History of Bangkok
New canals were also built, gradually expanding the fledgling city as areas available for agriculture increased and new transport networks were created. Outside the city walls, settlements sprawled along both river banks. Waterways served as the main method of transportation, and farming communities depended on them for irrigation. At the time of the city’s foundation, most of the population lived by the river or the canals, often in floating houses on the water.
This is supported by the fact that Wat Arun, a historic temple in the area, used to be named Wat Makok. Specific mention of the town was first made in the royal chronicles from the reign of King Maha Chakkraphat (1548-1568), giving its name as Thonburi Si Mahasamut (ธนบุรีศรีมหาสมุทร).
It was the centre of Siam’s modernization in the late-19th century, subjected to Allied bombing during the Second World War, and has long been the modern nation’s central political stage, with numerous uprisings and coups d’état having taken place on its streets throughout the years. The name also appears in the 1805 revised code of laws known as the Law of Three Seals. It probably originated as a small farming and trading community, in a meander of the Chao Phraya River within the mandala of Ayutthaya’s influence. It is not known exactly when the area which is now Bangkok (https://bangkok.thaibounty.com/2020/03/09/you-will-thank-us-ten-tips-about-jessica-bangkok-you-need-to-know/) was first settled.
Construction of Bangkok‘s major canals over time, the earliest dating to the reign of King Chairacha (r. Note that the Thai spelling of Thonburi here is different from the modern name, which is spelled ธนบุรี. Postcard of Charoen Krung Road, c.
Rama I modelled his city after the former capital of Ayutthaya, with the Grand Palace, Front Palace and royal temples by the river, next to the royal field (now Sanam Luang). Government offices were located within the Grand Palace, while residences of nobles were concentrated south of the palace walls. Continuing outwards were the royal court of justice, royal stables and military prison. Settlements spread outwards from the city centre.
