| Introduction
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Bangkok was established as Thailand's capital
in 1782. Over the next two centuries, it developed in many ways reflecting
the modern dynamism; however, its ancient glories were well maintained,
especially in the old areas around the Grand Palace. Today, Bangkok
has become the principal gateway and prime tourist attraction for both
domestic and international travellers.
Bangkok occupies a total area of 1,568
square kilometres on a flat alluvial plain divided by the Chao Phraya
River. Composed of about 50 districts (Khets), it is home to one-tenth
of the country's population. Thon Buri, a former capital, is now a district
under the administration of the Bangkok Metropolis.
Climate : Thailand lies within the humid tropics and remains
hot throughout the year. Average temperatures are about 29oC, ranging
in Bangkok from 35oC in April to 17oC in December. There are three seasons:
the cool season (November to February), the hot season (April to May),
and the rainy season (June to October), though downpours rarely last
more than a couple of hours.
Population in Bangkok : 7.5 million
Thailand has a population of about 60 million. Ethnic Thais form the
majority, though the area has historically been a migratory crossroads,
and thus strains of Mon, Khmer, Burmese, Lao, Malay, Indian and most
strongly, Chinese stock produce a degree of ethnic diversity. Integration
is such, however, that culturally and socially there is enormous unity.
Time : GMT/UTC+7
Telephone area code : 02
When to visit Bangkok : While there's
really no bad time to visit Thailand's capital, rain and extreme heat
are less frequent between November and February. In Bangkok, April is
only recommended to those with portable air conditioners, while October
brings the heaviest rains - these are probably the best times to be
out of Thailand. The tourists flock to Bangkok in December and August,
while the least crowded months tend to be May, June and September.
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| History
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Thailand means
"land of the free", and throughout its 800-year history, Thailand
can boast the distinction of being the only country in Southeast Asia
never to have been colonized. Its history is divided into five major periods
:
Nanchao Period (650-1250 A.D.)
The Thai people founded their kingdom in the southern part of China, which
is Yunnan, Kwangsi and Canton today. A great number of people migrated
south as far as the Chao Phraya Basin and settled down over the Central
Plain under the sovereignty of the Khmer Empire, whose culture they probably
accepted. The Thai people founded their independent state of Sukhothai
around 1238 A.D., which marks the beginning of the Sukhothai Period.
Sukhothai Period (1238-1378 A.D.)
Thais began to emerge as a dominant force in the region in the13th century,
gradually asserting independence from existing Khmer and Mon kingdoms.
Called by its rulers "the dawn of happiness", this is often
considered the golden era of Thai history, an ideal Thai state in a land
of plenty governed by paternal and benevolent kings, the most famous of
whom was King Ramkamhaeng the Great. However in 1350, the mightier state
of Ayutthaya exerted its influence over Sukhothai.
Ayutthaya Period (1350-1767)
The Ayutthaya kings adopted Khmer cultural influences from the very beginning.
No longer the paternal and accessible rulers that the kings of Sukhothai
had been, Ayutthaya's sovereigns were absolute monarchs and assumed the
title devaraja (god-king). The early part of this period saw Ayutthaya
extend its sovereignty over neighboring Thai principalities and come into
conflict with its neighbours, During the 17th century, Siam started diplomatic
and commercial relations with western countries.
In 1767, a Burmese invasion succeeded in capturing Ayutthaya. Despite
their overwhelming victory, the Burmese did not retain control of Siam
for long. A young general named Phya Taksin and his followers broke through
the Burmese encirclement and escaped to Chantaburi. Seven months after
the fall of Ayutthaya, he and his forces sailed back to the capital and
expelled the Burmese occupation garrison.
Thon Buri Period (1767-1772)
General Taksin, as he is popularly known, decided to transfer the capital
from Ayutthaya to a site nearer to the sea which would facilitate foreign
trade, ensure the procurement of arms, and make defence and withdrawal
easier in case of a renewed Burmese attack. He established his new capital
at Thon Buri on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River.
The rule of Taksin was not an easy one. The lack of central authority
since the fall of Ayutthaya led to the rapid disintegration of the kingdom,
and Taksin's reign was spent reuniting the provinces.
Rattanakosin Period (1782 - the Present)
After Taksin's death, General Chakri became the first king of the Chakri
Dynasty, Rama I, ruling from 1782 to 1809. His first action as king was
to transfer the royal capital across the river from Thon Buri to Bangkok
and build the Grand Palace. Rama II (1809-1824) continued the restoration
begun by his predecessor. King Nang Klao, Rama III (1824-1851) reopened
relations with Western nations and developed trade with China. King Mongkut,
Rama IV, (1851-1868) of "The King and I" concluded treaties
with European countries, avoided colonialization and established modern
Thailand. He made many social and economic reforms during his reign .
