The Ayutthaya Kingdom: Thailand’s Glorious Past

The Ayutthaya Kingdom (1351–1767) was a powerful Thai empire that dominated Southeast Asia for over 400 years.
Centered in what is now central Thailand, its capital city of Ayutthaya was once one of the richest and most cosmopolitan cities in the world.

European explorers in the 1500s called it one of Asia’s three great powers—right up there with China and Vijayanagara!
Meanwhile, Chinese records listed it as a tributary, but make no mistake: Ayutthaya helped shape modern Thailand.

Its name comes from "Ayodhya," an ancient Indian city from the epic Ramayana, linking it to Thailand’s own version—the Ramakien.
Ayutthaya started as a merger of three small city-states and soon became a major player in regional trade and politics.

Under King Narai (1657–1688), the kingdom flourished with Persian, French, and other European influences—even sending an embassy to Louis XIV of France!
As Europe stepped back, Chinese trade took over, bringing early capitalism to Siam.

But internal problems and succession crises weakened the kingdom. In 1767, Burmese forces sacked the capital after a 14-month siege, ending the Ayutthaya era.

Still, Siam bounced back fast. Within 15 years, a new capital rose in Thonburi and later Bangkok.
Foreigners called the kingdom "Siam," but locals knew it as Krung Tai—“Tai Country.”
Its full ceremonial name? The majestic "Krung Thep Dvaravati Si Ayutthaya." Now that’s a title fit for a kingdom!