
The Sukhothai Period

The Thais became the largest population in the area after the decline of the Khmer empire. Even if Thai states, such as Lanna, existed in the North, Sukhothai is often considered as the first Thai kingdom. The Sukhothai kingdom was founded in 1238 and Intradit became the first king. Forty years later, Ramkhamhaeng became the third king in this era, and he is often considered as one of the most important figures in the Thai history. The Theravada Buddhism became the state religion and Ramkhamheang was the inventor of the Thai written language. The Sukhothai culture was still flourishing and expanded it's territory. It lasted until 1378.

The Ayutthaya Period
A new powerful kingdom Ayutthaya, in the South, was founded in 1350/51 by U Thong or king Ramathibodi as his name was after he ascended the throne. Ayutthaya expand it's territory and Sukhothai became a vassal state of Ayutthaya in 1378. Ayutthaya became a powerful and rich kingdom and King Ramathibodi and his successors expanded Ayutthaya's territory. Also Angkor was attacked and in 1550 it had about same borders as present Thailand. But in 1568/69 Ayutthaya fell to the Burmese. The kingdom was however re conquered by King Naresuan after killing the Burmese crown prince with his lance, in a duel on elephant backs. In the coming 100 years, Ayutthaya started to established trade agreements and diplomatic relations with some of their neighbors and the leading European states at this time. The most "cosmopolitan" regent, at the Ayutthaya era, was King Narai. The Frenchmen tried to convert Narai to Christianity but when Narai died, in 1688, the French were driven out, and the king's Greek advisor, Constantine Phaulkon was executed. After over a century of peace, the Burmese attacked Ayutthaya again in 1766, and after more than a year long siege the city was burned down.

The Thonburi Period

The Ayutthaya General Taksin fled southwards, with some of the remaining troops and soon they got many new followers. He became the king in 1768 and Thonburi (in present Krung Thep or Bangkok at the waterside of the Chao Praya river) became the new capital city in the Kingdom of Siam. Taksin and his troops attacked the Burmese troops northwards and successfully chased them away from the country. Thonburi grew to became a strong but peaceful state for 15 years, but Taksin himself probably started to have megalomania tendencies. When he proclaimed that he was a reincarnation of the Lord Buddha, his previous supporters had enough. Taksin was killed in 1782 and his former military advisor, the army general Chakri became the new King of Siam.

The Chakri Dynasty (Rattanakosin)

The kings of the Chakri dynasty in Thailand:

King Buddha Yodfa Chulalok (Rama I) 1782-1809

Also known as Chao Phraya Chakri. He continued to defend the country against the Burmese troops and he also moved the capital city across the Chao Praya river. The name of the town became:

Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Yuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Phiman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit

The world's longest place name! It is popular called Krung Thep or The City of Angels. For most foreigners the town is known as Bangkok.

King Buddha Loetla Nabhalai (Rama II) 1809-1824

Also known as prince Issarasundhorn or Phuttaloetla Nabhalai and the son of Rama I. He expanded Thailand's territory and strengthened it's position in the area. Also the Englishmen, the Frenchmen and the Dutchmen strengthened their position in the South-East Asia during his regency and they colonized many of the countries around Thailand. Rama II became father of 73 children during his lifetime! (38 boys and 35 girls)

King Nangklao (Rama III) 1824-1851

Also known as Jessadabodindra. The oldest son of king Rama II. He increased the trade between Siam and China, defended Thailand successfully against Vietnamese troops and conquered parts of Cambodia and almost all Laos. Rama III also built and restored some of the most important temples in Thailand.

King Mongkut (Rama IV) 1851-1868

Also known as Vajirayana. The son of Rama II. Many Thais and historians consider him to be on of the most significant kings of the Chakri dynasty. He prevented England and France from colonizing Siam, with lowered import and export duties. King Mongkut spoke English almost fluently. Thailand was one of few countries in the region that was not colonized by an European state. This is still a fact which makes Thai people proud. King Mongkut got infected by malaria and died in October 1868.

King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) 1925-1935

Known as Ratchakal Ti Jed (seventh regent) among the Thai people. He partly got his education at Woolwich Military Academy and Eton College in England. He was inspired by the democratic system with parliament in England, but constitutional monarchy was not introduced before in 1932 after a non-bloody coup. The People's Party or Khana Ratsadorn (with the famous Thai politician Pridi Phanomyong in a leading role) took a temporary control of one of the Royal Palaces in Bangkok. The first elections were held in November 1933. But this was also the start of a sixty year period, when the military, more or less, controlled Thailand. King Prajadhipok abdicate at March 2, 1935. He moved permanently to England and lived there until he passed away in 1941.

King Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII) 1935-1946

He was born in Heidelberg, Germany in 1925. When his predecessor abdicated, Ananda Mahidol succeed his uncle. But as he was a young student, three "temporary" regents was chosen. Ten years later, King Ananda Mahidol moved permanently to Thailand, and instantly he won the Thai people's respect. But on July 9, 1946, he was found dead in his bed with a deadly shot wound. His brother; Bhumibol Adulyadej succeed him.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) 1946-

He was born in Massachusetts, USA, on the December 5, 1927 and was known as Phra Worawongse Ther Phra Ong Chao Bhumibol Adulyadej. He studied science on the University of Lausanne in Switzerland and when his brother passed away, Bhumibol Adulyadej succeed him. He chosen to return to Switzerland first to finish his studies, focusing on politics and law, because of his changed future.

In 1949, Siam officially changed it's name to Thailand and in Paris, the young King met Mom Rajawongse Sirikit Kitiyakara (later HM Queen Sirikit), daughter of Thailand's ambassador in France. They got married on the April 28, 1950, only a week before his coronation on the May 5, 1950. King Bhumibol Adulyadej is loved by the Thai people; poor or rich, young or old doesn't matter. All Thais has a true high respect for their king. He has in a clam and objective way talked to the military and the people when disturbances have occurred in the country. He is a supporter of democracy and two separate examples can illustrate this; the disturbances in Bangkok 1973 and 1992. In 1973 a large number of people gathered in the Thammasat University and protested against a weakened democracy in Thailand. The military was mobilized to stop this revolt, but King Bhumibol Adulyadej prevented the confrontation. In May 1992 the military used live ammunition against demonstrators and many were killed (This occurrence was later known as "Black May"). The King then summoned the prime minister General Suchinda Kraprayoon, and the leader of the demonstrators; Chamlong Srimuang for a meeting, broadcast live on TV. These men crawled on their knees up to the king, who told them his opinion. Shortly later, Suchinda resigned as Prime Minister and a democratic election was held. After this, no military coup has occurred in Thailand until 2006, when the prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was removed from office in a Coup d'état.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej is also the initiator of a numerous of projects that has improved the living conditions for many of the Thais, as the farmers etc. He is also a skilled jazz musician, photographer and translator.

Remember, if you are visiting Thailand, that any criticism against the monarchy will probably be considered as an serious insult by the Thai people. This is easy to understand if you consider King Bhumibol Adulyadejs contributions to Thailand and it's people.

Coming this Year

A section about Thailand political history, in 1900's and 2000's, will be published here later.

King Chulalongkorn (Rama V, 1868 - 1910)

The 23rd October commemorates the death of Maharaj (the Great) King Chulalongkorn, Rama V of Siam (20 September 1853 - 23 October 1910).
On this date Their Majesties King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit will pay respects to their illustrious ancestor at the Royal Plaza in Bangkok. The day is a Public Holiday in Thailand and many people will pay homage to King Chulalongkorn at hisequestrian statue in Bangkok. If King Chulalongkorn were alive today, he would be 151 years old. The United Nations' UNESCO voted him as world outstanding leader last year which was recognized on his 150th year anniversary. UNESCO emphasized that King Chulalongkorn contributed his work to promote international understanding, closer relations among people and peace especially in the six areas of education, culture, social science, humanities, social development, and mass communication.

Rama IV, King Mongkut Buddhist Monk, Statesman, Educator and Absolute Monarch of Siam was dead. He died on 1st October 1868 from a form of blackwater fever (related to malaria) which he had contracted when hosting a Solar Eclipse party (at the Wah Gor "Jungle Palace") for foreign diplomats and friends. The Heir Apparent, Prince Chulalongkorn, also attended the Royal Party and, likewise, was stricken by fever. King Mongkut died and teenaged Prince Chulalongkorn survived to become Rama V, King Chulalongkorn.
King Chulalongkorn is one of the most revered monarchs of Siam and, even today, many homes, shops and offices offer respect by displaying his portrait (as well as that of the present monarch H.M. King Bhumibol, Rama IX) and other likenesses. A slightly built, moustached figure, King Chulalongkorn was the Sovereign who, building on his father's teachings, brought Siam very much closer to a modernizing world while keeping his Kingdom independent and free. But the beginning was a delicate series of stepping-stones over which he had to pass. The reason he was too young to rule!
Born on 20 September 1853, Prince Chulalongkorn was the son of King Mongkut and Queen Thepsirinthara. From his earliest childhood he was groomed in the ways of the Royal Court protocol and responsibilities. He was also tutored regularly in basic subjects and, in addition, was brought up to be fluent in English. The Prince had specialized tutors (mostly from overseas) for his wide ranging curriculum but he also learned much from his father, King Mongkut, and had inherited his father's inquiring mind. By the time he was thirteen he was of such responsible bearing he was able to supervise the Monarch's Royal Guards (although his father had not yet appointed him as Second King). At his father's side, he had also met many important visitors to the Grand Palace including ambassadors and envoys from overseas. Prince Chulalongkorn was being well prepared for kingship but he had no idea how soon the mantle would fall on his shoulders. On 1st October 1868 his father died!
Only 15 years of age, Prince Chulalongkorn had now become King Rama V, and he was still weakened from the blackwater fever which had claimed his father. Siam's House of Nobles decided that a Regency must be formed; a Regency that would govern Siam until the King reached his 20th year. The man chosen for the supreme rank of Regency Chairman was from one of Siam's noblest and most capable families the Noble "Bunnag's" (who had migrated from Persia to Siam centuries earlier) he was Jao Phraya Suriyawong.
Prince Yodyingyot headed the Royal Office and Treasury. Perhaps not expecting King Chulalongkorn to survive the malarial illness, it is interesting that Regent Jao Phraya Suriyawong proposed that the eldest son of second (Deputy) King Pin Klao who shared the throne with King Mongkut and made great contributions to the country Prince Yodyingyot (who, strangely, sometimes took the name "George Washington"), to be Second (Deputy) King with the royal rank of Maha Uparaj as H.R.H. Grom Phra Rajawang Boworn Wichaicharn. This proposal was challenged, but overruled. Had King Chulalongkorn died before his 20th year, the result of this manoeuvre could have afforded Jao Phraya Suriyawong long-term power.
Happily, the Regency was largely benign and King Chulalongkorn (well recovered from his illness) was able to work with the members. It is not the Siamese way to be aggressive but young King Chulalongkorn, well aware of his Royal Prerogative, was assertive when it came to realizing his own wishes.
Two of the items on King Chulalongkorn's personal agenda were travel and knowledge of the colonizing superpowers (Great Britain & France) which hovered around his Kingdom. The young King, fluent in English and informed by his father about many European affairs, wanted to visit Europe and see for himself how the colonial giants functioned. By such knowledge, King Chulalongkorn hoped to avoid the colonial jaws that had snapped up Indo-China, the Malayan Peninsula, Burma and India. However, the Regency was alarmed that one so young wished to go as far as Europe so a compromise was reached! King Chulalongkorn would travel abroad (the first Siamese Monarch to do so since the Sukhothai period) on tours of the colonies of the Great Powers. This suited King Chulalongkorn just fine as he would have the opportunity to study the colonial powers within the King's own Asian setting.
In 1870, the Royal Yacht "Pitayam-Ronnayoot" , with 17 year old King Chulalongkorn aboard, set sail for British Singapore. The King was royally welcomed to Singapore by the Governor (he had already been introduced to Sir Harry Orde who had attended the Siamese Royal Eclipse Party) and was acquainted with other Singaporean administrative officials. Next stop for the royal yacht was the Dutch controlled islands of Sumatra and Java (now part of Indonesia). Again a warm welcome was afforded and the King was immediately able to compare similarities and differences between the British and Dutch colonial systems. Not only interested in seeing the sights, King Chulalongkorn asked many pointed questions relating to conditions of the local people, how revenue was raised, education policies, transportation needs and plans indeed, his own accompanying Siamese officials were hard pressed to keep up with their young Sovereign and take notes of all that was discussed.
After this successful and informative tour to Southeast Asia, King Chulalongkorn returned to Bangkok where he gave the benefit of his thoughts and observations to the governing Regency. But there had to be more. Singapore, although commercially busy, was territorially small and the Spice Islands didn't really give a view of the "big picture". The King needed to see and learn MORE!
The following year, 1871, King Chulalongkorn boarded the Royal Yacht "Bangkok" and steamed off to what was the Jewel of Queen Victoria's Crown British India! Thanks to groundwork laid down by his father, The Kingdom of Siam was well known (and regarded) by Raj administrators so there was no hesitation in receiving young King Chulalongkorn. King Chulalongkorn had been impressed during his visit to India by the value and importance of structure and organization in the affairs of state and gradually began to impose structure during his reign. He broke down the large and unwieldy departments of government into smaller and more specific units, some of which further evolved into ministries, and gave structure to the military, realizing their vital rule in defending and maintaining sovereignty of the Kingdom.
Again questions were asked and answered governance, administration, commerce, taxation, medical facilities, army training and so on. In this way the King learned a lot about custom and practice of governing European and civil authorities. Such knowledge would help him enormously, and his Kingdom of Siam, in the years to come.
King Chulalongkorn came of age in 1873 and was crowned on 16 October of that year. As Absolute Monarch, His Majesty King Chulalongkorn, Rama V, of Siam would prove to be one of the greatest Sovereigns, Ruler, Leader and Father to his Kingdom of Siam.
King Chulalongkorn
Rama V His Revolutions A few weeks after his 20th birthday in 1873, King Chulalongkorn was crowned King of Siam on 16th October.

