Thonburi

Thonburi Phaya Taksin, a Thai general, promoted himself to bethe king in 1769. He ruled the new capital of Thonburi on the bank ofChao Phraya River, opposite Bangkok.

• Since Ayutthaya had been completely devastated, King Taksin chose to establish the new capital at Thonburi.• Although being a small town, Thonburi was strategically situated near the mouth of the Chao Phraya river that is a good defensive site in case of Burmese invasion• It is also suitable for being a seaport where the Thai can make a profit once again in maritime trade.

Thais regained control of their country and thus scatteredthemselves to the provinces in the north and central part ofThailand.

• During the time of crisis, King Taksin had made all Burmese attempts to reconquer Siam failed.• Occupied with the battles and national economy the King himself hardly found time for cultural revival.• After the political conflict in 1782, the king passed away and his general “Chao Phraya Chakri” was appointed to be the next king.