...But as a nation,the first Thai Kingdom was established some 700 years ago,when the most powerful Thai community broke the Ancient Khmer domination in the region and set up the first Thai capital of Sukhothai in 1257.Sukhothai or the Dawn of Happiness,was located in the present local province of the same name,500 kms north of Bangkok.The first capital prospered for almost a century until late 14th century when the power changed hand to the rulers of Ayudhaya in the central region,which subsequently became the second capital.Ayudhaya fell to invading Burmese forces in 1767 and was sacked beyond salvage.Then,Bangkok became the new capital city,founded by the first king of the present Chakri Dynasty in 1782.