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The International Journal of the Royal Society of Thailand

Volume XVI-2024 (Special Issue)

and appointing nobles, officials and monks according to the needs of the kingdom and

the situation at the time of his ascension. The establishment of a new royal family and
a new capital contributed to the political unity and stability of the kingdom. This provided

the substantial foundation for the administration of the nation and the enduring stability of
the Chakri Dynasty. It also helped unify the kingdom and provided stability in the lives of

the people within the kingdom, with a new central authority. This was a key factor in the
continuous stability of the Rattanakosin Era spanning for over two centuries till the present day.

It reflects His Majesty’s far-reaching vision, which has remained true to the present.

2. The Establishment of the City of Rattanakosin
King Phra Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke the Great decreed the relocation of the capital from

Thonburi to the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River. The city pillar ceremony was performed
to signify the establishment of the new capital, an essential auspicious event. The city pillar was

erected on Sunday, the 10 waxing moon of the 6 lunar month, Year of the Tiger, corresponding
th
th
to April 21, 1782, at 6:54 AM. The King named the new capital:
“Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Bovorn Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilok
Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udom Ratchaniwet Mahasathan Amornphiman

Awatarnsathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit.” April 21, 1782, is thus recognized as the
founding date of the city of Rattanakosin. Later, during the reign of King Mongkut (King Rama IV),

the term “Bovorn Rattanakosin” was revised to “Amorn Rattanakosin.”

3. The Physical Foundation of Bangkok
In establishing the new city on the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River, King Rama I

ordered the relocation of the Chinese community to the southern area along the river,
from Khlong Wat Sam Ploem (now Wat Chakkrawat Rachawat Woramahawihan) to

Khlong Wat Sampheng (now Wat Pathum Khongkha). The Vietnamese community was moved
to the areas of Ban Mo and Phahurat. The construction was executed in two phases:

1) Phase 1: Relocation of key palaces and important sites to the eastern side while
maintaining Thonburi as a stronghold.

2) Phase 2: Demolition of the western part of the Thonburi city walls and half of
King Taksin’s palace, known as the “Old Palace.” This marked the definitive shift of

the administrative center to the new city on the eastern side.

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