Thailand is proud of the fact that it has never been colonized or under European rule. Thailand means the Land of the Free but it has had a turbulent history. Parts of the Kingdom were ruled by the Burmese and other parts by the Chinese. This mix of cultures and religions has played in important role in developing the Thai nation. Different kings ruled the large land area of Thailand in the past. In the 1760s Burma invaded northern Thailand. At that time the capital city was moved from Ayutthaya to Bangkok and the Chakri dynasty was founded. His Majesty, King Rama IX, from this dynasty, is the current Monarch of Thailand.