King Rama I, then decided to move the capital from the western
bank to the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River or from Thon Buri to
Bangkok. The choice location for the establishment of the new capital was based on Bangkok having a
better location for protection from the invasion of enemies since it was surrounded by the Chao Phraya
River on three sides, had bigger areas for military gatherings and more space for dwellings.
In the new capital, canals around the city were dug starting from expansion of Bang Lamphu and
Ong Ang canals to the east which linked a river in the north to a river in the south near Wat Sam Pluem.
At present, they are called Rorp Krung Canal.
In addition, two Khlong Lot Canals were
dug to join with Khu Mueang Canal by the
Thon Buri side and Rorp Krung Canal in
Bangkok for transportation, military affairs and
water supply in the city. At the same time,
people can use Rorp Krung Canal for sailing, like Maha Nark Canal which you can find on the outskirts
of Ayutthaya.
King Rama I's wish was to construct the new capital to resemble Ayutthaya because he wanted
to preserve fine arts and culture, the ways of life and philosophy of the people from previous
generations. He built the Grand Palace, close to the river in the west with the Emerald Buddha Temple
in the city walls in the east like the Ancient Palace in Ayutthaya. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha has
become the city's landmark, and it houses the Emerald Buddha Image which was the fine work of many
skilled molders. For the Grand Palace, the King also granted permission to reproduce the magnificent
royal palace in Ayutthaya, such as the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall.
King Rama I renamed the new capial as "Krung Rattanahosin Inyothaya" which means the
capital which houses a Buddha built with the precious jewel of God - - the land that no one can
conquer.
Phrabat Somdet Phra Phuttha Yotfa Chula Lok Maha Rat clearly established Buddha
Dhammanoon of the nation. Old and conservative beliets, which had influenced Thai society since the
Ayutthaya period were eradicated. King Rama I, a devout Buddhist who strictly obeyed the doctrine of
Lord Buddha, was intent on promoting Buddhism in Thailand. Two of his important goals were the repair
and restoration of temples at the spot of the ruin, and the construction of new ones. The King also
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compiled and revised the Tripitaka and kept it at a certain place. Tripitaka are the writings which
describe how good Buddhists should behave. To strengthen the social order and to facilitate the
administration of the country, the king also promulgated the law called Tra Sam Duang, the "Law of the
Three Seals" concerning administrative, military and economic affairs.
In this period of freedom from war, the King and his people paid special attention to Literature
and Fine Arts, bringing about a literary renaissance.
The King joined famous poets in converting the Indian
Epic Literature of Ramayana into Thai verses (The
Ramakian.) The most famous Thai poet during this reign
was Sunthon Phu who wrote interesting Thai literature.
King Rama I died on the 7th September in 1809
at the age 74, after reigning over Thailand for 28 years and being the first monarch of the present Chakri
Dynasty.