On to Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is a world heritage site and Thai capital for 417 years. Located about an hour north of Bkk it was founded in 1350 by King U-Thong (not to be confused with 21st century thongs) when the Thai were being pushed south by their northern neighbors (largely Khmer (Cambodian)). It was ruled by a succession of 33 kings until it was seized by the Burmese in 1767 and destroyed.
It seems to be a 'must see' on the tourist itinerary so I finally broke down visited the site yesterday. The magnitude of the ruins testify to the grandeur of the city. Unfortunately there are only ruins left. Unlike the area around Seim Reap, Cambodia (Angkor Wat etc.) not much is left standing. There were the obligatory Buddhist temples, one of which, had a 25 ft. high, solid bronze Buddha plated in gold leaf.
There are also current royal palaces in Ayutthaya, two of which I toured. They are set in a beautiful botanical garden with ponds, pagodas, etc. Music composed by the current king was piped across the grounds.
The current king is deeply revered. King bracelets are popular and this morning I saw a t-shirt that proclaimed; ''I LOVE THE KING". He is deeply concerned about the welfare of his people and is quite a Renaissance Man. He is a jazz musician of note. The music piped across the palace grounds was western style and beautiful. He designed a bridge which spans the Chao Praya river in Bkk. (see my picture "King Bridge Bkk") Like English monarchs he reigns but does not rule though apparently does wield political influence when he feels it is necessary.
Thailand is currently being ruled by a military junta after a coup. It is thought that the king supported the coup. The deposed prime minister, Thakasin, was thought to be corrupt, though it did much for the rural poor and thus popular with many. One Thai told me that 25% of the cost of the new airport was graft.
I returned from Ayutthaya by boat down the Chao Praya River. A delightful way to see the sights. Barges are pulled, not pushed, and almost every barge has a family living on it. On one I saw a man washing his dog, on another a woman was mopping her living area, another woman was hanging out her wash. I tried to get some pics.
Miscellaneous scenes: At the Kunming China airport men's room; label on the urinal "American Standard". Bkk street scene; The frenetic Bkk traffic stopped to allow a three foot lizard leisurely cross the street.