Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
1511
Portuguese Duarte Fernandes becomes the first European to establish diplomatic relations with
Thailand when he founds a foreign mission in Ayuthaya; other European nations follow.
1688
Pro-foreign King Narai dies and is followed by the Palace Revolution and the expulsion of the
French. As a result, Thailand's ties with the West are near-severed until the 1800s.
1767
The capital city of Ayuthaya is sacked by the Burmese which ultimately, after 14 months of siege,
brings an end to the kingdom.
1768
Thai Chinese King Taksin establishes a new capital in Thonburi which brings the Thais back into
power and begins the brief Thonburi Period.
1782
Founding of the Chakri dynasty with Bangkok as the new capital. King Rama I is ruler and his lin-
eage continues to hold the throne to this day.
1851-68
Reign of King Mongkut (Rama IV) and a period of Western influence. The king moves the country
to modernise and integrates it into the world market of the day.
1855
Bowring Treaty between Siam and Britain stimulates the Thai economy by granting extraterritorial
rights to British subjects in Siam and liberalising trade rules and regulations.
1868-1910
Reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) who continues replacing the old political order with the
model of the nation state. Increase of European imperialism in neighbouring countries.
1874
Slavery and the state labour system that had been in place since the Ayuthaya period is abolished.
A salaried bureaucracy, police force and army are created.
