Bangkok city became the capital of Siam (as Thailand was previously known) in 1782 established by King Rama I, the founder of ruling Chakkri dynasty, moved the court from the west to the east bank of the Chao Phraya River. The reason for the removal was that Bangkok had a better location for protection from foreign invasions as the city was separated by the river from the west bank and cover with the bigger area. Furthermore, the canal was dug around the city from Banglamphu to Ong Ang canals joined together and linked the Chao Phraya River created Rattanakosin Island. During the establishment, King Rama I commanded the construction of the Grand Palace close to the river modeling on the ancient palace of Ayutthaya with the royal temple, the Emerald Buddha temple, within the city walls. Moreover, the important government offices were newly built on the east bank as well. During 1782-1865, Bangkok remained a quiet place with lush vegetation and had waterway as the main route of transportation till the reign of King Rama V (1868-1910) brought the nation into modernization in terms of administration, education, justice, communications, and public health. Bangkok city is now a bustling city with a population of nearly 8 million and it is the center of administration, transportation, business, communication, education, entertainment and more.