Ayutthaya, founded as the capital of the Ayutthaya Kingdom in 1350, thrived as one of Southeast Asia’s most influential cities for 417 years. Rich archaeological evidence shows that the area had been inhabited since the 10th–12th centuries, reflecting a long history of governance, cultural exchange, and religious significance. The city was a political, economic, and cultural hub, governed by a system of laws including the Laws on Slavery and Debt Collection. King Naresuan led Ayutthaya in a victorious struggle for independence in 1584, but in 1767, Ayutthaya fell to Burma, ending its era as the kingdom’s capital.

After the city was abandoned, King Rama I of Bangkok officially restored Ayutthaya as a regional center, later elevating it as a province under the Rattanakosin Kingdom. The government’s regional administration reforms in 1895 further increased Ayutthaya’s importance as an administrative hub. Later, in the mid-20th century, Prime Minister Plaek Phibunsongkhram initiated restoration projects, which gained support from UNESCO, leading to Ayutthaya’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.

During its reign, Ayutthaya was home to 33 kings across five dynasties, including the dynasties of Uthong and Ban Phlu Luang. It was known for its abundant resources, fertile lands, and numerous temples and palaces, embodying the saying, “In the water, there are fish; in the fields, there is rice.” Today, Ayutthaya remains a historical beacon, celebrated for its resilience and monumental heritage.