the Thai Alphabet

King Ramkhamhaeng invented the Thai alphabet during the Sukhothai period. This is evidenced by the finding of an inscribed tablet 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.

Origins 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 and the institution of relations with foreign traders, primarily the Portuguese. A significant societal change occurred during the Ayutthaya period 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 several 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-Northern Thailand

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 translates to ‘Thai Kingdom Of A Million Rice Fields.’ is a period in Thai history that ruled from the 13th to 15th century in northern Thailand. This era incredibly impacted Thai society and culture and is still romantically revered.

Throughout this era, 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 and The Thonburi Kingdom

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

How Bangkok Became the Capital of Thailand

The Rattanakosin Kingdom is the fourth 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 (royal ruling house) king in the Rattanakosin kingdom.

King Ram IV

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

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

King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great (Rama IX)

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great (Rama IX), the former King of Thailand, was the world’s longest-serving monarch. Throughout his 70-year reign, he 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.

H.M. King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhuais

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.

Thai People and the Monarchy

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

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

Thai National Anthem

The Thai national anthem is played nationwide at 8 am and 6 pm. It is broadcast on TV stations and radio stations and broadcast through loudspeakers. During a school assembly, 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 pole’s peak as the song concludes. At the end of the Thai National Anthem, Thai people will bow their heads toward the flag as a sign of devotion and honor.

In public places, such as bustling train platforms or markets, the anthem is broadcast via loudspeakers; it is extraordinary to see everybody come to a standstill and observe the Anthem.

Relevant

1. Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/the-thai-school-calendar to read about Thailand's school year and how it differs from most other countries.

2. Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/the-complete-guide-to-the-thai-alphabet to read a detailed guide to the Thai language and the Thai Alphabet.

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