In his early reign, King Chulalongkorn was a minor. All government functions had been taken care by the Regent. The king had opportunities to make observations and study tours. In 1870 having been informed that the trip would be a long journey, he went instead to Singapore island and Semarang, a major city on Java island. One year later, he travelled to India and Burma. After meeting with those countries' government officials, His Majesty become acquainted with their various systems and customs.

He had actually acceded to the Siamese Throne at the age of 15, on the death of his illustrious father King Mongkut (Rama IV), but a Council of Nobles considered Chulalongkorn was too young to rule. Thus a Regent was appointed to advise the Boy-King until he reached his age of majority. The Regent was Chao Phraya Suriyawong a most capable and competent man of the Noble Bunnag Family (who had migrated from Persia to Siam centuries earlier).
As was traditional in the Siamese Court, a "Co-King or Second King" was appointed; although opposed by some Nobility, the Regent engineered the choice of Second King perhaps fearing that young King Chulalongkorn would not survive an earlier illness. The Co-King was Grom Phra Rajawang Boworn Wichaicharn and he would accede to the Throne if King Chulalongkorn should die before reaching his 20th birthday. The prince was thirty-two at that time and was able candidate for the throne, but was thus sidelined. He was the son of Co-King Pinklao (during the reign of Rama IV) who named him as "Prince George Washington" after a British King and American President.
Nevertheless, King Chulalongkorn had learned well from his late father and was not prepared to idle away his teenage years. He asserted his will to travel and to learn from such travels. Extremely interested in the Great European Powers which had colonized many of Siam's neighbours (and determined to do his best to avoid a similar fate for his beloved Kingdom), teenage King Chulalongkorn travelled to visit Sir Harry Orde, Governor of Singapore and also a family friend of the Siamese Monarchy, and thence on to Java which was then controlled by Dutch colonists. The most famous of his reforms was the abolition of slavery. He pronounced every person born during his reign free, and took gradual steps to liberate the present slaves by creating incentives for their owners.

The most famous of his reforms was the abolition of slavery. He pronounced every person born during his reign free, and took gradual steps to liberate the present slaves by creating incentives for their owners.

Hugely interested in all that he saw (and keeping his aides furiously busy in taking notes!), King Chulalongkorn further travelled to the Raj of British India where he was received, with pomp and ceremonial, by Queen Victoria's Viceroy Lord Mayo. King Chulalongkorn was gratified by the welcome he had received from the officers of the Colonial Powers and learned much about their methods and means of governance. If the Kingdom of Siam was to modernize, as had been the wish of his late father, King Chulalongkorn knew that he had to rule decisively, diplomatically and skilfully. He did so with a wisdom that was beyond his years.
Even before the State Ceremonial of his Coronation had finished, King Chulalongkorn began his "Revolution from the Top". As Siam's nobility and military leaders prostrated themselves full-length before the newly crowned ruler, King Chulalongkorn announced, "His Majesty proposes to substitute, in place of crouching and crawling on all-fours, standing upright with a graceful bow of the head…" The gathered assembly of the mighty and powerful drew themselves to a standing position and, with quiet dignity, the collective heads bowed to their new king. That such homage was more suitable was something that King Chulalongkorn had learned from his travels and from his father King Mongkut.
Change and reform continued during the following years as nothing seemed to escape King Chulalongkorn's attention or his desire for the overall welfare of his Kingdom. Slavery (most ordinary Siamese were bonded by some degree of servitude to Noble Families), education and health were all addressed. The conservative, and comfortable Nobility, were not entirely happy with some of the reforms especially with the abolition of hereditary slavery and the centralization of tax-revenue collection. Both of these changes weakened the power of the Nobility, as did the formation of two new committees the Privy Council and Council of State to lend their opinions to their Sovereign.

He later travelled extensively in Europe in 1897 and met the European royalty on equal terms. He was the first Siamese monarch to travel to the West. The King Knew English well. After reading many books on Western history, he was determined to resist foreign domination. knowing their strength and tactics and he realized that Siam could never use force against them. Instead, King Chulalongkorn based his foreign policy on establishing equal rights for all European powers. He did not want any confrontation and therefore managed to continue friendly relations with each country.

Perhaps the pace and content of some of King Chulalongkorn's decrees alarmed the Nobility that found itself more and more given to support the Co-King. The Co-King (protégé of the ex-Regent) had the right to have his own standing army and also to collect his own tax-revenue. As the Co-King appeared to be gathering support from some Nobility (some others hedged their bets) and allegedly he was increasing the strength of his armaments, it is understandable that King Chulalongkorn was wary of this potential threat.
The situation came to a head when a suspicious fire broke out in the Grand Palace and attempts to douse the flames (or otherwise) brought some of the Royal Guards into confrontation with members of the Co-King's army. King Chulalongkorn was furious (as the fire was a scant twelve feet from the palace gasworks and not far from the saltpetre magazine for the Royal Armoury). The Co-King, apparently fearing his immediate arrest, fled to the haven of the British Embassy where he remained for a good two months.

In the interim, King Chulalongkorn requested Sir Andrew Clarke (the new Governor of Singapore) to come to Bangkok to mediate in any misunderstanding between King Chulalongkorn and his Co-King. This delicate matter, which also involved the former Regent, was successfully resolved to King Chulalongkorn's satisfaction (and to that of Sir Andrew Clarke as he reported to the British Government). The reforming decrees of the Siamese Monarch continued although, perhaps, more slowly and less alarmingly for the Nobility.
King Chulalongkorn indicated that Royal Princes and Members of the Nobility should be better educated and established a place of learning for them within the palace compound. For children of his ordinary subjects, the King proclaimed, "All children, from my own to the poorest, should have an equal chance of education". And so began the opening of many schools.
After delighting in the opening of the first public hospital in 1886, King Chulalongkorn and the hospital supervisor, Dr. Peter Cowan, were dismayed to find the hospital could not attract patients despite there being many people in need. Traditional remedies were still to the forefront of Siamese minds and when it was suggested that beggars, suffering from sores, ulcers and other ailments, should be treated at the new hospital, the beggars themselves rejected this invitation feeling that a cure for their afflictions would deprive them of their livelihood! This deficit of patients was finally resolved when members of the hospital committee ordered any of their ailing employees into the hospital for treatment. Under Dr. Cowan's care and supervision, the many which were helped back to good health spread the word and soon the first of King Chulalongkorn's hospitals had a waiting list!
Chulalongkorn Rama V, King of Siam - whose "new broom" swept away the old manacles of serfdom, launched Siam onto a river of modernization and progress. More was to follow, as were the King's further travels to the heart of the Colonial Powers Imperial Russia, Europe and Great Britain.

King Chulalongkorn Rama V
His Labour's and His Voyages

Imagine, if you will, that you have inherited a large house with spacious gardens.You are a diligent, well-educated person and you know that a lot of house repairs have to be made and a host of weeds removed from the garden. It will take time to put everything in order but, without being asked, foreign neighbours have suggested they help. You are wary of such assistance since you know that the neighbours, although outwardly friendly, are the bullying types and are really looking for a chance to seize part of your large garden.
Such was the delicate predicament facing King Chulalongkorn of Siam although instead of a large house and garden being at stake, it was the territory of his Kingdom and its independence which was at risk.
Since acceding to the Siamese throne in 1868, King Rama V set about a program of reform and modernization for his nation but progress had to be "slow and steady" in order not to alienate his Nobility, Government and people. Bonded slavery was abolished, Government taxation revenues streamlined and centralized, medical services and hospitals created as were police and postal services. Railways and roadways were also on the Monarch's agenda. Upgrading an agricultural country, basically without a communication infrastructure and steeped in heartfelt cultural traditions was a mammoth undertaking especially as the King did not wish to lose any of the Siamese culture in the process of modernization.Foreign experts were engaged to assist in various fields and, generally, these were good men with a sincere desire to assist King Chulalongkorn in the development of Siam but the hidden agenda of their governments was, perhaps, another matter. The "neighbours" King Chulalongkorn gave a sincere greeting and genuine friendship with Tsar Nicholas II, Emperor of Russia at Bang Pa-In Summer Palace.

King Chulalongkorn gave a sincere greeting and genuine friendship with Tsar Nicholas II, Emperor of Russia at Bang Pa-In Summer Palace.

were France to the East (French Indo-China Colonies) and Britain to the West and South (Burma & Malaya Colonies). Britain was nibbling at Siam's southern territories but France was taking great bites of territory on the left bank of the Maekhong River (present day Laos & Cambodia). During the course of King Chulalongkorn's reign, Siam had to "give" some 294,000 square kilometers of territory to France while a further 52,000 square kilometers went to Britain.
King Chulalongkorn's learned education and fluency in English allowed him to communicate easily with visiting diplomats so they were usually welcome guests as were other visiting Royalty. King Chulalongkorn gave a sincere greeting and genuine friendship with Tsar Nicholas II, Emperor of Russia at Bang Pa-In Summer Palace. An important visitor to Siam was the Tsarevitch Nicholas who thoroughly enjoyed his visit while staying at the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace north of Bangkok. An easy, genuine friendship sprang up between the visiting Tsarevitch and King Chulalongkorn. It was especially appreciated as Russia had no territorial eyes on Siam. Another visitor, in 1881 (the same year as telephone services began in Siam), was His Majesty King Kalakaua of Hawaii. Again the two Monarchs got on famously but, sadly, King Kalakaua was to be the last king of Hawaii as his island Kingdom was later seized and annexed by the United States. Territorial loss was an ever-present worry for the Siamese King as he could see the Great Powers were insatiable in extending their "spheres of influence".King Chulalongkorn regarded the situation as so potentially serious that, in 1897, he embarked on a visit of European countries. He hoped to establish "balancing" friendships and create bonds with as many European nations as possible. Likewise to learn of latest developments, which could be incorporated into Siamese progress, and to arrange for Siamese students to study in European countries. Also, King Chulalongkorn had at least one genuine friend in Europe his visitor to the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace had now become Tsar Nicholas II, Emperor of all Russia.
So began an arduous, nine month, overseas journey with much of its success being credited to Tsar Nicholas II and the inherent "likeability" of King Chulalongkorn. The Tsar had spoken highly of the Siamese King to Austrian Emperor Franz-Josef who had, in turn, spoken to Germany's Kaiser Wilhelm II. The road for successful visits was, accordingly, paved as was, most importantly, King Chulalongkorn being accepted as a "Royal equal".The Royal European Progress began in Italy on May 14, 1897 and, after meeting with the Italian King and His Holiness the Pope, King Chulalongkorn moved Bang Pa-In Summer Palace was built by King Chulalongkorn in 1872. Several buildings and mansions were designed with various styles of architecture: Thai, Chinese and European.

Bang Pa-In Summer Palace was built by King Chulalongkorn in 1872. Several buildings and mansions were designed with various styles of architecture: Thai, Chinese and European.

on to Switzerland, Austria and Hungary before catching up with his friend Tsar Nicholas II at the Peterhof. Throughout his journey, European Crowned Heads and Presidents of Republics welcomed the Siamese King royally, graciously and warmly. Sweden, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain and Portugal were all captivated by the slightly built Siamese Monarch. The Prince of Wales officially welcomed King Chulalongkorn for his five week visit to Great Britain during which he toured extensively and called on Her Majesty Queen Victoria at her Isle of Wight residence (the elderly Queen was preparing for her Diamond Jubilee). Another call was to visit his son who was being educated at Harrow a noted English "public" school.

As it happened, such were the strains between Siam and the French Republic, France had not been included in the Royal itinerary. However, having heard of the magnificent receptions accorded to King Chulalongkorn by other European Heads of State, President Faure of France sent his presidential train to Brussels (where King Chulalongkorn had been visiting King Leopold II) to invite and embark the Siamese King. The most famous of his reforms was the abolition of slavery. he pronounced every person born during his reign free and took gradual steps to liberate the present slaves by creating incentives for their owners.

The reception in France, on 11 September 1897, was magnificently regal and wherever he went King Chulalongkorn was cheered by the French people Versailles, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and, indeed, Long champs horse races were all graced by visits from King Rama V. The ordinary people of France were heart-warmed by King Chulalongkorn (and by his gifts to the poor of Paris) but the Government of France never returned the Siamese territory it had taken. But, thanks to these eminently successful State Visits, France could not risk censure and the embarrassment of further bullying tactics. Siamese territorial losses were stemmed!

After visiting fourteen European countries and making many important connections, His Majesty King Chulalongkorn, Rama V returned to Siam in the latter part of 1897. Success had been heaped upon success and, in a speech to his Nobles, Government and people, the Siamese King declared "I am determined to do everything in my power to make Siam a free and progressive country". And he did!

