The history of Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, dates at least to the early 15th century, when it was under the rule of Ayutthaya. Due to its strategic location near the mouth of the Chao Phraya River, the town gradually increased in importance, and after the fall of Ayutthaya King Taksin established his new capital of Thonburi there, on the river's west bank. King Phutthayotfa Chulalok, who succeeded Taksin, moved the capital to the eastern bank in 1782, to which the city dates its foundation under its current Thai name, "Krung Thep Maha Nakhon". Bangkok has since undergone tremendous changes, growing rapidly, especially in the second half of the 20th century, to become the primate city of Thailand. It was the centre of Siam's modernization in the late 19th century, subjected to Allied bombing during the Second World War, and has long been the modern nation's central political stage, with numerous uprisings and coups d'état having taken place on its streets throughout the years.
Wichai Prasit Fort on the west bank of the river is now within the grounds of the Royal Thai Navy Headquarters.
Sanam Luang in front of the Grand Palace complex. Since the city's foundation, the field has been used for various royal functions.
Photograph by John Thomson of the Chao Phraya River from Wat Arun, 1865
King Chulalongkorn's equestrian statue in the Royal Plaza reflects the adoption of Western ideas and designs
Thonburi is an area of modern Bangkok. During the era of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, its location on the right (west) bank at the mouth of the Chao Phraya River had made it an important garrison town, which is reflected in its name: thon (ธน) a loanword from Pali dhána 'wealth', and buri (บุรี), from púra, 'fortress'. The full formal name was Thon Buri Si Mahasamut. For the informal name, see the history of Bangkok under Ayutthaya.
Three Thai-style pavilions adjacent to each other in front of Wat Prayurawongsawat rim Chao Phraya River (opposite Yodpiman River Walk), now head office of City Law Enforcement Department, BMA (formerly Thonburi Provincial Hall)