Thai History*Thai History*

*History = His + story*History = His + story

Origin of Thais/SiamesOrigin of Thais/Siames

• First theory: Thais originated in northwestern First theory: Thais originated in northwestern Szechuan in China and migrated to Thailand. Szechuan in China and migrated to Thailand. They split into 2 groups: the first group They split into 2 groups: the first group settled down in the North or “Lanna”, and the settled down in the North or “Lanna”, and the second group went southward and became second group went southward and became “Sukhothai”.“Sukhothai”.

• Second theory: According to prehistoric Second theory: According to prehistoric artifacts in Baan Chiang village and artifacts in Baan Chiang village and sophisticated culture, Thais have been here sophisticated culture, Thais have been here for more than 3,500 years.for more than 3,500 years.

• So far, no definite conclusion but for sure, So far, no definite conclusion but for sure, Thais had already settled down in SEA by 8Thais had already settled down in SEA by 8thth A.D. A.D.

• Map of SEA in A.D. 1686Map of SEA in A.D. 1686

Khmer InfluenceKhmer Influence

• 44thth-6-6thth A.D., central and western areas of A.D., central and western areas of Thailand was occupied by Mon civilization Thailand was occupied by Mon civilization called Dvaravati.called Dvaravati.

• Mon shared same lineage as the Khmers.Mon shared same lineage as the Khmers.• 66thth -7 -7thth A.D., Mon/Khmer influenced over A.D., Mon/Khmer influenced over

central Thailand in terms of central Thailand in terms of language(Sanskrit), art, and religion.language(Sanskrit), art, and religion.(Khmer temples: Angkor, Phimai, Phanom (Khmer temples: Angkor, Phimai, Phanom Rung)Rung)

• Politically speaking, Khmer culture only Politically speaking, Khmer culture only dominated through vassals and dominated through vassals and governors.governors.

Angkor WatAngkor Wat

Phimai Historical ParkPhimai Historical Park

Layout of Phanom Rung Layout of Phanom Rung TempleTemple

Phanom Rung TemplePhanom Rung Temple

Lanna PeriodLanna Period

• Covering Northern Thailand: Chiang Mai, Covering Northern Thailand: Chiang Mai, Lampang, Lamphun (known as Lampang, Lamphun (known as Haripunchai).Haripunchai).

• Chiang Rai - Phayao was known as Yonok.Chiang Rai - Phayao was known as Yonok.• The first leader of Lanna was King The first leader of Lanna was King

Mengrai (B.E.1802/A.D.1259) who seized Mengrai (B.E.1802/A.D.1259) who seized Haripunchai and built Chiang Mai as a Haripunchai and built Chiang Mai as a capital in B.E.1839/A.D.1296. capital in B.E.1839/A.D.1296.

• He was a good friend of Phya Ngum He was a good friend of Phya Ngum Muang of Phayao and Phra Ruang of Muang of Phayao and Phra Ruang of Sukhothai. Sukhothai.

Lanna KingdomLanna Kingdom

Three Kings MonumentThree Kings Monument

• Lanna flourished more than 200 Lanna flourished more than 200 years esp. in the mid 10years esp. in the mid 10th th A.D. A.D. during King Tilokoraj period.during King Tilokoraj period.

• Chiang Mai was chosen as the center Chiang Mai was chosen as the center of the Eight Council of Tripitaka – of the Eight Council of Tripitaka – the primary Buddhist text. This was the primary Buddhist text. This was held at Wat Ched Yod (means temple held at Wat Ched Yod (means temple of seven peaks)of seven peaks)

• After King Tilokoraj passed away, After King Tilokoraj passed away, Lanna weakened because of wars Lanna weakened because of wars with Sukhothai’s successors.with Sukhothai’s successors.

Wat Ched YodWat Ched Yod

A sculpture of deva A sculpture of deva (deity)(deity)

Doi Suthep TempleDoi Suthep TempleA Chiang Mai’s LandmarkA Chiang Mai’s Landmark

Sukhothai PeriodSukhothai Period• Sukhothai means the “Dawn of Happiness” Sukhothai means the “Dawn of Happiness”

and was claimed as the first kingdom of and was claimed as the first kingdom of Thailand founded in A.D.1238 by 2 chieftains: Thailand founded in A.D.1238 by 2 chieftains: Khun Bang Klang Tao and Khun Pa Muang.Khun Bang Klang Tao and Khun Pa Muang.

• It was considered as the most flourishing It was considered as the most flourishing period of Thailand and called golden age of period of Thailand and called golden age of Thai culture.Thai culture.

• It had strong friendship with China during It had strong friendship with China during King Ramkhamhaeng period. Traditionally King Ramkhamhaeng period. Traditionally speaking, he organized a writing system and speaking, he organized a writing system and finally developed to be modern Thai alphabets.finally developed to be modern Thai alphabets.

King RamkhamhaengKing Ramkhamhaeng

Stone InscriptionStone Inscription

Ancient Thai AlphabetsAncient Thai Alphabets