King Chulalongkorn
Rama V - His Humanity To be a Royal, especially nowadays, can sometimes be overbearingly irksome. Having constantly to be "on parade", living in a "goldfish bowl" of constant exposure and smiling even when one feels least like smiling. Despite the many perceived privileges, it must sometimes be a difficult, wearisome task, which few would envy. Tradition, culture and

To be a Royal, especially nowadays, can sometimes be overbearingly irksome. Having constantly to be "on parade", living in a "goldfish bowl" of constant exposure and smiling even when one feels least like smiling. Despite the many perceived privileges, it must sometimes be a difficult, wearisome task, which few would envy. Tradition, culture and protocol to accept his or her position and not to flinch when adversity faces them "train a Royal".

protocol to accept his or her position and not to flinch when adversity faces them "train a Royal". It is a mantle of service to their country which, usually, is worn for life. Media interest and attention was not so intense during the reign of King Chulalongkorn but, as an Absolute Monarch, he was constantly to the fore in the governance of Siam. His own subjects, Members of Government, Nobility, Overseas Representatives and visiting dignitaries constantly sought him out for guidance, decision making and leadership. In modern parlance, King Chulalongkorn was both "Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of his Kingdom of Siam". But he was also human, and humane, and it gave Rama V great pleasure to participate in the "ordinary" aspects of life.
It was normal within Siamese culture to take more than one wife and King Chulalongkorn was no exception.
His Supreme wife was Queen Saowabhabut it is understood that he had 91 wives of whom thirty-six were officially recorded -- they being the birth mothers of the King's 77 children (44 daughters, 32 sons and an unfortunate miscarriage).
Rama V was a devoted father but not to the point of spoiling any of his children. His sons earned his special interest as great things were expected of them in the future. Indeed, all of the King's sons were sent abroad to finish their academic education. Most went to Great Britain but others went to Denmark, Russia and Germany. Each and every son, when studying overseas, received regular letters from the King's "own hand".

It is the heartbreak of any parent to lose a child or children; King Chulalongkorn suffered this latter tragedy with overwhelming grief. Queen Sunanda (full sister of Supreme Queen Saowabha) was travelling, with her royal children, by barge up the Chao Phraya River from Bangkok to the Bang-Pa-In Summer Palace. Entirely by accident, the barge capsized and the Royal Family were thrown into the water. Rescue was delayed until too late as horrified watchers were fearful of laying hands on the Royal Personages. All were drowned.
King Chulalongkorn afterwards instructed a memorial to his Queen Sunanda and children be raised in the ornate gardens of Bang-Pa-In Summer Palace. It is still there and may be seen by anyone visiting the palace.

One of King Chulalongkorn's escapes was into the world of cookery and picnicking. The King enjoyed tasty food Thai, Chinese and European and it gave him great pleasure to personally cook for friends gathered together for a picnic. Indeed, the King gained so much relaxation from "kitchen experiences" he authored a book of recipes. The "how to" recipe book features over 200 dishes including those for meat, poultry, pork, seafood, salads and sandwiches. A well-known picnic photograph shows King Chulalongkorn, clad only in a Thai sarong (pha khaw maa) hunched over a cooking fire as he personally prepares an al fresco meal. The photograph was possibly taken at the Bang-Pa-In Summer Palace.

Another of the King's relaxations was to travel around his kingdom without

the trappings of monarchy. "As mentioned earlier, the Press and paparazzi were not so much in evidence during those days" so King Chulalongkorn was generally able to travel incognito when he wished to do so. The King would travel either by horse carriage or by small boat when exploring coastal villages, accompanied by some of his children and close friends. It is interesting that King Chulalongkorn's illustrious father, King Mongkut, got to know his people during 27 years traversing Siam as a monk -- "now the present king was doing the same by travelling as an ordinary person" and meeting the people. King Chulalongkorn, as an "ordinary guy", dropped in on villages, attended their feast days or weddings or simply sat around exchanging the news and gossip of the day.

Parents like to see their offspring do well and King Chulalongkorn was no exception. However, again like every other parent, he had no guarantee that any of his children would do exactly as he wanted. Such was the case with one of the King's sons, Prince Chakrabongse (who was 2nd in line to the Throne). Since Tsar Nicholas II of Russia was a great, personal friend of King Chulalongkorn, it was not surprising that one of the King's sons was invited to study in Russia. Prince Chakrabongse was chosen to accept this honour. The young Prince was already studying in England, and was fluent in English, so he now transferred to the elite Corps des Pages (a famous military college) in St. Petersburg. To King Chulalongkorn's proud delight, Prince Chakrabongse did exceedingly well; the young man learnt the Russian language, mastered his studies and rose in the ranks of the Corps. It only went wrong, in King Chulalongkorn's eyes, when Prince Chakrabongse fell in love with a young Russian girl, Katerina, "whom he secretly married". This marriage was the despair of both King Chulalongkorn and Queen Saowabha as it was unheard of for "Siamese Royalty to marry outside their own Siamese circle". Nevertheless, the deed was done and King Chulalongkorn suffered the upset of any normal parent over what they considered a "wilful" child.

It wasn't often that King Chulalongkorn was able to relax by escaping the Affairs of State and, by the turn of the century, he'd been

the Siamese Monarch for 32 odd years. Such was the workload he gave himselfrarely was anything done without the King's personal involvement) a weariness had begun to set in and, at times, the King was feeling quite unwell. But he continued to push himself so after his hugely successful European visits of 1897 he decided to go again in 1907. King Chulalongkorn considered it important that he maintained a high profile for Siam amongst European nations (he was held in high regard and respect by European Royalty), however, the 1907 visit had another agenda which was known by only a few.

The Siamese King was seeking European medical opinion for his ailment. Siamese physicians had advocated rest and less stress but these were medicines the King declined to take. Some "time out" was taken when King Chulalongkorn reached London when he spent time at Windsor Castle in the convivial company of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra. Unfortunately, medical prognosis was not comforting but the King adopted a "Mai pen rai" never mind) attitude and returned to Siam to be as busy as ever. However, he did contemplate abdicating on his 60th birthday. To this end, he purchased land in a rural area and built a "homey" wooden residence which he named "Phya Thai" (Lord Thai). The idea was that King Chulalongkorn and Queen Saowabha would retire to "Phya Thai" as country "gentlefolk and farmers". The King had remarked "I will not for all my life remain a King, but I want to be the King's father".
However, the King's dream never came to fruition as the demands of public life continued unabated. Being an Absolute Monarch was one thing but the additions of responsibility plus genuine caring and benevolence made it a heavy burden. In 1908, after being on the Siamese Throne for 40 years, King Chulalongkorn was surprised, touched and gratified when his Nobility, Government and people requested permission to honour him with a statue. He accepted an equestrian statue and "ordinary people flocked to donate even a few baht for the sculpting, casting and erecting of the statue". It was a memorial from the hearts of the Siamese people and this had never, ever happened before! It is worth noting that the Statue Fund was massively oversubscribed (the King had desired only a modest statue) and, at King Chulalongkorn's wish, surplus money was gifted to the Civil Service College -- which, later, was renamed as Chulalongkorn University.
As was later revealed, King Chulalongkorn was suffering from a severe kidney complaint -- and he had not heeded medical advice to ease up on his workload. By 1910 the condition had worsened to an alarming degree. On the 16th October of that year King Chulalongkorn slipped into a coma from which he never recovered. He died, shortly after midnight, on the 23rd October 1910.
Queen Saowabha was inconsolable at her husband's death -- and remained so for the rest of her life. The King's passing devastated the Royal Family, Government and the entire nation. Most of the populace had never known Siam without King Chulalongkorn at the helm. The people's beloved Monarch had been on the Siamese Throne for 42 years and the nation was so shocked it couldn't contemplate Siam without him. The Royal Court was in turmoil as documents pertaining to State Protocol King Chulalongkorn's statue

for mourning and funeral ceremonials had not seen the light of day since the death of King Mongkut. However, all was eventually accomplished and the State Funeral of King Chulalongkorn brought "Bangkok and the entire nation of Siam to a standstill" Siamese people, usually very conservative regarding the public display of emotions, wept openly on the streets.
Nowadays, on the 23rd October each year, people gather to lay wreaths and flowers at the foot of King Chulalongkorn's statue. This date has been officially declared as "Chulalongkorn Day" (or Piyamaharaj Day) as the nation continues to honour and pay homage to this unique Siamese Monarch. His Majesty King Chulalongkorn, Rama V of Siam, perhaps the "Greatest of the Great". May his spirit rest in peace.

King Chulalongkorn Rama V
The Modernizing Monarch On 23 October, Thailand commemorates the lifetime achievements of King Chulalongkorn, Rama V, who opened the doors of Thailand to positive Western influences and the basics of democracy. In doing so, he is remembered with great affection and pride by all Thai citizens.
King Chulalongkorn acceded to the Siamese Monarchy, in 1868, as a boy of 15 years, however, a Regent was appointed to govern until the Boy-King was 20 years of age and mature enough to reign on his own. The gift of achievements which Rama V eventually bestowed upon the people of Thailand were largely grounded in the education and teachings of his late father King Mongkut (Rama IV). So it is also worth looking at, and honouring, King Mongkut and the knowledge which he passed to his son.

King Mongkut (Rama IV) was a naturally talented, intelligent and inspirational Monarch who had an inquiring mind. He wanted to know about the sciences of the day and about the European Powers which dominated the world-scene. The King cultivated diplomatic and friendly relationships with great Britain, France and other European nations. He was widely read, a scholar of languages and had a great interest in astronomy. In fact, during 1868, King Mongkut invited many Western dignitaries to view the Solar Eclipse which was best viewed from Thailand. Guests included Colonel Sir Harry Orde (Governor of Singapore), the United States Acting Ambassador and a large party of French and European scientists.

It was in such a background that young King Chulalongkorn grew up and, upon the death of his father, he began to travel and observe the countries around him. Malaya, Singapore, Java and Bali (presently Indonesia), Burma, India and Indonesia were all visited and the King was able to see firsthand the influence of the controlling, colonial powers. King Chulalongkorn could see and understand the benefits of European technology, government systems and commerce which would greatly assist in developing Thailand. So the King wanted to maintain the closest of links with the colonial powers especially Great Britain but not "so close that Thailand could be swallowed up and become another colony". Siamese independence was to be treasured at all costs even if that meant a slower growth of change. It took a lot of personal negotiating and diplomatic skills, both at home and abroad, but King Chulalongkorn was more than able to meet the challenge.
One of the King's great skills was making haste slowly and striking a guiding balance between opposing interests. Possibly His Majesty's most gratifying achievement, at home, was freeing his subjects from slavery. At the time of this coronation, some 30% of the Thai people were slaves, a situation that the King felt was unjust , but Rama V was aware of the problems inherent in abolishing slavery. He set out to gradually change the system of ownership and value of the slaves over a period of time until suddenly there were none left, much to the surprise of all.
Of course abolition caused other problems such as the host of newly unemployed people needing work, but the King had been wise enough to anticipate this, and had prepared jobs with state enterprises. Here his wisdom in gradual abolition was apparent, for only a small proportion of the former slaves would get their freedom in any given year. Unfortunately, many of his people were born into serfdom but the King made it his business to introduce legislation which gradually freed his subjects from lives of unpaid servitude. So that such persons would have proper work and income,
King Chulalongkorn realized the importance of being close to his people and after travelled by boat to visit and listen to their hardships and grievances. In his retinue were royal physicians, and public health in the provinces began to improve as a direct result of these trips. The King also had the chance to see the handicrafts and other products made in various parts of the country, enabling him to decide those which had markets elsewhere in the country or were suitable for export.
King Chulalongkorn introduced many new government schemes, including health programs, which began to raise standards for the ordinary people.
The nation had long lacked unity, with some 20 almost autonomous provinces under the control of powerful local governors interested only in feathering their own nests through tax collection. King Chulalongkorn reduced the power of these self - seeking individuals and brought them into line with his new structures of government through two cunning acts.
King Rama V took many of the daughters of these high ranking officials as wives or concubines, thus winning their loyalty through bestowing honour. He fathered no less than 77 children, of which 33 were sons. He gave them the benefit of as fine an education as possible and sent many overseas to learn. As they matured they would learn the arts of governing and statesmanship and "guaranteed the King a generation of blood relatives that could hold key posts with total loyalty". The children, grandchildren and great - grandchildren of the King's family are the present day nobility of Thailand instantly recognizable by name or title.

Another skilful piece of fancy-footwork, on the part of the King, was the introduction and development of the railway network within Thailand. King Chulalongkorn Rama V

As a hovering colonial power, Great Britain was anxious to secure railway-building contracts and, of course, France was to Thailand's eastern borders in Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam (French Indo-China). King Chulalongkorn listened to advice from these quarters, and agreed to some involvement, however, to maintain the balance (and Thailand's independent choice) railway construction work was largely contracted to German companies (Germany not having any colonial interest in the S.E. Asian area). This was all done without ruffling too many feathers of the colonial powers so goodwill and cordiality was maintained with Queen Victoria in England and, likewise, with the French Republic.

