This document provides an overview of Thai history and culture. It begins by outlining the objectives of understanding significant terms and events in Thai history, the role of ancient Thai civilizations in Asian identity formation, and showcasing Thai culture. It then provides geographical and historical background on Thailand, detailing the four main periods of Thai kingdoms - Sukhotai, Ayutthaya, Thon Buri, and Rattanakosin. For each kingdom, it discusses the founder, dates of existence, and significant events. In concluding, it poses discussion questions about unique aspects of Thai culture and influence from China, the aspiration for independence, and benefits of changing to a constitutional monarchy.

1. BY: MRS. MARY GRACE C. NUEVA

2. 
To determine the terms and events significant to the
history of Thailand

To explain the role of Thailand’s ancient civilizations
to the formation and development of Asian identities
and cultures

To present a documentary film showcasing the
unique culture of Thailand as an Asian nation

3. 
LISTEN TO THE THAILAND SONG “PLENG LUK THUNG” (SONG OF A
CHILD OF FIELD) AND GET A TOUCH OF THAILAND CULTURE.

THIS SONG REFLECTS THE HARDSHIP OF THE TYPICAL LIFE IN RURAL
POOR.

4. 
GEOGRAPHICAL SETTINGS

capital city is Bangkok

part of Southeast Asia

West of Laos

East of Myanmar

North of Gulf of Thailand

South of China

5. 
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

first settled in southern China

formed city-states in Chiang Saen,
Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai

migrated further south and almost
dominated the Indochina Peninsula
http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/asia/indochina.gif

6. 
KINGDOMS IN THAILAND

Sukhotai Period (1238-1438)

Ayutthaya Period (1351-1767)

Thon Buri Period (767-1782)

Rattanakosin Period (1782-present)
http://www.creativeroots.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/thai-kings.jpg

7. 
COMPLETE THE TABLE BELOW WITH THE AID OF ON-LINE REFERENCES.
SUKHOTAI
FOUNDER
DATE OF
EXISTENCE
SIGNIFICANT
EVENTS THAT
HAPPENED IN
THAILAND DURING
ITS EXISTENCE
AYUTTHAYA
THON BURI
RATANAKOSIN

8. 
SUKHOTAI PERIOD (1238-1438)

founded in 1238

founded by Thai governors, Khun Bang Klang Thao (Sri
Inthrathit) and Khun Pha Mueang

these governors led the rebellion against the Khmers of
Cambodia and gave independence to Thailand

the Golden Age of Thai culture

Thais had strong relationship with neighboring
countries

Thai alphabet was developed under the rule of
Ramkhamhaeng King
http://www.thailandshistoria.s
e/media/images/sukhothai/p
ho_khun_ban_klanghao_1.jpg
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dexd4tbfdN
8/SxKVcuBrMAI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/P2XC
F0VPcfA/s1600/400pxKing_Ngam_Mueang_Monument.jpg
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/ZBibt3d6_XQ/UGONDrC_jOI/AAAAAAAAD5E/M
FqkIkfXdNQ/s1600/Learning-The-ThaiAlphabet.jpg

9. 
AYUTTHAYA PERIOD (1351-1767)

Thai Kingdom’s capital was founded by U-Thong King in
1350

Society was hierarchical – king, commoners, slaves

European nations such as Portuguese, Spanish and Dutch
arrived in Thailand from 16th to 17th century

Burmese invaded Thailand in 1765

King Phraya Taksin, a Thai general, regained Thailand and
later proclaimed himself as the next Buddha

Taksin was dimissed as king and persecuted by his
ministers because of this.
http://www.pattayamail.com/302/fspl1.jpg

10. 
THON BURI PERIOD (1767-1782)

became the capital of Thailand for a short
period during the rule of King Taksin

King Taksin devoted his life to his country,
became over stressed and later became
insane.

Thon Buri collapsed because of the coup led
by General Chakri in 1782

King Rama I assumed the throne and relocated
the capital of Thailand to Bangkok

Thon Buri merged with Bangkok in 1792
http://www.bangkokinsights.com/img/bangkok-history/bangkok-thonburi-palace.jpg

11. 
RATTANAKOSIN PERIOD (1782-present)

founded by King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke of the
Chakri dynasty

Marked as the period of consolidating the kingdom’s
power and conflicts with Burma, Vietnam and Laos

Also marked as the period for engaging in colonial
power with Britain and France

Slavery was abolished

Expansion of education in the middle class

Absolute monarchy was abolished with the revolution
in 1982 and changed to constitutional monarchy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rattanakosin_Kingdom

12. 
RATTANAKOSIN PERIOD (1782-present)

The Grand Palace of Thailand was built

King Nang Klao (Rama III) reopened the relations of Thailand with
western nations and developed trade with China

King Mongkut (Rama IV) of the “The King and I” concluded treaties
with European countries and established modern Thailand

King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) abolished slavery

King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) made education compulsory

King Prajadhipok changed absolute monarchy to constitutional
monarchy

Siam was changed into Thailand in 1939
http://www.dteconsulting.net/wpcontent/uploads/2012/07/Rattanakosin-Period.png

13. 
WHAT ARE THE UNIQUE FEATURES OF THAILAND AS A COUNTRY AND AS
AN ASIAN NATION?

TO WHAT EXTENT DID CHINA INFLUENCE THE THAI CULTURE?

WHY DID THE THAIS ASPIRE TO GAIN INDEPENDENCE FROM FOREIGN
RULE? WHY IS INDEPENDENCE IMPORTANT FOR A COUNTRY AND A
NATION?

WHAT BENEFITS DID THE THAIS RECEIVE UPON CHANGING THEIR SYSTEM
OF GOVERNMENT FROM ABSOLUTE MONARCHY TO CONSTITUTIONAL
MONARCHY?