T
his past month of April was a special one for Bangkok,
as it celebrated its two hundred and thirty third
birthday. Today an Asian icon, Bangkok is one of the
most travelled cities in the entire world and represents
the success of what has steadily developed to become the hub of
ASEAN and other important regional organisations. But where
are the origins of this bustling city? How did it all begin?
Bangkok was initially a conflation of two cities: Thonburi
in 1768 and Rattanakosin in 1782, onto which it evolved
after a small fifteenth century trading post grew in size and
overtook this area parted by the Chao Phraya River. In 1782,
the Chakri dynasty was established by his majesty the king
Yotfachulalok (Rama I) after deposing king Taksin of Thonburi
and proclaiming the capital’s formal birth. This dynasty has
been the royal lineage of the throne through which have reigned
nine “Rama”. To commemorate this, Bangkok decided to
throw a spectacular celebration, honouring the longevity of the
dynasty and providing the perfect platform to showcase all of
the culture that has been gathered along its rich 233 years.
The celebration began with a one and a half kilometre long
May 15 - June 15 , 2015
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