Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
2006. Internet censorship is also on the rise and so-called Red Shirt (pro-Thaksin) radio
stations based in the northeast have been shut down by the government.
TIMELINE
4000-2500 BC
Prehistoric Neolithic people develop pottery, rice and cereal cultivation, cattle and pig farming and
bronze metallurgy in northern Thailand.
6th-11th centuries AD
The Buddhist and Hindu Indian-influenced Dvaravati, thought to be predominantly of the Mon eth-
nicity, establish city-states in central Thailand.
9-13th centuries
Angkor extends control across parts of Thailand. The region is still influenced by the extravagant
architectural and sculpture style of this once dominant Southeast Asia culture.
10th century
Arrival of Tai peoples in Thailand from Southern China in several waves. Settlements expand from
the northern mountain valleys to the central plains and northeast plateau.
1240-1438
Approximate dates of Sukhothai kingdom which the Thais consider the first real Thai kingdom. The
period is marked by flourishing arts and culture.
1283
Early Thai script invented by King Ramkhamhaeng of Sukhothai. The script is based on Indian,
Mon and Khmer scripts. Buddhism is established as the official religion.
1292
Chiang Mai becomes the capital of Lanna. King Mengrai, a skilled diplomat, creates ties that dispel
outside threats and allow the culture to grow.
1351-1767
Reign of Ayuthaya which at its height in the 1600s controls parts of Burma, Laos and Cambodia,
making it the predominant power of Southeast Asia at the time.
