Bangkok became the capital of Siam (as Thailand was then named) in 1782, when General Phraya Chakkri, founder of the
enduring Chakkri dynasty, assumed the throne as Rama I and built his palace on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River. By the end
of his reign, Rama had established the city: his vast Grand Palace complex and Wat Po, the city's oldest temple, were completed, as
was the great city wall, which was 13 feet high, 10 feet thick, with 63 gates and 15 forts.
Rama's successors continued to build up the city, adding many more wats, religious centers that also functioned as hospitals,
libraries, schools and recreation centers. Rama V (r. 1868-1910) initiated an aggressive program of public works, preparing
Bangkok for the automobile by building a system of roads and bridges. He also built more wats and developed the Grand Palace
complex, completing the Wat Phra Kaeo, the royal temple housing the coveted Emerald Buddha.
In 1932 Thailand established a constitutional government, and during World War II, the Japanese occupied parts of Bangkok. Since
World War II, Bangkok has undergone rapid modernization and, despite a fluctuating economy, has remained a popular tourist destination.
If you're gonna travel abroad, make sure you are prepared... take it from us, travel insurance is an absolute must!
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