Ayutthaya

The Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the construction of which took place in the early 17th century.

The Kingdom of Ayutthaya is a Siamese entity located in the valley of the flat Chao Phraya River and surrounding the northern end of the Gulf of Siam. The area has not been mapped with the exception of the Phayate of Tanintharyi, so that at present the area and population are undisclosed. Links related to other provinces, as well as descriptions of the region's geography and history are pending until maps are added.

Ayutthaya is a formidable and opulent realm, with lucrative trade relations with various foreign powers, including the Dutch, Portuguese, Chinese and Japanese. The region's economy is underpinned by its agricultural prowess, particularly in rice cultivation, a crucial export commodity. The recent era has witnessed the construction of magnificent temples, palaces and sculptures, combining indigenous Thai styles with foreign influences. The Dutch, Portuguese and French have established trading posts and diplomatic missions, influencing the kingdom's culture, trade and politics.

Internal Strife

The Ayutthayan royal family has experienced a series of power struggles and succession disputes, undermining much of Ayutthaya's stability. The nobility, known as the "mandarins," held significant power and influence within the kingdom, and have repeatedly thrown their support against the monarchy in favour of other candidates for the throne. Alliances and loyalties among the noble families and court officials are often fluid, based on shifting power dynamics, further complicating a difficult situation.

Geography

The city of Ayutthaya is situated at the confluence of three significant rivers, the Chao Phraya, Lopburi and Pasak. The rivers facilitated transportation, allowing for the easy movement of goods, people, and military forces. Additionally, the fertile floodplains along these rivers were ideal for rice cultivation. To the north and west, the land verges into uplands, where the hilly terrain is inhabited by subject peoples.

In the coastal areas along the Gulf of Thailand there are numerous mangrove forests. Along the shore, to protect the inland from coastal surges — and along the various rivers due to flooding — are a network of dikes and earthen structures.

History

The kingdom was founded in 1350 by King Ramathibodi I, who established it by uniting several smaller Thai principalities. Ayutthaya expanded its territory through diplomacy and military conquest through the 14th and 15th centuries. Under King Naresuan the Great (1590-1605), Ayutthaya successfully resisted Toungoo invasions and gained control over parts of Khmer. Toungoo remains a persistent threat.

The kingdom's resilience makes it a significant power in Southeast Asia. However, the ongoing challenges from neighboring empires and the influence of European colonial powers, affected by internal dissent, promises a further evolution in years to come.