Founding of Bangkok

Background. King Rama I, born Thongduang and also known as Phutthayotfa Chulalok, ascended the throne in 1782 following the deposition of King Taksin of Thonburi. General Maha Kasatsuek crowned himself in 1782, and upon ascending he took the name Ramathibodi, echoing the founder of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. He was celebrated as the founder of Rattanakosin, now Bangkok, as the new capital of the reunited kingdom.

The City Pillar Ceremony. The official foundation date of Bangkok is 21 April 1782, when the city pillar was consecrated in a ceremony. The Lak Mueang was erected on Rattanakosin Island, situated on the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River, by order of King Rama I. This act is considered the founding of the capital city of Bangkok, which replaced Thonburi as the capital of Siam.

Consolidating the New Capital. After the founding, Rama I relocated the capital to Bangkok, establishing a new political and administrative center protected by waterways and canals. In 1783 the Bangkok city walls were constructed using bricks partly taken from the Ayutthaya ruins, and construction of the Grand Palace, including Wat Phra Kaew, began that year. The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew were completed in 1784, when the Emerald Buddha was transferred from Wat Arun.