From 1350 to 1767, Ayutthaya served as the country’s capital and center of the Thai government. Standing in the center of Ayutthaya’s historic ruins, I can envision how majestic this sprawling plot of land once was; occupying nearly 27 square miles of land.

Prior to Ayutthaya’s influence, the Kingdom of Sukhothai was the center of Thai culture and power. Established in 1238, the Sukhothai Kingdom was the first capital of Siam, now known as modern-day Thailand. Even though both cities - Ayutthaya and Sukhothai - now stand in ruins, their sheer size and architectural relics paint a story for me of their former grandeur and opulence. To think, at one time, over a million people roamed the streets of Ayutthaya, and now I walk them in virtual solitude.

While touring the expansive grounds I come to the 600-year-old ruins of Wat Mahatat, a former Buddhist monastery. Here, I find a stone Buddha head, entwined in a tree’s roots. I remember having seen this face before in magazines. This Buddha is one of the most iconic and photographed images in Thailand. Although no one knows exactly how this Buddha head arrived at its current resting place, it is believed to have been the work of a thief trying to steal it from the main temple in the early 1900s. As he attempted to flee the scene, the thief supposedly dropped the head near this tree. Over the years, it became entangled in its final resting place.

For centuries, Burmese forces were a constant threat in the area. In 1767, they attacked and destroyed much of Ayutthaya, after which, the Thai moved their government further south along the Chao Phraya River to current-day Bangkok.

Today, Thailand’s government is housed at the Grand Palace complex, which was built in 1782. Visiting the Grand Palace in Bangkok feels a little like deja-vu! It’s as if someone restored the dome-shaped chedis of Ayutthaya and adorned them with gold paint and intricate embellishments. Some of the architectural designs were inspired by the ornate structures within the former capital. I, for one, definitely see the connection!

Entertain me! Learn about some of the royal pastimes.

Blog by Tati Amare, Jenny M. Buccos, Gabrielle Pasternak, and Rachel Rudwall.
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