On the basins of Chao Phraya River rose the earliest civilizations in the south east Asia, most notably the ancient Mon kingdom and the civilization of Dvaravati from the 7th century to the 11th century. The river played a crucial role in the Lavo kingdom that existed on its left bank in the Upper Chao Phraya valley, and then maintained its role in the kingdoms that succeeded the Lavo kingdom. It formed the basis of the Ayodhaya kingdom, which was later incorporated into the Ayutthaya Kingdom in the 14th century, which itself was the precursor of modern Thailand (known formerly as Siam). The river became very significant after the establishment of Rattanakosin (Bangkok) in 1782 on its east bank, the location of Bangkok on the east bank of Chao Phraya River ensuring protection for Siam from the Burmese invasions coming from the west.
On the basins of Chao Phraya River rose the ea,rliest civilizations in the south east Asia, most notably the ancient Mon kingdom and the civilization of Dvaravati from the 7th century to the 11th century. The river played a crucial role in the Lavo kingdom that existed on its left bank in the Upper Chao Phraya valley and then maintained its role in the kingdoms that succeeded the Lavo kingdom. It formed the basis of the Ayodhaya kingdom, which was later incorporated into the Ayutthaya Kingdom in the 14th century, which itself was the precursor of modern Thailand (known formerly as Siam). The river became very significant after the establishment of Rattanakosin (Bangkok) in 1782 on its east bank, the location of Bangkok on the east bank of Chao Phraya River ensuring protection for Siam from the Burmese invasions coming from the west.