King Chulalongkorn's 42-year reign was a remarkable one. He laid the framework for a democratic government, freed the slaves, created a nobility, developed lasting links with the great powers of the time, preserved Siam's sovereignty, unified the nation and started to build a railway (though that task was left to his successor to complete). He had gained wisdom from his learned father and passed it on to his children as a great gift.
The Thai nation has much to thank King Chulalongkorn for and they display it every year in their display of gratitude to him. They are proud of him for he has given them pride.
King Chulalongkorn passed away in 1910 Without a doubt, one of Thailand's great achievers and great Kings.
So on 23 October, remember the reign of King Chulalongkorn - Rama V and his contributions to the Nation.

His Majesty King Mongkut was born on Thursday the 18th of October 1804. He was the second son of Phra Buddha Lertla Naphalai (King Rama II) and Queen Sri Suriyendra, whose first--born son died at birth in 1801. Prince Mongkut was five years old when his father succeeded to the Throne in 1809.

In a letter to an American friend before he himself ascended to the Throne, Prince Mongkut explained his name and title as follows: "Chao" corresponds to the English word "Lord", or the Latin word Dominus. "Fah" means the sky, but when used with a person's name it becomes an adjective of exaltation, equivalent to the phrase "as high as the sky". Mongkut means "crown". The name Chao Fah Mongkut thus means "The High Prince of the Crown," or "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince"

When His Royal Highness Prince Mongkut became King, he was generally known in Siam as "Phra Chom Klao", but foreigners always called him Mongkut.

Early Life

Until the age of nine, Prince, Mongkut lived at an old palace on the Thon Buri side of the Chao Phraya River. He was given traditional education befitting a Siamese Crown Prince being groomed to be King. His studies included literature and poetry in Siamese and Pali, the ancient language of the Buddhist religion. He was also taught history and the ancient art of warfare, which included the use of many kinds of weapons and elephant - and horse - riding. He learned the precepts of Buddhism, including the Ten Perfections(parami), namely, alms--giving; morality; renunciation, or seclusion from sensual pleasures; wisdom; effort; patients-endurance; truthfulness; determination; kindness and equanimity.

At the tender age of 12, Prince Mongkut was assigned by his royal father to take charge of the armed forces. Assisted by an uncle, he supervised the settlement of Mon refugees who had come into the Kingdom by way of Tak, Uthai and Kanchanaburi provinces.

When he was 14, the Prince was ordained as a novice monk for seven months at Mahathat Temple just outside the Grand Palace. Then, when he was 20, he entered the monkhood at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Royal Temple, but later moved to a smaller and more peaceful temple at the edge of the city. The little known Samorai Temple was where he thought he could better pursue his study of Buddhism.

In the Yellow Robe of a Buddhist Monk

Two weeks after Prince Mongkut's ordination to the monkhood, His Majesty King Phra Buddha Lertla Naphalai passed away, and following Siamese tradition an assembly of princes and high officials met together to choose his successor. They elected Prince Chesdabodin as the next King.

Ironically, it was his period in monkhood, which required him to take a vow of poverty and self-denial, that gave Prince Mongkut a good understanding of statecraft. It allowed him to meet people from all walks of life, from the humblest to the elite, Thais as well as foreigners. He traveled to various parts of the Kingdom, barefoot, depending on offerings of food and other necessities from the people. From the Thais, he gained an invaluable first-hand insight into their welfare and livelihood. From the foreigners, he obtained precious information about the outside world, especially about technology and and science.

Accession to the Throne

When His Majesty King Nang Klao (the name by which Prince Chesdabodin was known when he became King) passed away in 1851, the Accession Council elected Prince Mongkut as his successor. When told of the decision, Prince Mongkut said modestly that he would accept to avoid trouble, and left the monkhood. But once he became King, he immediately instituted reforms which would adapt the country to western ways.

Soon after his coronation, it was customary for a king to appoint his deputy, or Uparaj, and King Mongkut chose his full brother, Prince Chutamani as Deputy King. By so doing, he returned to a tradition of the Ayutthaya Kingdom 250 years before and followed the example set by King Naresuan in appointing his younger brother as Deputy King, according him an almost equal status and a coronation of nearly the same splendor. Prince Chutamani thus became known as His Majesty King Pinklao; he was interested mainly in national defence, particularly the navy and the artillery.

Since King Mogkut was already proficient in the English language, he was anxious that other members of the Court be likewise trained in this foreign language. Not long after he ascended the Throne in 1851, two missionaries, a Dr.Bradley and a Dr.Jones, received a letter from the Grand Chamberlain, telling them of His Majesty's wish that the ladies of the court be taught English, and asking their help to find teachers. The missionaries assigned their wives, Mrs.Bradley and Mrs.Jones, and a third woman, Mrs.Stephen Matton, to take turns going to the palace to give lessons.

On August 13, 1851, a class was started for young ladies between the age of 16 and 21. They were soon joined by princesses from the court of King Rama II, and the class grew to 30. But after three years, the lessons were stopped as the students got bored of being taught only from religious texts and shown pictures from the Bible, in what was seen as an effort to convert them to Christianity. It was then that the King sent word to his Consul in Singapore to hire an English teacher on the condition that she would refrain from teaching religion. Thus, in 1892, Mrs.Anna Leonowens arrived in Bangkok to teach English to the Children of the King of Siam for four years.

Events Leading to His Majesty's Death

His Majesty King Mongkut was greatly interested in astronomy. He correctly calculated the time and place of a total eclipse of the sun, which occurred on August 18, 1868, and pinpointed a remote village in Prachuab Khiri Khan, on the west coast of the Gulf of Siam, as the place where it could be clearly seen. The King invited many dignitaries, including the Governor of Singapore, Henry Orde. The French Government sent a large party of scientists.

In his letter of invitation, Sir Henry Orde, who came by sea, the King told him to come to the place at "East Greenwich longitude 99 degrees 42' and latitude North 11 degrees 39'." The total eclipse of the sun, which lasted six minutes and 46 seconds, occurred exactly as the King had predicted and the European scientists conceded that he was a brilliant mathematician and real astronomer.

His Majesty's effort to learn English at an advanced age and become an expert in a western science, however, met a sad end. The King's pavilion for viewing the eclipse was built on low ground in a mosquito-infested spot. Soon after his return to Bangkok, His Majesty fell seriously ill from malaria caught at the site, and his eldest son, Prince Chulalongkorn, who had gone with him to watch the eclipse.

His Majesty King Mongkut passed away on the night of October 18, 1868. It was 64th birthday.

King Mongkut, the fourth king in the Chakri Dynasty, which started in 1782, in the kingdom of Siam (now called Thailand). He is considered one of the most intellectual and educated kings of that country. He was born on Thursday, October 18, 1804. Prince Mongkut was five years old when his father succeeded to the Throne in 1809.

Until the age of nine, Prince Mongkut lived at an old palace on the Thon Buri side of the Chao Phraya River. He was given an education befitting a Siamese Crown Prince being groomed to be King. His studies included literature and poetry in Siamese and Pali, the ancient language of Buddhist religion. He was also taught history and the ancient art of warfare, including the use of many kinds of weapons and elephant-and horse riding. He learned the precepts of Buddhism, including the Ten Moral Principles:
1. alms-giving or giving charity to the less privileged
2. morality, or observance of moral precepts
3. sacrifice, or giving away something in benefit of others
4. straight-fowardness
5. courtesy
6. self-restraint, or refraining from all temptations
7. calmness
8. non-violence
9. patience
10.impartiality.
At the age of 12, Prince Mongkut was assigned by his royal father to take charge of the armed forces.
When he was 14, the Prince was ordained as a novice monk for seven months at Mahathat Temple of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Royal Temple, but later moved to a smaller and more peaceful temple at the edge of the city. The little known Samorai Temple was where he thought he could better pursue his study of Buddhism. Ironically, it was his period in monkhood, requiring him to take a vow of poverty and self-denial that gave Prince Mongkut a good understanding of statecraft. Mongkut spent more than half his adult life in the yellow robe of a Buddhist monk. He was a Buddhist scholar who learned Latin, English and the Christian doctrine. For twenty-seven years he traveled the countryside with alms bowl, ate one meal a day and studied scripture. He traveled to various parts of the Kingdom, barefoot, depending on offerings of food and other necessities from the people. It allowed him to meet people from all walks of life, from the humblest to the elite, Thais as well as foreigners. From the Thais, he gained an invaluable first-hand insight into their welfare and livelihood. From the foreigners, he obtained precious information about the outside world, especially about technology and science.
Two weeks after Prince Mongkut's ordination to the monkhood, His Majesty King Phra Buddha Lertla Naphalai passed away. Following Siamese tradition an assembly of princes and officials met to choose his successor. They elected Prince Chesdabodin as the next king, a half-brother of prince Mongkut. Seventeen years older than prince Mongkut, more experienced in government and much more powerful, he had, for a long time, been assisting his father in conducting the affairs of the state. Prince Mongkut thus remained in monkhood to dedicate his time and effort to Buddhism.
Accession to the Throne
In April 1851, Royal Emissaries brought news to Prince Mongkut at the quiet riverside temple where he was serving as an abbot, that his half brother, King Rama III, was dead. When His Majesty King Nang Klao (of which Prince Chesdabodin was known when he became King) passed away in 1851, the Accession Council elected Prince Mongkut as his successor. When told of the decision, Prince Mongkut said modestly that he would accept to avoid trouble, and left the monkhood. Within days, the 47-year-old monk stepped from monastic life into the rich temptation and intricacies of the palace.
Once he became King, he immediately instituted reforms, which would adapt the country to western ways. He banned the death penalty for monks who broke their vows of celibacy putting them to work instead. For the first time in 200 years, Western diplomats were invited to an inauguration and Buddhist monks played a visible role in the ceremony. He ordered people in the palace to wear shirts as Westerners did. He also began to bring the king's godlike role down to earth, breaking protocol by shaking hands with a favorite missionary. He traveled more widely than any other king and he relaxed the stiff protocol of royal visits, permitting foreigners to salute him according to their own customs.

King Mongkut read the English newspaper from Both Singapore and Hong Kong. He followed the expansion of empires. Although Siam was a strong force in Southeast Asia, he realized how the European hungered for expansion. European powers were carving up Asia piece by piece. Despite his open-mindedness about other cultures, Mongkut made sure that Siam didn't fall into anyone's hands. He skillfully guided his country through perilous times. Having great insight, he strategically escaped domination by any one Western power by opening his doors to all. He signed trade treaties with England, France, the United States and several other countries, to avoid vulnerability to each.
Since King Mongkut was already proficient in the English language, he was anxious that other members of the Court be trained in this foreign language. Not long after he ascended the Throne in 1851, two missionaries, Dr. Bradley and Dr. Jones, received a letter from the Grand Chamberlain, telling them of His Majesty's wish that the ladies of the court be taught English, and asking their help to find teachers. The missionaries assigned their wives, Mrs. Bradley and Mrs. Jones, and a third woman, Mrs. Stephen Matton, to take turns going to the palace to give lessons.

On August 13, 1851, a class was started for young ladies between the age of 16 and 21. They were soon joined by princesses from the court of King Rama ll, and the class grew to 30. But after three years, the lessons were stopped as the students got bored of being taught only from religious texts and shown pictures from the Bible, in what was seen as an effort to convert them to Christianity. It was then that the King sent word to his Consul in Singapore to hire an English teacher on the condition that she would refrain from teaching religion. Thus, in 1862, Mrs. Anna Leonowens arrived in Bangkok to teach English to the Children of the King of Siam for four years. By that time, King Mongkut was 58 years old. Anna Leonowens was not the first woman to come to the court and teach English to the royal children. She was the fourth in a series of English teachers and was not more special than the other previous teachers.

As was traditional, Mongkut kept a large harem. According to Thai books and records, Monkgut had 82 children by 35 different mothers and a harem of more. Nine thousand women lived in his harem, kept apart from the world in a separate city that they were seldom allowed to leave.
Event Leading to His Majesty's Death
His Majesty King Mongkut was greatly interested in astronomy. He was fascinated by the precision of Western scientific measurement. He filled his chambers with clocks, thermometers and barometers, and taught himself astronomy, and even erected an observatory on the palace grounds. This led to the greatest scientific triumph. He correctly calculated the time and place of a total eclipse of the sun, which occurred on August 18,1868, and pinpointed a remote village in Prachuab Khan, on the west coast of the Gulf of Siam, as the place where it could be clearly seen. The palace announced an expedition on the occasion of the solar eclipse. The King invited many dignitaries, including the Governor of Singapore, Henry Orde. In his letter of invitation, Sir Henry Orde, who came by sea, the King told him to come to the place at "East Greenwich longitude 99 degrees 42' and latitude North 11 degrees 39."
The French Government sent a large party of astronomers who traveled 6,000 mile from Paris to witness the event. King Mongkut's entourage included members of the royal family, retainers, skeptical court astrologers, horses, oxen and 50 elephants.
At the exact second indicated by the king's calculations, the sky went totally dark. The total eclipse of the sun, which lasted six minutes and 46 seconds, occurred exactly as the King had predicted and the European scientists conceded that he was a brilliant mathematician and real astronomer.
His Majesty's effort to learn English at an advanced age and become an expert in a western science, however, met a sad end. The King's pavilion for viewing the eclipse was built on low ground in a mosquito-infested spot. Soon after his return to Bangkok, in a matter of days, His Majesty seriously fell ill from malaria he caught at the site. His eldest son, Prince Chulalongkorn, who had gone with him to watch the eclipse, was also stricken by the same illness.
Like Buddha himself, he died on his own birthday. His Majesty King Mongkut passed away on the night of October 18, 1868. It was his 64th birthday. Prince Chulalongkorn, at age 15, assumed the throne. His intelligence and far-sightedness helped the country to maintain its independence despite Western threats during colonialism.

