Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
seized power of the country. At press time, the military had yet to reveal a timeframe for a
return to civilian rule.
TIMELINE
1548-68
Thonburi Si Mahasamut, at the time little more than a Chinese trading post on the right bank of Mae
Nam Chao Phraya, is founded.
1768
King Taksin the Great moves the Thai capital from Ayuthaya to Thonburi Si Mahasamut, a location
he regarded as beneficial for both trade and defence.
1779
After a brutal war of territorial expansion, the Emerald Buddha, Thailand's most sacred Buddha im-
age, is brought to Bangkok from Laos, along with hundreds of Laotian slaves.
1782
Rama I re-establishes the Siamese court across the river from Thonburi, resulting in the creation of
both the current Thai capital and the Chakri dynasty.
1785
The majority of the construction of Ko Ratanakosin, Bangkok's royal district, including famous land-
marks such as the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, is finished.
1821
A boatload of opium marks the visit of the first Western trader to Bangkok; the trade of this sub-
stance is eventually banned nearly 20 years later.
1851
Rama IV, the fourth king of the Chakri dynasty, comes to power, courts relations with the West and
encourages the study of modern science in Siam.
1855
Bangkok, now Siam's major trading centre, begins to feel pressure from colonial influences; Rama IV
signs the Bowring Treaty, which liberalises foreign trade in Siam.
