Notions of Thai Beginnings

History With RCS and archaeology: Modern Thailand is famous South East Asian constitutional monarchy and tourist destination. This little piece will be mostly a few bits about the prehistory of the area.

                I do get notions when I think about Thailand, but intend to be factual here.

                Grain farming began in the Thai area before 9,000 BC; That's more than 11,000 years ago! At nearly the same time betel, bean, pea, pepper, and cucumber were grown. So the story begins not long after Noah's flood.

                There is strong evidence that the Spirit Cave near Mae Hong Son Province of NW Thailand was occupied from about 9,000 BC to about 5,500 BC.

                Bronze ( a wonderful metal created by ancient metallurgists and alchemists) appeared in Thailand in the 5th millennium BC. A very advanced metal working culture was widespread and flourishing before 1,500 BC and included iron.

                Early Thai peoples included Lao, Lanna, and Shan.

                The Buddhist kingdom of Sukhothai was founded in 1238 AD and is often considered the first Thai state. Than brings us well into the historic period. I'd guess that by about 1440 AD people in all of South East Asia and some beyond spoke of Thailand.

                I have given mostly facts and a few dates. However, as you might imagine, ever history has, at least, one story. You might have to dig a bit to get to it.

                In the 13th century a Thai kingdom existed in the northern highlands, centered on Chaing Saen, a predecessor of Lanna. Could Lanna be a place to begin finding the stories of Thailand?

                Thanks for Reading.

                    RCS