The History of Chanthaburi

📚 History of Chanthaburi Province 📚

From Prehistory to Ancient Port Cities

Archaeological evidence indicates that the land of Chanthaburi has been inhabited since prehistory, with the discovery of polished stone-age tools over 2,000 years old in areas such as Tamarind District and Tha New District. The first indigenous people to settle in this area were the "Chong people," an ethnic group in the Mon-Khmer family. They built communities and lived with the abundance of their forests.

Later, in about the 18th century, a city was first established in front of the Sin Pool, and with the influence of Khom culture spreading, Chanthaburi developed into a major port city, trading and exchanging civilizations with the surrounding kingdoms, as it appeared, traces of monuments and antiquities reflecting Khom art.

"Jantabur," the city of the moon or sandalwood.

The name of "Chanthaburi" or "Chanthaburi" has an interesting origin, with two meanings. One is "City of the Moon," which conveys peace, which corresponds to a rabbit-shaped provincial badge in the moon. In other words, it may come from "City of Sandalwood," because in the past there were a lot of valuable sandalwood forests.

A major turning point in the times of Sri Ayutthaya and Thonburi.

The name of Chanthaburi appears clearly in the chronicles from the early Ayutthaya period as an eastern seaside city, but the most memorable historical event of Chanthaburi occurred during the second Sri Ayutthaya.

In 1767, King Sin, while still King of Wales, led about 500 people to the siege of the Burmese army, headed to the eastern cities, and chose Chanthaburi as a stronghold to gather troops, accumulate food and weapons for five months before successfully returning to save independence. This event has been the pride of the people of Chanthaburi to date, and the King Sin at Chanthon Park has been built to commemorate his Majesty.

Moving cities and eras confront Western powers.

In the Ratconin period, the city of Chanthaburi was relocated several times for strategic reasons and subsistence suitability.

Reign 3: In order to prevent invasion from the hammock (Vietnam), the city was moved to the Hwong House, which was a higher and more triumphant place, and built the Hwong Camp as a strong fortress.

Reign 5: When water problems and transportation comforts became a major factor, the city was moved back to the "lowland house" on the west bank of the Chanthaburi River, where the city is today.

This era was also when Siam faced colonization from the West. In 1893, there was a dispute over the Mekong left bank with France, which led France to send troops to occupy Chanthaburi for 11 years as a guarantee for Siam to fulfill its promise, which left historical traces such as the Red Building and the Chicken Jail in Cape Sing district before Thailand gave up the Mekong left bank in Laos.

Chanthaburi today

From the former city of Chanthaburi, it was officially raised to the status of "Chanthaburi Province" in 1933. Today, Chanthaburi is an important economic city of the East. It is famous for its agriculture, especially tropical fruits like durian, mangosteen and rambutan. It is also one of the country's largest gem trading centers. But above all, Chanthaburi retains the charm of the old city full of historical stories, old communities and ancient sites waiting for travelers to come to experience and learn.

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