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  Thailand's
Central Region consists of 22 provinces:
Ang Thong, Bangkok, Chachoengsao, Chai
Nat, Kanchanaburi, Lop Buri, Nakhon
Nayok, Nakhon Pathom, Nonthaburi, Pathum
Thani, Phetchaburi, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya,
Prachin Buri, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ratchaburi,
Sa Kaeo, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon,
Samut Songkhram, Saraburi, Sing Buriand
Suphan Buri. It is the country's most
fertile land rich in rice farms and
fruit orchards. The region also abounds
in tourist attractions which lie prominently
on both natural resources and historical
ancient remains. |
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| Historical
Background in Brief |
 The
first sign of prehistoric culture emerged
some 12,000 years ago, with formal burial
of the dead at a cave in Kanchanaburi.
Some 3,000-2,000 years ago, groups of
settlements requiring developed social
and civilisations influenced by the
dominant Indian culture include Lawa,
Dvaravati and Khmer. |
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The
Lawa civilisation centred on Lawo (modern
Lop Buri) and spread south to north
in the Chao Phraya River basin. To the
west, the Mon people subsequently established
the Dvaravati civilisation, one of whose
main ceatres was Nakhon Pathom. Buddhism
was their major religion. To the east,
the Khmer empire formerly occupeid most
of the northeastern region some 1,000
years ago and became so powerful that
its influence spread towards the west
as far as Kanchanaburi.
 After
the decline of the Khmer power in the
13th century, Sukhothai emerged in the
north. It is regarded as the first kingdom
dominated by the Thai race. In the 15th
century, the focus of Thai history moved
to the Central Plains when the Ayutthaya
Kingdom was established and expanded
its power over most of the northern
and central Thai states. This most prosperous
city was ruthlessly sacked by a Burmese
invasion in 1767. Than, Thon Buri emerged
after the fall of Ayutthaya, but it
lasted only for a shot period. In 1782,
King Rama I established Bangkok as the
new capital, opposite to the Thon Buri
site. He is the founder of the Chakri
Dynasty, of which His Majesty King Bhumibol
(King Rama IX) is the ninth monarch. |
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