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The International Journal of the Royal Society of Thailand

Volume XVI-2024 (Special Issue)

countries like Brunei, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Thailand, continue to operate under a monarchy

system.

Thainess no. 2: Thailand’s Engagement with the World

Thailand embraces global connections and does not isolate itself from international

trends. The location of its capital is strategically significant, facilitating easy communication with
the world. Ayutthaya, the former capital of Thailand, served as the nations are for 417 years.

It is rare to find a capital city that endures for over 400 years, as most countries, such as
China, Burma, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos often relocate their capitals. The location of these

capitals have varied significantly, while Ayutthaya, situated near the sea, held its place for
centuries. After Ayutthaya, the capital moved to Thonburi and later to Bangkok, which is even

closer to the sea, making it easier for Thailand to engage with the rest of the world.
Moreover, Thai kings welcomed talented foreigners to contribute to the country’s

development. For example, Chao Phraya Wichayen (Constantine Phaulkon) served as chief of
minister to King Narai the Great, and Ok-ya Senaphimuk (Yamada Nagamasa) was appointed as

governor of the Nakhon Si Thammarat province. The harbormaster positions were also notable–
one was of Chinese descent, overseeing trade with eastern countries like Vietnam, China, Korea

and Japan, while the other, of Persian descent was responsible for trade with Western nations,
like India, Persia, Ottoman, Turkey, and Europe. These officials and their families served the

Royal Court for generations, earning the respect of Thai society as true Nobles, like the Bunnags,
the Boonyaratglin, and the Chularat.

Ayutthaya, as the historical capital of the Thai Kingdom, played a key role in international
trade, connecting with Tavoy in Burma along the Andaman Sea, and other countries in

the South China Sea along the Gulf of Thailand. In many ways, Ayutthaya functioned like
a modern–day land bridge project proposed for Southern Thailand. For a time, some port cities

in Burma were under an Ayutthaya’s control, highlighting the kingdoms, deep understanding of
geography and global trade.

We should move past the idea of the Royal Court’s luxurious lifestyle, and recognize that
our Thai kings were highly attuned to global affairs. They not only possessed knowledge about

India, China, Buddhism, and Hinduism, but also had a keen understanding of international trade,
especially with China and a vision for global commerce through the Malacca Strait long before

the colonial era. King Intharacha specifically targeted Malacca as a key hub for international
trade. Almost all the kings of the Ayutthaya Kingdom understood the strategic significance of

location like Tavoy, Mergui, and Tenasserim. These places were pivotal in controlling trade

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