To appreciate the development of the legal system, it is useful to understand the true origin of the word "Thai" which means "free". The Thai people have been free for centuries. The fact that the country has never been colonized has influenced the direction of Thai law.
Thailand has a rich legal history and a system of law and justice which functions relatively smoothly. The ancient origins of Thai law before the Sukhothai Period (A.D. 1238-1350) were influenced by the Hindu Code of Manu. During the Ayuthaya Period (A.D. 1350-1767), the modified Code of Manu, Called the Dhammasattham, along with the Rajasattham, Which are rules developed from the actual decisions of kings in administering justice, formed the Thai legal system