Ang Thong in the Dimension of Ayutthaya History

Abstract

Thai historical data of the Ayutthaya period tend to focus mainly on the capital city, creating a picture of Ayutthaya being the center of all dimensions especially regarding politics and economic systems. However, the area around Ayutthaya, such as Ang Thong, was important. As an inner city which is closest to the capital it was is important as a battle field and an economic supporter. Past of Ang Thong is an area adjacent to Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya by the Chao Phraya River, which was used in the past as a battle route, on escape route in case of a coup d’état in the city or a Buddhism journey. From the Rattanakosin period, a lot of historical evidence concerning Ang Thong is valuable; the royal chronicles of Rattanakosin,
letters of royal non-official visits of King Rama V show the importance of Ang Thong as the rice bowl of Ayutthaya, and cultural heritage sites such as Wat Pa Mok, Wat Khian, Wat Si Roi, Phra Tamnak Kham Yat. All Information about Ang Thong therefore helps to better understand the context of Ayutthaya history.