The origins and development of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya

Abstract

This paper will explore several important aspects of Ayutthaya's history and culture to demonstrate how each was influenced by regional developments that occurred before Ayutthaya's official founding. Emphasis will also be placed on the numerous interrelationships between these various cultural elements to illustrate how Ayutthaya's unique society did not arise suddenly in isolation but was derived from a variety of interconnected sources. This examination of Ayutthaya's history has been undertaken to demonstrate that the Thai social studies curriculum should be revised to present Ayutthaya's development in a more comprehensive way that better acknowledges the kingdom's prehistory.