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SIAMESE METROPOLIS, AN ELITE HUB OF SOUTHEAST ASIA

            Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya is situated on an island encompassed by the three main rivers: the Chao Phraya, the Pa Sak, and Lopburi. This massive and prosperous capital was fortified with solid stone walls with its course of approximately 19 kilometers in length to protect the city from enemies.
Behind the solid wall, more than 300 temples and monasteries with exotic gilded spiral towers, pagodas, and statues, apparently indicated Ayutthaya's wealth and abundance resulted from trading with Chinese, Indian, Arab, Portuguese, and Dutch merchants. Furthermore, the well-organized city planning reflects the efficient government that could effectively manage the kingdom. The Grand Palace was originally erected at the heart of the island. Then Sanphet Prasat Throne Hall was built nearby under the royal command of King Borommatrailokkanat in 1448. The structure showcased the exquisite Ayutthaya-style architecture with its glittering spire decorated by precious gems. Nicolas Gervaise, a French missionary, depicted the beauty of this throne hall in his book Histoire Naturelle et Politique du Royaume de Siam (The Natural and Political History of the Kingdom of Siam), "surreal setting where radiance of gold shines brightly from innumerable pagodas. Thiss cross-shaped building is covered with multi-layered roofs that are ornately crowned by pagoda-like finial." Some people regard this building as a paradise on earth.

            (On the same compound, there lies scores of buildings and structures.) Appart from Sanphet was constructed in the reign of King Borommatrailokkanat to house a variety of royal ceremonies and religius rituals. It was the only temple where there were no resident monks. In 1492, two pagodas were built under the command of King Ramathibodi II to house the royal ashes of King Boromrachathiraj III, his father and his elder brother respectively. After the death of King Ramathibodi II, his son ordered to build another pagoda in the west to keep his father's relics. Originally, these three bell-shaped pagodas were built to commemorate late kings of Ayutthaya and eventually become the icon of Wat Phra Sri Sanphet and Ayutthaya.

HISTORICAL MEMORIAL OF CULTURE

            The glorious era of Ayutthaya Kingdom inevitably ended on April 7^th, 1767 when it was defeated by the Burmese. The glamour of gilged palace and temples once was the pride of the kingdom was turned into clusters of broken ruins. Some people believe the internal conflicts in the court led to the fall of Ayutthaya while others say Ayutthaya was not well-prepared for the war after long period of peace. No matter what the cause was. Thai people have learned from this experience, revive and develop our country to be the present-day Kingdom of Thailand.

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES

            Due to its glorious parts as social, economic, and political center with exquisite art and architecture, Ayutthaya was listed on UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 224 years later. Ayutthaya Historic Park has been under extensive restoration under the supervision of Thailand's Fine Arts Department to maintain this precious site to be a travel destination and cultural legacy for the later generations.

( GATEWAY, The Artistic Cultural Haritage. May 2015 Hal. 21 )