The King and His People

To an Absolute Monarch the people of a kingdom are mere chattels. Be they nobles, servants, soldiers, labourers, scribes or scholars they are all subject to the Majesty, Power and Justice of the Monarch. So it had been in Siam for many centuries some Kings were great, some benign and a few despotic and the people, as subjects of the King, had to obey his every command or whim. So it was when King Mongkut, Rama IV, came to the SiameseThrone in 1851. He ruled as an Absolute Monarch. But King Mongkut was different to any of his predecessors; for 27 years he had served as a devoted Monk and Abbot to the Buddhist Faith. King Mongkut was extremely well educated, versatile in several languages, progressive, thoughtful and caring. Under his Kingship, Siam would retain and cherish its unique culture while opening its doors to Western commerce plus advances in printing and medicines and the university of international debate.

With King Mongkut as a benign and educated Absolute Monarch, the people of Siam Co-King Pinklao

would enjoy progress as never before.Although accustomed to the humility of a monastic background, King Mongkut was also assertive and disciplined when promulgating new decrees. He was interested in all manners of Siamese activities and now that he was Monarch He got things done! The King personally gave advice on matters as diverse as "throwing dead animals into the waterways" to "the proper construction of an oven". A Royal Decree was invariably headed with the King's regal titles and, like a trumpet fanfare, the words "By Royal Command Reverberating Like the Roar of a Lion". Then would follow the Royal Words of Wisdom! During his long, 27 years as a monk, King Mongkut was constantly in direct communication with the people of his parish and with those he met during foot weary pilgrimages throughout the land. As Monarch, King Mongkut was determined not to lose that direct contact with his people by allowing protocol and tradition to shut him away. Officials, seeking to exercise their own power, would order common people that they were not allowed to look at the King but must hide themselves from his eyes. King Mongkut countermanded this practice by declaring "People gathered along the route of the Royal Procession shall not be chased away, but all householders shall be permitted to appear before the sight of His Majesty, so that he may speak to those he knows and gladden their hearts".Tradition had it that commoners could petition their King by sounding a huge drum located at the gates to the Grand Palace. However, beating the drum had long since fallen into disuse, as people feared the consequences of summoning their Monarch. However, King Mongkut restored the practice but found his subjects were either too shy or too reluctant to "take a chance". In 1852 and 1853, King Mongkut sent an army under his younger brother, Prince Wongsa Thiraj Sanit, to liberate Chiangtoong and provide effective protection to the small kingdom of Shan from the Burmese influence. It was the last time Siamese and Burmese looked at each other through that buffer zone, later in 1885 Burma was colonized by British.

In 1852 and 1853, King Mongkut sent an army under his younger brother, Prince Wongsa Thiraj Sanit, to liberate Chiangtoong and provide effective protection to the small kingdom of Shan from the Burmese influence. It was the last time Siamese and Burmese looked at each other through that buffer zone, later in 1885 Burma was colonized by British.

The drum remained silent! King Mongkut therefore routinely came out of the palace at preset times and personally talked with his subjects and accepted their petitions. The King, wise to the goings on in Bangkok, and outlying regions (where many Government officials and vassal princes were often corrupt and abusive of their powers) began to introduce progressive changes. It could not be done in one go lest the aristocracy become too startled but gradually King Mongkut's reforms removed many of the special rights of the Nobility which, previously, they had enjoyed before the law. At the same time, the King encouraged his ordinary subjects when they had genuine concerns to appeal directly to their Monarch.
On judicial matters King Mongkut also introduced change. Judges had traditionally been appointed directly by the Monarch but, aiming at tolerance in all political matters, King Mongkut widened the judicial selection process by decreeing that members of the Nobility and Government should also participate in the "electing" of judges. On the matter of electing judges the King said, "No one is obliged to confine their choice to servants of the Crown. any person, even though he be a slave, who is believed to possess sufficient wisdom and restraint to be able to give clear and satisfactory judgement in accordance with truth, justice, and the law, may be elected a judge...".Other Royal decrees concerned slaves, about those who could be sold as a slave and closing King Mongkut wrote a letter to his friend in New York ordering the lithographic press, which was later imported to Bangkok for printing Lord Buddha's Teachings.

King Mongkut wrote a letter to his friend in New York ordering the lithographic press, which was later imported to Bangkok for printing Lord Buddha's Teachings.

loopholes regarding the transfer of slaves from one owner to another. "Slave" is perhaps the wrong word to use they were more servants and, in most cases, treated as integral members of a family. Slavery in Siam never had the terror, notoriety or hardship associated with other slaving nations. As is the responsibility of any reigning monarch to his people, a successor to the Siamese Throne had to be provided. After 27 years of celibacy, King Mongkut eventually fathered eighty-one children (to twenty-seven mothers) so an "heir and a spare" was no difficulty.
In keeping with his own education and knowing that many of his children would later occupy important positions, King Mongkut was adamant that his offspring be given a good, modern education especially in understanding the English language. To this end a governess was appointed Miss Anna Leonowens and ratification of this appointment was, perhaps, an error. Miss Leonowens taught the King's children, but not particularly well, so she was let go after 5 years. However, during her time in Siam, Miss Leonowens managed to let her imagination run riot and, later, wrote two books which were low on fact and high in fiction.

Like tabloid journalists of today, Anna Leonowens invented what she did not actually know. Both books are in the exotic, romantic style of Barbara Cartland and are a rainy-day read for those who like this light type of book. Hollywood moguls, much later, presented the Miss Leonowens' stories in the film "The King and I". The Government and people of modern Thailand have long resented the misinformation of both books and film!

Trading steamships and naval warships were firstly assembled in the kingdom during King Rama VI era with the import of parts from abroad. A Siamese business man also imported the first iron steamship from England and it was put in to service between Bangkok and Singapore.
King Mongkut Rama IV
The King the Statesman
As an Absolute Monarch we may believe that King Mongkut could merely snap his fingers to have his every wish obeyed.

While Prince Norodom Promborirak was being crowned as the ruler of Cambodia by King Mongkut in Bangkok, he had to rush back to Cambodia due to the invasion by the French. Once he arrived in Phnom Pen, he was forced by the French commander, Admiral Lagrandiere, to sign a document on 11th August, 1863 to give up Cambodia and be under the French Colonization, however, he still submitted tributes to King Rama IV

In theory this would be a fair assumption but, in practice, the Siamese King had many internal and external pressures to consider before reaching a decision. King Mongkut's personal agenda was to move Siam forward in progress and prosperity but to do so in a way which did not upset the conservative element of Siam's powerful Nobility nor frustrate foreign powers which might accuse Siam of dragging its coattails when it came to freeing-up trade and commerce.
To achieve these goals required great skills of diplomacy and statecraft. King Mongkut had these skills in full measure! So, just as a high-wire walker moves with grace, skill, patience and balance, King Mongkut pressed his agenda forward slowly but surely with all the balance of that high-wire walker. He had much to lose if he missed a step or failed to keep a diplomatic equilibrium. Internal strife was a possibility and the loss of independence of his nation to either of the

Mom Rachothai (Mr.Gratai Israngkurl), born during King Rama II's era, was very knowledgeable in the English Language. He was one of the members of the Siamese diplomatic mission to Queen Victoria's Court. He wrote a book in poetry verse, "A Journey to London". He granted the copyright permission to Dr. Bradley to publish his book. It was the first time that a copyright was undertaken in the Siam History.

colonial powers of Great Britain or France was a probability!On the domestic scene King Mongkut's brother, Prince Chudamani, had a strong political following (and a personal army!) and may well have been troublesome, however, with commendable foresight, King Mongkut elevated his brother to be Second King (Phra Pin Klao) which satisfied Prince Chudamani's immediate ambitions. Likewise, the loyalty of the rich and influential Bunnag Family (which had migrated from Persia in the early 1600's) had to be maintained but King Mongkut didn't wish to be "mill-stoned" by the Bunnag's conservative "old guard".
The Noble Bunnag Family had dominated the Government Ministries of the Praklong and Kalahom for more than two decades so the Senior Member was accorded even higher title and rank before being gently retired. King Mongkut then brought young and progressive thinking members of the Noble Bunnag's into government. By such domestic strategies, King Mongkut consolidated his personal political foundations and maintained balance and harmony within his kingdom.
In 1855, overseas relations got off to a splendid beginning with the Bangkok visit of Sir John Bowring. Sir John was the ambassador from Great Britain, representing the world's most powerful person of the time Her Britannic Majesty Queen Victoria, and he had been forewarned to expect a less than cordial welcome. King Mongkut had recently acceded to the Siamese Throne (upon the death of Rama III) so "rolled out the red carpet" to welcome Queen Victoria's representative. Sir John Bowring was most impressed by the new Siamese King and reported as much to his own monarch and government. In fact, such was the personal style, charisma and charm of King Mongkut; he was to become a firm friend to many visitors from foreign nations. After Emperor Napoleon III of France sent M. De Montigny as an envoy to sign the treaty with Siam in 1856, King Mongkut gave an audience to the French envoys. In return, he sent the Siamese envoys in 1860 led by Phraya Sripipat who were given an audience by Napoleon III.

After Emperor Napoleon III of France sent M. De Montigny as an envoy to sign the treaty with Siam in 1856, King Mongkut gave an audience to the French envoys. In return, he sent the Siamese envoys in 1860 led by Phraya Sripipat who were given an audience by Napoleon III.

The background to King Mongkut's ability lay in his 27 years as a working Buddhist monk and Abbot. During that time he had acquired many foreign friends, who were residing in Siam, in his pursuit of his many "hobbies". King Mongkut had become fluent in English and was fascinated by news from other countries as well as mathematics, astrology and astronomy the latter being one of his favorite past times. On becoming King, Mongkut was already extremely well versed in protocol, the English language and how to offer hospitality and discourse to visitors whether they were diplomats or church clerics. And it was all done with the unique charm and tradition of Siamese culture!
In his passion to keep up with what was going on abroad (and thereby know how best to protect Siamese interests), King Mongkut regularly read newspapers from the British Colonies of Singapore and Hong Kong. Such newspapers were brought to Bangkok aboard Siam's newly acquired, iron steamships, which were proving such valuable links in the nation's developing trade and commerce.King Mongkut did not wait in the Grand Palace for the world to come to him. In as far as he could, he went to the world! The King was an avid letter writer! So he made himself, and his Kingdom of Siam, known The hand shake was a western greeting tradition which was accepted by King Rama IV. In 1866, he offered a hand shake to Prince Gawila of Chiangmai. That was the first time the King ever shook hands with Thai.

The hand shake was a western greeting tradition which was accepted by King Rama IV. In 1866, he offered a hand shake to Prince Gawila of Chiangmai. That was the first time the King ever shook hands with Thai.

to leaders of other nations. He communicated with several American Presidents and in 1861 President Abraham Lincoln, amidst the sore and agonizing trials of Civil War, received a letter from King Mongkut which offered two elephants (male & female!) as the King had learned the President did not have such "war machines". Although touched by this kindly offer, President Lincoln had to respond that he did not think elephants would survive in the cold, alien environment of North America. Emperor Napoleon III of France begged to differ so when he received a letter from King Mongkut, with a similar offer, he dispatched a warship to embark two elephants at Bangkok so that they might be conveyed to Paris Zoo!
King Mongkut was in the business of advancing his nation through statecraft and diplomacy and he was graciously careful not to tread on the toes of those mightier than he was. Treaties had already been signed with Great Britain and further treaties were agreed with France, Prussia, Australia, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Portugal, Norway, Sweden and the United States. By having powerful, personal friends in many countries King Mongkut was able to balance his foreign affairs and so he hoped that no single foreign power would ever pose a threat to his beloved Siam.
During 1857 King Mongkut decided to send a letter and envoy to the Monarch he admired most Queen Victoria. The letter and envoy were carried to Great Britain aboard a British warship and both were well received by that imperious lady. King Mongkut referred to Queen Victoria as "Our most respected and distinguished Friend, and by race of the royalty our very affectionate Sister" but he deferred to Queen Victoria's worldwide power by declaring himself "Your obedient and humble servant". Queen Victoria's reply, carried aboard HMS Auckland to Bangkok by Her Consul to Hong Kong, Harry S. Parkes, revealed how moved she had been by King Mongkut's oriental eloquence because she concluded her letter with the words, "Your affectionate sister and friend".
The statecraft and diplomacy of King Mongkut was legend at the time and it is ironic that two of his favorite occupations being hospitable to overseas guests and astronomy should lead to his untimely death.

