Jewel of Indra. That is what the founders called Bangkok. Today we explore The Biographical Exhibition of Founders. It shows the lives of those who built this kingdom.
The Biographical Exhibition of Founders stands before you. It is a testament to visionaries. They shaped not only a city but a nation. Bangkok became the capital in 1782. General Chao Phraya Chakkri took the throne as Rama I. He started the Chakkri dynasty. The king moved the court to the Chao Phraya River’s east bank.
King Rama I modeled Bangkok after Ayutthaya. It was the former capital 40 miles north. The Grand Palace and Wat Pho were finished. A new city wall protected the east side. The enclosed area was 1.5 square miles.
Rama II and Rama III built more wats. These served as schools and hospitals. They were also recreation areas and religious centers. Wat Arun and Wat Bowon Niwet were completed. Wat Pho grew. Wat Sutat began construction. The river and canals became roadways.
Rama IV continued to develop Bangkok. He reduced traditional wat building. Housing units rose for the royal family. New streets opened. The number of floating houses decreased. Charoen Krung or New Road was built southward. Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem was dug parallel to the first canal. It served as a new city moat. A canal let boats bypass the river’s bend south of the city.
King Chulalongkorn reigned for a long time. He transformed Bangkok through public works. The Chakkri Building finished in 1880. The Dusit Palace and garden city were built. They were connected to the Grand Palace. The Ratchadamnoen Nok Road was inspired by Europe.
King Chulalongkorn loved automobiles. He began a road and bridge program. Parts of the city wall were demolished for roadways. Temples were saved. In 1882 Wat Phra Kaeo royal temple was completed. It houses the Emerald Buddha. This signaled new social reforms. Electric tram service opened. Railway and telegraph services also began. The marble temple of Wat Benchamabopit rose in 1900. Elegant French-style bridges were built. The Italian National Assembly Hall was constructed.
Rama VI continued public works. He started Chulalongkorn University in 1916. He built locks to control waterways and stop flooding. He created Lumphini Park as a recreational area.
Rama VII reorganized municipal areas. This improved service in the growing city. Bangkok was divided in 1937. Krung Thep and Thon Buri were created. The two municipalities covered 37 square miles. Most of Bangkok’s population lived in Krung Thep.
The Biographical Exhibition of Founders reminds us. Bangkok is more than temples and palaces. It is a living story. It shows resilience and adaptation.