Rattanakosin 244 Years Anniversary
Congratulations to the City of Bangkok on the 244th anniversary of the foundation of Rattanakosin as the capital of Siam!
Bangkok City Foundation Day 21 April
From an era of difficulty, to today’s vibrant modern city, Krungthepmahanakorn (Bangkok) has become one of the most impressive cities of the 21st Century.
In 1782, King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke the Great (Rama I) performed a ceremony to erect the City Pillar and established Krung Rattanakosin as the royal capital, moving it from Thonburi to the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River.
History and Significance:
King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke the Great (Rama I), became the first king of the Chakri Dynasty, and conferred the Royal Name on the city of “Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit,” which means a vast and prosperous city.
Reason for the Move:
The Thonburi side of the river had a fragmented and cramped layout, so it was relocated to Rattanakosin island on the opposite bank, which offered superior strategic geography, and offered superior defences against the ongoing threat from Burmese forces.
On the day of the declaration, the Grand Palace was already under construction along with Wat Phra Kaew, which was built to house the sacred Emerald Buddha.
The Follow Up:
The following years emphasised building fortifications, cultural restoration, as well as wars to secure Siam’s territorial boundaries. This pushed Siam towards being a regional power.
The city authorities are holding a number of celebratory evening cultural and fun events across Phra Nakorn district open to all, running from 22-26 April.
As a side note, the long form name of the city, as declared on Foundation Day, is still the official name of the city, however for official and legal purposes it’s normally referred to as Krunthepmahanakorn, or informally as Krungthep.
(All images generated by AI)