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PopulationThailand has a population of about 64 million. Ethnic Thais form the majority, thoughthe 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, however, that culturally and socially there is enormous unity.5-2. HistoryThailand means “land of the free”, and throughout its 800-year history, Thailand canboast the distinction of being the only country in Southeast Asia never to have been colonized.Its history is divided into four major periods:Sukhothai Period (1238-1378)Thais began to emerge as a dominant force in the region in the13th century, graduallyasserting independence from existing Khmer and Mon kingdoms. Called by its rulers “the dawnof happiness”, this is often considered the golden era of Thai history, an ideal Thai state in aland of plenty governed by paternal and benevolent kings, the most famous of whom was KingRamkamhaeng the Great. However in 1350, the mightier state of Ayutthaya exerted its influenceover Sukhothai.Ayutthaya Period (1350-1767)The Ayutthaya kings adopted Khmer cultural influences from the very beginning. Nolonger the paternal and accessible rulers that the kings of Sukhothai had been, Ayutthaya’ssovereigns were absolute monarchs and assumed the title devaraja (god-king). The early part ofthis period saw Ayutthaya extend its sovereignty over neighboring Thai principalities and comeinto conflict with its neighbors, during the 17th century, Siam started diplomatic and commercialrelations with western countries.In 1767, a Burmese invasion succeeded in capturing Ayutthaya. Despite theiroverwhelming victory, the Burmese did not retain control of Siam for long. A young generalnamed Phya Taksin and his followers broke through the Burmese encirclement and escaped toChantaburi. Seven months after the fall of Ayutthaya, he and his forces sailed back to the capitaland expelled the Burmese occupation garrison.Thon Buri Period (1767-1772)General Taksin, as he is popularly known, decided to transfer the capital from Ayutthayato a site nearer to the sea which would facilitate foreign trade, ensure the procurement of arms,and make defense and withdrawal easier in case of a renewed Burmese attack. He established hisnew 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 Ayutthayaled to the rapid disintegration of the kingdom, and Taksin’s reign was spent reuniting theprovinces.Rattanakosin Period (1782 - the Present)After Taksin’s death, General Chakri became the first king of the Chakri Dynasty, RamaI, ruling from 1782 to 1809. His first action as king was to transfer the royal capital across theriver from Thon Buri to Bangkok and build the Grand Palace. Rama II (1809-1824) continuedthe restoration begun by his predecessor. King Nang Klao, Rama III (1824-1851) reopenedrelations with Western nations and developed trade with China. King Mongkut, Rama IV, (1851-1868) concluded treaties with European countries, avoided colonizationand established modernThailand. He made many social and economic reforms during his reign.51