| The Bangkok forts were constructed after King | | | | the previous capitals, Thonburi, Ayutthaya and |
| Rama I | | | | Sukhothai, had |
| established Bangkok as the new capital 1782. | | | | to be reinforced.The defense of Rattanakosin |
| With the | | | | rested on four elements: the Chao |
| destruction of Ayutthaya by the Burmese in | | | | Phraya River, a major water obstacle; the canal |
| 1767 still fresh on | | | | rings which |
| his mind, security was a critical condition.The new | | | | created a defensive belt of moats; the city walls |
| capital, though in a far more defensible position | | | | and the |
| than | | | | Bangkok forts. |