King Mongkut Rama IV
The King the Statesman
As an Absolute Monarch we may believe that King Mongkut could merely snap his fingers to have his every wish obeyed.

to leaders of other nations. He communicated with several American Presidents and in 1861 President Abraham Lincoln, amidst the sore and agonizing trials of Civil War, received a letter from King Mongkut which offered two elephants (male & female!) as the King had learned the President did not have such "war machines". Although touched by this kindly offer, President Lincoln had to respond that he did not think elephants would survive in the cold, alien environment of North America. Emperor Napoleon III of France begged to differ so when he received a letter from King Mongkut, with a similar offer, he dispatched a warship to embark two elephants at Bangkok so that they might be conveyed to Paris Zoo!
King Mongkut was in the business of advancing his nation through statecraft and diplomacy and he was graciously careful not to tread on the toes of those mightier than he was. Treaties had already been signed with Great Britain and further treaties were agreed with France, Prussia, Australia, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Portugal, Norway, Sweden and the United States. By having powerful, personal friends in many countries King Mongkut was able to balance his foreign affairs and so he hoped that no single foreign power would ever pose a threat to his beloved Siam.
During 1857 King Mongkut decided to send a letter and envoy to the Monarch he admired most Queen Victoria. The letter and envoy were carried to Great Britain aboard a British warship and both were well received by that imperious lady. King Mongkut referred to Queen Victoria as "Our most respected and distinguished Friend, and by race of the royalty our very affectionate Sister" but he deferred to Queen Victoria's worldwide power by declaring himself "Your obedient and humble servant". Queen Victoria's reply, carried aboard HMS Auckland to Bangkok by Her Consul to Hong Kong, Harry S. Parkes, revealed how moved she had been by King Mongkut's oriental eloquence because she concluded her letter with the words, "Your affectionate sister and friend".
The statecraft and diplomacy of King Mongkut was legend at the time and it is ironic that two of his favorite occupations being hospitable to overseas guests and astronomy should lead to his untimely death.
King Mongkut Rama IV
The King the Statesman
As an Absolute Monarch we may believe that King Mongkut could merely snap his fingers to have his every wish obeyed.

to leaders of other nations. He communicated with several American Presidents and in 1861 President Abraham Lincoln, amidst the sore and agonizing trials of Civil War, received a letter from King Mongkut which offered two elephants (male & female!) as the King had learned the President did not have such "war machines". Although touched by this kindly offer, President Lincoln had to respond that he did not think elephants would survive in the cold, alien environment of North America. Emperor Napoleon III of France begged to differ so when he received a letter from King Mongkut, with a similar offer, he dispatched a warship to embark two elephants at Bangkok so that they might be conveyed to Paris Zoo!
King Mongkut was in the business of advancing his nation through statecraft and diplomacy and he was graciously careful not to tread on the toes of those mightier than he was. Treaties had already been signed with Great Britain and further treaties were agreed with France, Prussia, Australia, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Portugal, Norway, Sweden and the United States. By having powerful, personal friends in many countries King Mongkut was able to balance his foreign affairs and so he hoped that no single foreign power would ever pose a threat to his beloved Siam.
During 1857 King Mongkut decided to send a letter and envoy to the Monarch he admired most Queen Victoria. The letter and envoy were carried to Great Britain aboard a British warship and both were well received by that imperious lady. King Mongkut referred to Queen Victoria as "Our most respected and distinguished Friend, and by race of the royalty our very affectionate Sister" but he deferred to Queen Victoria's worldwide power by declaring himself "Your obedient and humble servant". Queen Victoria's reply, carried aboard HMS Auckland to Bangkok by Her Consul to Hong Kong, Harry S. Parkes, revealed how moved she had been by King Mongkut's oriental eloquence because she concluded her letter with the words, "Your affectionate sister and friend".
The statecraft and diplomacy of King Mongkut was legend at the time and it is ironic that two of his favorite occupations being hospitable to overseas guests and astrono

Ananda Mahidol (20 September 1925–9 June 1946) was the eighth monarch of Thailand under the House of Chakri. He was recognized as king by the National Assembly in March 1935. He was a nine-year-old boy living in Switzerland at this time. He returned to Thailand in December 1945. He was found shot to death in his bed in June 1946. Medical examiners ruled it a murder and three servants were later executed. His killing has been the subject of much controversy.

[edit] Name

Ananda Mahidol (Thai: อานันทมหิดล) is one word in Thai and is his given name. King Vajiravhud, his uncle, sent a telegram on 13 October 1925 giving him this name. It is pronounced "Ananta Mahidon" and means "the joy of Mahidol" (his father). When he held his birth rank of "mom chao" -- the lowest rank of Thai princes -— he used the surname of "Mahidol", his father's given name. His full name and title was thus, "Mom Chao Ananda Mahidol Mahidol" (Thai: หม่อมเจ้า อานันทมหิดล มหิดล). His full royal name was, "Phra Bat Somdet Phra Poramentharamaha Ananda Mahidol Phra Atthama Ramathibodindara" (Thai: พระบาทสมเด็จพระปรเมนทรมหาอานันทมหิดลฯ พระอัฐมรามาธิบดินทร); RTGS: —Ananthamahidon Phra Atthamaramathibodin), or Rama VIII.

[edit] Early life

Prince Ananda Mahidol Mahidol was born in Heidelberg, Germany. He was the first son of Prince Mahidol Adulyadej of Songkhla (son of King Chulalongkorn) and Mom Sangwal (last title Somdej Phra Sri Nakarindhara Boromaratchachonnani) who were studying there at the time.
He followed his parents to Paris, Lausanne, and then to Massachusetts when, in 1927, another uncle, King Prajadhipok issued a royal edict exalting him to the higher princely class of Phra Worawong Ther Phra Ong Chao. (This edict also benefited other "Mom Chao" who were the children of Chao Fa and their commoner wives, among them his elder sister Mom Chao Galyani Vadhana and his younger brother who, upon his birth later in the year, was born Phra Worawong Ther Phra Ong Chao Bhumibol Adulyadej).
The family returned to Thailand in 1928 after Prince Mahidol finished his medical studies at Harvard University. Prince Mahidol died at age 37 in 1929, when Ananda Mahidol was just 4 years old. His widowed mother was thus left to raise her family alone.
A coup d'état in 1932 ended the absolute monarchy and raised the possibility that King Prajadhipok might abdicate. Queen Savang Vadhana, his grandmother, was concerned about Prince Ananda Mahidol's safety, since he was one of the likely heirs to the throne. It was then suggested that the Mahidol family again move to Lausanne. The official reason given was for the health and further education of the princes. They left Thailand in 1933 and Prince Ananda Mahidol spent most of his youth in Switzerland.
However, when King Prajadhipok's abdication appeared imminent, the Prince's mother was approached by a member of government, asking for her opinion about Ananda Mahidol becoming the next Thai monarch.

[edit] Circumstance of succession

Photograph of the King in 1939

See also King Prajadhipok's circumstance of succession
King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) abdicated in 1935 due to political quarrels with the new quasi-democratic government as well as health problems. The King decided to abstain from exercising his prerogative to name a successor to the throne. By that time, the crown had already passed from Prince Mahidol's line to that of his half-brothers when his eldest full brother, Crown Prince Maha Vajirunhis, died as a teenager during King Chulalongkorn's reign. A half-brother, Prince Vajiravudh (as the next eldest) replaced Prince Vajirunhis as the Crown Prince he eventually succeeded to the throne in 1910 as King Rama VI. In 1924 the King instituted the Palace Law of Succession in order to govern subsequent successions. The law gave priority to the children of his mother Queen Regent Saovabha Bongsri over the children of King Chulalongkorn's two other royal wives. The law was enact on the death of King Vajiravudh in 1925 — the crown was passed to his youngest brother, Prince Prajadhipok of Sukhothai.
Offering the throne to Prince Prajadhipok was not without a debate. In doing so, another candidate was bypassed: Prince Chula Chakrabongse, son of the late Field Marshal Prince Chakrabongse Bhuvanat of Phitsanulok, who before his death had been the heir-apparent to King Vajiravhud. It was questioned whether the Succession Law enacted by King Vajiravhud actually barred Prince Chakrabongse Bhuvanat (and for that matter, Prince Chula Chakrabongse) from succession on the ground that he married a foreigner (Russian). However, his marriage took place before this law was enacted and had been endorsed by King Chulalongkorn himself. There was no clear resolution, but in the end the many candidates were passed over and Prince Prajadhipok was enthroned.
When King Prajadhipok later abdicated, since he was the last remaining son of Queen Saovabha, the crown went back to the sons of the Queen whose rank was next to hers: Queen Savang Vadhana, mother of the late Crown Prince Vajirunahis. Besides the late Crown Prince, she had two more sons who survived to adulthood: Prince Sommatiwongse Varodaya of Nakhon Si Thammarat, who had died without a son in 1899, and Prince Mahidol who, although deceased, had two living sons. It thus appeared that Prince Ananda Mahidol would be the first person in the royal line of succession.
Nevertheless, the same debate over the half-foreign Prince Chula Chakrabongse occurred again. It was argued that King Vajiravhud had virtually exempted the Prince's father from the ban in the Succession Law, and the crown might thus be passed to him.
However since the kingdom was now governed under a constitution, it was the Cabinet who would decide. Opinion was split on the right to succession of Prince Chula. A key figure was Pridi Phanomyong, who persuaded the Cabinet that the Law should be interpreted as excluding the Prince from succession, and that Prince Ananda Mahidol should be the next king. It also appeared more convenient for the government to have a monarch who was only 9 years old and was attending school in Lausanne, Switzerland. On 2 March 1935 Prince Ananda Mahidol was elected by the National Assembly of Siam and government to succeed his uncle, King Prajadhipok as the Eight King of the Chakri Dynasty.

[edit] Life as King

As the new King was still a child and was then studying in Switzerland, the parliament appointed Colonel Prince Anuwatjaturong, Lieutenant Commander Prince Artit Thip-apa, and Chao Phraya Yommaraj (Pun Sukhum) as his regents.
In 1938, at age 13, Ananda Mahidol visited the Kingdom of Siam for the first time as monarch. He was accompanied during his visit by his mother and his younger brother Bhumibol Adulyadej. Field Marshal Plaek Pibulsonggram (sometimes simply called "Pibun") was the Prime Minister at this time and during most of Ananda Mahidol's reign. Pibulsonggram was a military dictator and, in 1939, he arranged to change the name of the country from Siam to Thailand. Late in 1940, Pibulsonggram involved Thailand in the indecisive "Franco–Thai War" against the Vichy forces in French Indochina.

The young King on a stamp.

[edit] World War II

On 8 December 1941, in concert with the attack on Pearl Harbor, Japanese forces invaded and occupied Thailand. Ananda Mahidol was away from the country and Pridi Phanomyong served as regent in his absence. From 24 January 1942, occupied Thailand became a formal ally of the Empire of Japan and a member of the Axis. Under Plaek Pibulsonggram, Thailand declared war on the Allied powers. During the war, many members of the Thai Government, including the Ambassadorial staff in Japan acted as 'de-facto' spies on the side of the Allies, funneling secret information to the OAS.
By 1944, it was becoming apparent that the Japanese were going to lose the war to the Allies. Bangkok suffered heavily from the Allied bombing raids. This, plus economic hardship, made both the war and the regime of Plaek Pibulsonggram very unpopular. In July, Plaek Pibulsonggram was ousted by the Seri Thai-infiltrated government. The National Assembly reconvened and appointed the liberal lawyer Khuang Aphaiwong as Prime Minister. The Japanese surrendered on 15 August 1945. The Allied military responsibility for Thailand fell to the British.

[edit] Post war

Only after the end of World War II did Ananda Mahidol return to Thailand. He returned for a second visit in December 1945 with a degree in Law. Despite his youth and inexperience, he quickly won the hearts of the Thai people, who had continued to revere the monarchy through the upheavals of the 1930s and 1940s. He was a handsome young man and Thais were delighted to have their King amongst them once again. One of his well-remembered activities was a highly successful visit to Bangkok's Chinatown, which was calculated to defuse the post-war tensions that lingered between the ethnic Chinese and the Thais.
Foreign observers, however, believed that Ananda Mahidol did not really want to be King and felt his reign would not last long. Louis Mountbatten, Earl Mountbatten of Burma, the British commander in South-East Asia, visited Bangkok in January 1946 and described the King as "a frightened, short-sighted boy, his sloping shoulders and thin chest behung with gorgeous diamond-studded decorations, altogether a pathetic and lonely figure." At a public function, Mountbatten wrote, "his nervousness increased to such an alarming extent, that I came very close to support him in case he passed out."

[edit] A mysterious death

On 9 June 1946, the King was found shot dead in his bedroom in the Boromphiman Throne Hall, (a modern residential palace located within the Grand Palace), only four days before he was scheduled to return to Switzerland to finish his doctoral degree in Law at the University of Lausanne. His brother Bhumibol Adulyadej succeeded him. Ananda Mahidol was never crowned as king, but his brother posthumously gave him the full royal title of the ninefold umbrella.

[edit] Events of 9 June 1946

The Boromphiman Throne Hall, located within the Grand Palace. The King's bedroom is on the upper floor.

Keith Simpson, pathologist to the British Home Office and founding chairman of the Department of Forensic Medicine at Guy's Hospital in London, performed a forensic analysis of the King's death and recounted the following sequence of events on the morning of 9 June 1946:^[1]
Ananda was awakened by his mother at 6am.
At 7.30am, his page But Pathamasarin came on duty and began preparing a breakfast table on a balcony adjoining the king's dressing room.
At 8.30, But saw the king standing in his dressing room. He brought the king his customary glass of orange juice a few minutes later. However, by then the king had gone back to bed and refused the juice.
At 8.45am, the king's other page Chit Singhaseni appeared, saying that he had been called to measure the King's medals and decorations on behalf of a jeweller who was making a case for them.
At 9am, Prince Bhumibol Adulyadej visited King Ananda. He said afterwards that he had found the king dozing in his bed.
At 9.20am, a single shot rang out from the king's bedroom. Chit ran in and then ran out along the corridor to the apartment of the king's mother, crying "The King has shot himself!"
The king's mother followed Chit into the king's bedroom and found the king lying face up in bed, bloodied from a wound to the head.

