Ayuthaya. 90 north of Bangkok island surrounded by other islands created by intersecting canals and streams The low-lying land ideally suited rice cultivation was not very hospitable to road system specially during the rainy senson when land flooded and isolated people in their stilt houses. only logical. means of transport was the boat Early foreign visitors commented on how at ease Thais seemed their en Even children had acquired the knack of their shallow draft. banana-shaped boats up and down the s. Anyone csnals travel ling through the canals around Bangkok today will see the art has not been lost though long-tailed boats. with great hunks of noisy metal art threaten both the continuance of the skill and the tranquility of back-canal life It is estimated that there were ore than 100,000 boats in 17th century Ayuthaya, and it was not unusual for grand ceremony to attract upwards of 30,000 people in boats varying sizes One status was ade immediately by the numbers of oarsmen one boat required Ayuthay at used boats in the defence of their In 1548 the Burmese King landing craft as stopped Thais using boats like Tabengchaveti place soldiers ut expected places n round the enemy rather sailors