Social Life
Buddhism played a very important part in Ayutthayan society. Its beliefs and teachings were deeply felt by all the citizens. Temples were the centres of education, although, education was restricted to male citizens only. Buddhism was the unifying force in Ayutthaya. People lived, worked and prospered under the rules set out in Buddhist teaching. Monks acted both as teachers and the coordinators between the high ranking people and the commoners and slaves.
There were five classes in Ayutthayan society:
(1) The king and high ranking members of the royal family
(2) Noblemen or aristocrats
(3) Monks
(4) Commoners
(5) Slaves