[edit] Aftermath

Chakri Monarchs

Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke
Buddha Loetla Nabhalai
Jessadabodindra
Mongkut
Chulalongkorn
Vajiravudh
Prajadhipok
Ananda Mahidol
Bhumibol Adulyadej
v · d · e

An initial radio announcement on 9 June surmised that the King was accidentally killed while toying with his pistol.^[2]
Soon after the death, the Democrat Party spread rumors that Pridi Banomyong was behind the death.^[3]
In October 1946, a Commission of Inquiry reported that the King's death could not have been accidental, but that neither suicide nor murder was satisfactorily proved.
In November 1947, Field Marshal Plaek Pibulsonggram staged a coup against the elected government of Pridi, appointed Democrat Party leader Khuang Aphaiwong as Prime Minister, and ordered a trial. King Ananda's secretary, Senator Chaleo Patoomros, and the pages, But and Chit, were arrested and charged with conspiracy to murder the King.
The trial began in August 1948. Prior to the trial, Pibulsonggram admitted to US Ambassador Edwin Stanton that he was doubtful that the trial would resolve the mystery of Ananda Mahidol's death.^[3] The prosecution's case was supported by 124 witnesses and such voluminous documentary evidence that the defense counsel asked for an adjournment to give them time to consider it. When this was refused the counsel resigned, and new counsel were found. Later, two of the defense counsel were arrested and charged with treason. Of the remaining two, one resigned, leaving only a single young lawyer for the defence, Fak Na Songkhla. Towards the end of the case, he was joined by Chaleo Patoomros's daughter, who had just graduated.
The trial ended in May 1951. The court ruled that King Ananda had been assassinated, but that Chaleo had not been proved guilty and that neither of the pages could have fired the fatal shot. However, they found Chit guilty of being a party to the crime. The charges against Chaleo and But were dismissed and they were released.
Chit appealed his conviction, and the prosecution appealed against the acquittal of Chaleo and But. After fifteen months of deliberation, the Appeal Court dismissed Chit's appeal, and undeterred by the legal doctrine of double jeopardy also found But guilty.
Chit and But appealed to the Supreme Court, which deliberated for ten more months before finally upholding both convictions, and this time convicting Chaleo as well.
In February 1955, Chaleo Patoomros and both pages were executed by Pibulsonggram's government on charges of conspiracy to kill the King.

[edit] Alternative explanations of the death

The King's death is still seen as a mystery. The subject is never openly discussed in Thailand, though numerous books have been written about it in Thai. With the exception of Bhumibol Adulyadej, all the principals related to the death are now deceased.

[edit] Bhumibol Adulyadej

On 15 June 1946, American Chargé d'affaires Charles Yost met with Foreign Minister Direk Jayanama, who had just had a audience with the new King, Bhumibol Adulyadej. In his report to the US State Department, Yost noted

King Phumiphol... informed the Foreign Minister that he considered [the widely circulated] rumors [on the late King's death] absurd, that he knew his brother well and that he was certain that his death had been accidental... What the King said to Direk does not necessarily represent what he really believes, it is nevertheless interesting that he made so categorical a statement to the Foreign Minister.^[3]

However, in an 1980 BBC documentary, Bhumibol stated that the death was not an accident. He noted in English:

The investigation provided the fact that he died with a bullet wound in his forehead. It was proved that it was not an accident and not a suicide. One doesn’t know. . . . But what happened is very mysterious, because immediately much of the evidence was just shifted. And because it was political, so everyone was political, even the police were political, [it was] not very clear. I only know [that] when I arrived he was dead. Many people wanted to advance not theories but facts to clear up the affair. They were suppressed. And they were suppressed by influential people in this country and in international politics.^[4]

[edit] Seni Pramoj and the Democrat Party

Seni Pramoj and the Democrat Party spread rumors that Pridi was behind the death. Yost noted in a US State Department communication:

"...Within forty-eight hours after the death of the late King, two relatives of Seni Pramoj, first his nephew and later his wife, came to the Legation and stated categorically their conviction that the King had been assassinated at the instigation of the Prime Minister (Pridi Phanomyong). It was of course clear that they had been sent by Seni. I felt it necessary to state to both of them in the strongest terms, in order to make it perfectly clear that this Legation could not be drawn into Siamese political intrigues, that I did not believe these stories and that I considered the circulation at this time of fantastic rumors un-supported by a shred of evidence to be wholly in-excusable. The British Minister informed me this morning that he had also been approached by several members of the Opposition to whom he had stated that he accepted the official account of the King's death and that he would not be drawn into any further discussion of the matter.^[3]

[edit] Pridi Phanomyong

On 14 June 1946, Yost met with Pridi Phanomyong and made the following report to the US State Department:

"[Pridi spoke] very frankly about the whole situation and ascribed the King's death to an accident, but it was obvious that the possibility of suicide was at the back of his mind. [Pridi] was violently angry at the accusations of foul play leveled against himself and most bitter in the manner in which he alleged (without doubt justly) that the Royal Family and the Opposition, particularly Seni Pramoj and Phra Sudhiat, had prejudiced the King and especially the Princess Mother against him."^[3]

[edit] Plaek Pibulsonggram

After overthrowing Pridi Banomyong in a coup, Field Marshal Plaek Pibulsonggram told US Ambassador Edwin Stanton that he "personally doubted whether Nai Pridi was directly involved for two reasons: firstly, ... Pridi is a very clever politician and secondly, ... he has a 'kind heart'." Pibul concluded to the Ambassador that "he did not think [Pridi] would cause anybody to be murdered. Pibul's wife, present in the meeting, seconded her husband's observations. However, Pibul noted that it was possible that Pridi had covered up or destroyed some of the evidence to protect the successor, Bhumibol Adulyadej.^[3]

[edit] Keith Simpson

Dr. Keith Simpson, a forensic pathologist who investigated the King's death found it highly unlikely that the death was due to suicide, noting that:

The pistol was found by the King's left hand, but he was right-handed.
The direction of bullet fired was not inward towards the centre of the head.
The wound, over the left eye, was not in one of the elective sites, nor a "contact" discharge.
The King was killed while lying flat on his back. Simpson noted that in twenty years' experience he never known of any suicide shooting himself while lying flat on his back.^[1]

[edit] William Stevenson

An account of the death is given in William Stevenson's The Revolutionary King, written with the co-operation of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. This account exculpates those executed and suggests that Ananda Mahidol was murdered by Tsuji Masanobu. Masanobu was a former Japanese intelligence officer who had been active in Thailand during the war and, at the time of Ananda Mahidol's death, was hiding out in Thailand for fear of being persecuted for his war crimes.
It is clear from Stevenson's account that Ananda Mahidol could not have killed himself, either by suicide (as is sometimes suggested) or by accident. He was found lying on his back in his bed, not wearing his glasses, without which he was almost blind. He had a small bullet wound in his forehead and a somewhat larger exit wound in the back of his head. His pistol, a Colt .45 given him by a former US Army officer, was not nearby. The M1911 Colt is not especially prone to accidental discharge; it will fire only if considerable pressure is applied to the safety plate at the back of the butt at the same time as the trigger is depressed. It is a heavy pistol and awkward to use by an untrained person. It would have been almost impossible for Ananda Mahidol, a frail 20-year-old, to lie on his back and shoot himself in the forehead with such a weapon. Had he done so, the impact, according to forensics experts, would have blown his skull apart, not caused the small wounds seen by many witnesses. Stevenson writes that no cartridge case was found, and subsequent inquiries ordered by King Bhumibol, but suppressed by later governments, found that the Colt had not been fired.^[5]

[edit] Rayne Kruger

Another account, which concluded that Ananda Mahidol's death was the result of suicide, was explored by journalist Rayne Kruger in his book, The Devil's Discus^[6] The book is banned in Thailand. However, a website^[7] by a Thai writer has provided a summary of Kruger's arguments, and it links to other material about the death. Kruger, who had unprecedented access to members of the inner circle of the Thai royal family (although these contacts had to remain unidentified), drew the conclusion that Ananda's death was most probably an 'accidental suicide'. Thus, said Kruger, it appears the sad, most likely accidental, death of the young king was exploited for the purposes of a political vendetta, and that three innocent victims were executed to maintain the façade.

[edit] Paul Handley

Biographer Paul Handley feels that either suicide or an accidental shooting by Prince Bhumibol was responsible for the King's death:^[8] "I have no idea whether Ananda shot himself or was killed by Bhumibol, the two possibilities most accepted among historians. If the latter, I clearly term it an accident that occurred in play".^[9]

[edit] In memoriam

Figure 1: 1959 statue of Ananda Mahidol, erected in Wat Suthat, Bangkok, by King Bhumibol Adulyadej as a tribute to his brother.
Figure 2: 2002 Rama VIII Bridge across the Chao Phraya River.
Figure 3: 2003 back of 20-baht banknote, Bridge in background behind portrait of King Ananda Mahidol; to the left, the king, shaded by a royal umbrella, is followed on his right and one step behind by his brother with his ever-present camera. Design date 12 February 2546 BE/AD 2003.
Figure 4: Detail of legend at lower right. Translation: If all Thai people know they are owners of the nation/and each one discharges their duties accordingly/and according to right principles,/then the difficulties of the nation will pass away./Thus spoke/King Ananda Mahidol/A.D. 1925 - 1946.

Royal statue of HM King Ananda Mahidol (Figure 1) 1959
Rama VIII Bridge (Figure 2) 2002
20-baht banknote (Figure 3) 2003

His Majesty King Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII) was the 2nd monarch of the Chakri Dynasty to be crowned king under the new Constitutiional Monarchy System. Born on September 20, 1925 in Heidelberg, Germany, he was the first son of HRH Prince Sonkhla Nakarind and Somdej Phra Sri Nakarindhara, with one elder sister, Princess Galyani Vadhana and a one younger brother, then, Prince Bhumibol Adulyadej. At the tender age of ten, he was crowned King Rama VIII. At the time he was attending school on Switzerland. His father was one of King Rama V's sons and having done much for the country in the field of medicine. His mother is most brilliant and a very enterprising person who devotes her time attending to the needs of the people.
His coronation came as a compete surprise and was most unexpected as at that time the entire world was in a state of turmoil because of worldwide economic depression.
King Rama VIII visited Thailand when he was 13 years old, accompanied by his royal mother, elder sister and younger brother. The Thai people were most excited to see their very young king who had grown up in a foreign country. What they witnessed was an extremely gentle but serious minded person, especially after having heard about his interview graciously given to the foreign press on his many pending duties and responsibilities. The Thai people admired him greatly and talked about him endlessly. When he departed to finish his education, thousands of people went to see him off, wishing him the best of luck and a speedy return.
Seven years later, King Rama VIII returned to Thailand for the second time together with HRH the Princess Mother and his brother Prince Bhumibol. King Ananda Mahidol was heartedly welcomed wherever he went. At official function the young king would appear serious and dignified. But the gentleness was always there making people love and revere him for his sincerity and firmness in whatever he wanted to do for the good of the country.
What really impressed the people was his close and personal visits to communities both in Bangkok and the surrounding areas.He made people feel confident that their king was their protector. His mannerism was always bland and he was always at home when ever he talked to people.
One memorable occasion was when he visited "Sampheng", a district that King Rama I had given to Phtaya Rajasetthi and the Chinese community when they moved out of the site where and the present day Grand Palace is located and where they had engaged in business peacefully since the construction of Bangkok. The Government managed to put a stop to the unrest by arresting a number of Chinese who were responsible. Even though the situation was soon under control many Chinese still held grudges.
King Rama VIII decided that the problem had to be resolved and harmony restored since the Thais and Chinese had been living in peace together for ages. He could have requested the Chinese community to send representatives for talks at the palace but in steady he chose to visit the Chinese community.
This was an extremely difficult undertaking since Sampheng was a business center with rows of shop houses located on both sides of the road. When news reached Samphaeng that His Majesty King Anada Mahidol and HRH Prince Bhumibol would visit the community, all the Chinese and businessmen in the vicinity were overwhelmed with delight. Preparations for receiving the Monarch were immediately under taken; roads were repaired and all shops set up alters in front of their shops creating the most reverential atmosphere. All, young and old alike, kowtowed in front of their shops to pay homage to their king.
In the meantime the Thais, witnessing the deep loyalty and high esteem the Chinese showed to His Majesty the King, like all typical Thais, forgot their anger and over display of violence which could have developed into something very serious. His visit of the country and the people of Thailand.
King Ananda Mahidol was most deeply loved and respected for his gentleness, sincerity, and intellectual.
On June 9,1946, at about a little past nine in the morning, the saddest news hit the air - His Majesty the King had died. People broke down and cried and many just simply would not believe it until an official announcement was broadcast. "Ever since June 2 of this year, His Majesty the King had been having stomach trouble causing fatigue and debility. His Majesty, however, still continued to make personal visits to places. But as his condition deteriorated he remained inside the palace not making any appearances as scheduled. On June 9 of this year, His Majesty woke up at 6.00 a.m. and had taken castor oil after which he conducted the morning routine before turning in again. At about 9.00 a.m., pages of the royal chamber arid a gunshot from the inside and on immediate investigation discovered His Majesty lying on the bed with blood on his body and already dead. The royal page, therefore, reported the incident to HRH Princess Mother who immediately rushed into the royal chamber to see what had happened. Afterwards, members of the Cabinet came to pay their respects. The Director-General of the Police Department and the autopsy followed later by investigations. It is surmised that His Majesty toying with a pistol as was his wont with firearms and it accidentally went off. “
The entire country dressed in black and melancholy prevailed in every corner of the nation. Thousands of sad-hearted people paid their last respects to their beloved king. Many came for months to the Grand Palace where his body rested with tears in their eyes.
Even though his reign was short and required a Council of Regency since he was quite young then, King Rama VIII still managed to conduct his many tasks exceptionally well. His warm and graceful personality earned him the tremendous love and respect of Thais as well as aliens residing within the country. Their memory of His Majesty King Ananda Mahidol will remain vivid in the minds of the Thais for many years to come.
Events of 9 June 1946