King Chulalongkorn, Rama V (1869-1910) continued his father's tradition
of reform, abolishing slavery and improving the public welfare and administrative
system. Compulsory education and other educational reforms were introduced
by King Vajiravudh, Rama VI (1910-1925). During the reign of King Prajadhipok,
(1925-1935), Thailand changed from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional
monarchy. The king abdicated in 1933 and was succeeded by his nephew,
King Ananda Mahidol (1935-1946). The country's name was changed from Siam
to Thailand with the advent of a democratic government in 1939.
Our present monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, is King Rama IX of the Chakri
Dynasty. |
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| Religion |
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Thailand is one of the most strongly Buddhist
countries in the world. The national religion is Theravada Buddhism,
a branch of Hinayana Buddhism, practiced by more than 90 % of all Thais.
The remainder of the population adheres
to lslam, Christianity, Hinduism and other faiths - all of which are
allowed full freedom of expression. Buddhism continues to cast strong
influence on daily life. Senior monks are highly revered. Thus, in towns
and villages, the temple (wat) is the heart of social and religious
life.
Meditation, one of the most popular aspects
of Buddhism, is practiced regularly by numerous Thai as a means of promoting
inner peace and happiness. Visitors, too, can learn the fundamentals
of this practice at several centres in Bangkok and elsewhere in the
country.
Meditation Centres
Some temples and meditation centres in and near Bangkok :
Association for the Science of
Creative Intelligence
Ratchapark Building 18/F,
163 Sukhumvit Soi 21,
Bangkok 10110.
Tel : (02) 258-3242, (02) 258-3257
House of Dhamma
26/9 Soi Chompol, Lardprao Soi 15, Bangkok 10900
Tel : (02) 511-0439
Fax : (02) 512-6083
Thailand Meditation Center
The World Fellowship of Buddhist,
616 Soi Methi Nivet (Sukhumvit 24)
Bangkok 10110
Tel : (02) 661-1284, to 1290
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Young Buddhist Association of Thailand
(For age 13-25 yrs.)
58/8 Phetkasem 54 (Soi Thipniyom 2),
Bangduan, Pha Si Charoen, Bangkok
Tel : (02) 413-3131, (02) 413-1706,
(02)413-1958, (02) 805-0790 to 0794
Fax : (02) 413-3131
Buddhist Association of Thailand
41 Phra Athit Road Bangkok
Tel : (02) 281-9563 to 9564
Fax : (02) 281-9563
The International Buddhist Meditation
Center (IBMC)
Wat Mahathat, Tha Phrachan
Bangkok 10200
Tel : (02) 222-2835, (02) 623-6325
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| Monarchy |
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His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej
is the ninth king of the Chakri Dynasty. Born in December 1927, in Cambridge,
Massachusetts USA, where his father, Prince Mahidol of Songkhla was
studying medicine at Harvard University, H.M. King Bhumibol ascended
the throne in 1946 and is already the longest reigning Thai monarch.
As a constitutional monarch, he maintains neutrality in times of crisis.
Thai people have a deep and traditional
reverence for the Royal Family. To a very large degree, H.M. King Bhumibol's
popularity mirrors his deep interest in his people's welfare. He concerns
himself intimately with every aspect of Thai life. He and his wife,
H.M. Queen Sirikit devote much of their time to inspect and improve
the welfare of the people.
THE ROYAL CREST
COMMEMORATING THE CELEBRATIONS ON THE AUSPICIOUS
OCCASION OF HIS MAJESTY THE KING’S 6TH CYCLE BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY
5TH DECEMBER 1999
His Majesty the King's initials the Thai letters Phor Por Ror placed
at the centre of the crest, under the Royal Crown and above the Royal
Throne of the Eight Compass Points, signify that His Majesty is the
focus of the entire nation, binding the people's hearts and loyalty.
The yellow colour of the letters is the colour of His Majesty's day
of birth, and the blue colour of the background that of the monarchy.
The surrounding discus (Chakra) with the Thai numeral 9 means that King
Bhumibol Adulyadej is the ninth monarch of the Chakri Dynasty. The crest
is flanked by two seven-tiered umbrellas and topped by a nine-tiered
umbrella, both types symbols of kingship. The four-point border represents
the four regions of the country, in which the people live in peace and
tranquillity under the King's supreme protection, as expressed by the
green colour, which is a symbol of peace and abundance. Each of the
four points of the border has a lotus flower, an offering to His Majesty
on the occasion of his sixth-cycle birthday anniversary. The golden
rays around the crest signify His Majesty's grace and benevolence, which
pervade the Kingdom and beyond, and bring pride and joy to the people
throughout the entire land. Beneath the crest, a blue silk banner bears
the inscription of the Celebration on the Auspicious Occasion of His
Majesty's 6th-Cycle Birthday Anniversary on 5 December 1999.
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