Keith Simpson, pathologist to the British Home Office and founding chairman of the Department of Forensic Medicine at Guy's Hospital in London, performed a forensic analysis of the King's death and recounted the following sequence of events on the morning of 9 June 1946:[1]
King Ananda was woken by his mother at 6am.
At 7.30am, his page But Pathamasarin came on duty and began preparing a breakfast table on a balcony adjoining the king's dressing room.
At 8.30, But saw the king standing in his dressing room. He brought the king his customary glass of orange juice a few minutes later. However, by then the king had gone back to bed and refused the juice.
At 8.45am, the king's other page Chit Singhaseni appeared, saying that he had been called to measure the King's medals and decorations on behalf of a jeweller who was making a case for them.
At 9am, Prince Bhumibol visited King Ananda. He said afterwards that he had found the king dozing in his bed.
At 9.20am, a single shot rang out from the king's bedroom. Chit ran in and then ran out along the corridor to the apartment of the king's mother, crying "The King has shot himself!"
The king's mother followed Chit into the king's bedroom and found the king lying face up in bed, bloodied from a wound to the head.

KING ANANDA MAHIDOL (RAMA VIII) 1935 - 1946

Was born on September 20,1925,the elder son and second child of H.R.H. Prince Mahidol Adulyadej, Prince of Songkla. He succeeded his uncle, King Prajadhipok, as King on March 2, 1935. King Ananda Mahidol spent his early years in Switzerland, receiving his education there and made occasional trips to Thailand. He returned to Bangkok after the end of World War II, but his life and his reign cam to an abrupt end when he died, on June 9, 1946. King Ananda Mahidol was never crowned and shortly after his death his younger brother and successor, King Bhumibol Adulyadaj, post-humously altered his regnal title and raised him from seven to nine levels of royal umbrella, as a fully crowned and anointed sovereign.

Taksin

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Taksin the Great
King of Thonburi

King Taksin's painting from National Museum of Rome.
King of Siam
Reign	December 28, 1768–April 6, 1782
Coronation	December 28, 1768
Predecessor	Ekkathat (prior to fall of Ayutthaya)
Successor	Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke

Spouse	Bathabharija (Sorn)
Issue
30 sons and daughters^[1]
House	Thonburi Dynasty
Father	Hai-Hong
Mother	Nok-lang (later Somdet Krom Phra Phithak Thephamat)
Born	April 17, 1734 Ayutthaya, Ayutthaya Kingdom
Died	April 7, 1782 (aged 47) Wang Derm Palace, Thon Buri, Thonburi Kingdom
Religion	Theravada Buddhism

Taksin (Royal Institute: Somdet Phra Chao Taksin Maharat; Thai: สมเด็จพระเจ้าตากสินมหาราช

listen (help·info) or The King of the Thonburi Kingdom; Thai: สมเด็จพระเจ้ากรุงธนบุรี, Somdet Phra Chao Krung Thonburi;Chinese: 鄭昭; pinyin: Zhèng Zhāo; Teochew: Dênchao; Vietnamese: Trịnh Quốc Anh) ; (April 17, 1734 – April 7, 1782) was the only King of the Thonburi Kingdom. He is greatly revered by the Thai people for his leadership in liberating Siam from Burmese occupation after the Second Fall of Ayutthaya in 1767, and the subsequent unification of Siam after it fell under various warlords. He established the city Thonburi as the new capital, as the city Ayutthaya had been almost completely destroyed by the invaders. His reign was characterized by numerous wars, fought to repel new Burmese invasions and to subjugate the northern Thai kingdom of Lanna, the Laotian principalities, and a threatening Cambodia. He was succeeded by the Chakri dynasty and the Rattanakosin Kingdom under his long time friend King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke.
Although warfare took up most of King Taksin's time, he paid a great deal of attention to politics, administration, economy, and the welfare of the country. He promoted trade and fostered relations with foreign countries including China, Britain, and the Netherlands. He had roads built and canals dug. Apart from restoring and renovating temples, the king attempted to revive literature, and various branches of the arts such as drama, painting, architecture and handicrafts. He also issued regulations for the collection and arrangement of various texts to promote education and religious studies. In recognition for what he did for the Thais, he was later awarded the title of Maharaj (The Great).

[hide]

[edit] Early life and career

A portrait of Taksin, drawn by a French priest who was present at Ekkathat's funeral in November 1767.

The future ruler was born on April 17, 1734 in Ayutthaya. His father, Hai-Hong (Thai:ไหฮอง; Chinese: 郑镛), who worked as a tax-collector,^[2] was a Teochew Chinese immigrant from Chenghai County.^[3] His mother, Lady Nok-lang (Thai:นกเอี้ยง), was Thai (and was later awarded the feudal title of Somdet Krom Phra Phithak Thephamat).^[4] Impressed by the boy, Chao Phraya Chakri (Mhud), who was the Samuhanayok (prime minister) in King Boromakot's reign, adopted him and gave him the Thai name Sin (สิน,) meaning money or treasure.^[5] When he was 7, he was assigned to a monk named Tongdee to begin his education in a Buddhist monastery called Wat Kosawat (later Wat Choeng Thar) (Thai:วัดโกษาวาส ต่อมาเปลี่ยนชื่อเป็น วัดเชิงท่า).^[6] After seven years of education he was sent by his stepfather to serve as a royal page, he studied Chinese, Annamese, and Indian languages with diligence and soon he was able to converse in them with fluency.^[7] When Sin and his friend, Tong-Duang, were Buddhist novices they met a Chinese fortune-teller who told them that they both had lucky lines in the palms of their hands and would both become kings. Neither took it seriously, but Tong-Duang was later the successor of King Taksin, Rama I.^[8]
After taking the vows of a Buddhist monk for about 3 years, Sin joined the service of King Ekatat and was first deputy governor and later governor of the Tak,^[9] which gained him his name Phraya Tak, the governor of Tak, which was exposed to danger from Burma, though his official noble title was "Phraya Tak".
In 1764, the Burmese army attacked the southern region of Thailand. Led by Muang Maha Noratha, the Burmese army was victorious and marched on to Phetchaburi. Here, the Burmese were confronted by Thai soldiers led by two generals, Kosadhibodhi and Phraya Tak. The Thai army beat the Burmese back to Singkhorn Pass.
In 1765, when the Burmese attacked Ayutthaya, Phraya Tak defended the capital, for which he was given the title "Phraya Vajiraprakarn" of Kamphaeng Phet. But he did not have a chance to govern Kamphaeng Phet because war broke out again. He was immediately called back to Ayutthaya to protect the city. For more than a year, Thai and Burmese soldiers fought fierce battles during the siege of Ayutthaya. It was during this time that Phraya Vajiraprakarn experienced many setbacks which led him to doubt the value of his endeavours.

[edit] Resistance and independence

On January 3, 1766, shortly before Ayutthaya fell in 1767, he cut his way out of the city at the head of 500 followers to Rayong, on the east coast of Gulf of Thailand.^[10] This action was never adequately explained, as the Royal compound and Ayutthaya proper was located on an island; how Taksin and his followers fought their way out of the Burmese encirclement remains a mystery.
On April 7, 1767, Ayutthaya was facing the full blast of the Burmese siege. After the destruction of Ayutthaya and the death of the Thai king, the country was split into six parts, with Sin controlling the east coast. Together with Tong-Duang, now Chao Phraya Chakri, he eventually managed to drive back the Burmese, defeat his rivals and reunify the country.^[11]
Due to his courage and skill in fighting the enemy, he was promoted to be the governor of Khampaeng Phet with the title of Phraya Vajiraprakarn (Thai:พระยาวชิรปราการ), but he was populaly referred as Phraya. He carried out the defence of Ayutthaya in its last days. Perhaps Sin saw that the situation of the kingdom was in great despair. Therefore before the end of Ayutthaya came, he decided to cut his way out from the city and travelled first to Chon Buri, a town on the Gulf of Thailand's eastern coast, and then to Rayong, where he raised a small army and his supporters began to address him as Prince Tak.^[12] He planned to attack and capture Chantaburi, according to a popular version of oral history, he said "We are going to attack Chantaburi tonight, and all the food that we have left just throw it away and destroy all of the utensils that we have. As we are going to have breakfast together at Chantaburi otherwise we would rather be dead."^[13]
With his soldiers he moved to Chantaburi, and being rebuffed by the Governor of the town for his friendly overtures, he made a surprise night attack on it and captured it on June 15, 1767, only two months of after the sack of Ayutthaya.^[14] His army was rapidly increasing in numbers, as men of Chantaburi and Trat, which had not been plundered and depopulated by the Burmese,^[15] naturally constituted a suitable base for him to make preparations for the liberation of his motherland.^[16]
Having thoroughly looted Ayutthaya, the Burmese did not seem to show serious interest in holding down the capital of Siam, since they left only a handful of troops under General Suki to control the shattered city. They turned their attention to the north of their own country which was soon threatened with Chinese invasion. On November 6, 1767, having mastered 5,000 troops and all in fine spirits, Taksin sailed up the Chao Phraya River and seized Thonburi opposite present day Bangkok, executing the Thai governor, Thong-in, whom the Burmese had placed over it.^[17] He followed up his victory quickly by boldly attacking the main Burmese camp at Phosamton near Ayutthya.^[18] The Burmese were defeated, and Taksin won back Ayutthaya from the enemy within seven months of its destruction.^[16]
Taksin took important steps to show that he was a worthy successor to the throne. He was said to take an appropriate treatment to the remnants of the ex-Royal Family, arranged a grand cremation of the remains of King Ekatat, and tackled the problem of locating the capital.^[19] Possibly, Taksin realized that Ayutthaya city had suffered such vast destruction that to restore it to its former state would undoubtedly have strained his resources. The Burmese were quite familiar with the various routes leading to Ayutthaya, and in the event of renewal of a Burmese attack on it, the troops under the liberator would be inadequate for the effective defence of the city. With these considerations in mind, he established his capital at Thon Buri, nearer to the sea than Ayutthaya.^[20] Not only would Thon Buri be difficult to invade by land, it would also prevent an acquisition of weapons and military supplies by anyone ambitious enough to establish himself as an independent prince further up the Chao Phraya River.^[14] As Thon Buri was a small town, Prince Tak's available forces, both soldiers and sailors, could man its fortifications, and if he found it impossible to hold it against an enemy's attack, he could embark the troops and beat a retreat to Chantaburi.^[21]
The successes against competitors for power were due to Taksin's fighting ability as a warrior, splendid leadership, exemplary valor and effective organization of his forces. Usually he put himself in the front rank in an encounter with the enemy, thus inspiring his men to brave danger. Among the officials who threw in their fate with him during the campaigns for the recovery of national independence and for the elimination of the self-appointed local nobles were two personalities who subsequently played exceptionally important roles in Thai history. They were the sons of an official bearing the title of Pra Acksonsuntornsmiantra (Thai:พระ อักษรสุนทรเสมียนตรา), the elder of whom named Tongduang (Thai:ทองด้วง) was born in 1737 in Ayutthaya and later to be the founder of the Chakri Dynasty, while the younger one, Boonma (Thai:บุญมา), born six years later, assumed the power second to him. The two brothers joined the royal service.
Tongduang, prior to the sacking of Ayutthaya, was ennobled as Luang Yokkrabat, taking charge of royal surveillance, serving the Governor of Ratchaburi, and Boonma had a court title conferred upon him as Nai Sudchinda. Luang Yokkrabat (Tongduang) was therefore not in Ayutthaya to witness the horrors that arose from the fall of the city, while Nai Sudchinda (Boonma) made his escape from Ayutthaya. However, while King Taksin was assembling his forces at Chantaburi, Nai Sudchinda brought his retainers to join him, thus helping to increase his fighting strength. Due to his previous acquaintance with him, the liberator was so pleased that he promoted him to be Pra Mahamontri. Just after his coronation, Taksin was fortunate to secure the service of Luang Yokkrabut on the recommendation of Pra Mahamontri (Thai:พระมหามนตรี) and as he was equally familiar with him as with his brother, he raised him to be Pra Rajwarin. Having rendered signal service to the King during his campaigns or their own expeditions against the enemies, Pra Rajwarin (Thai:พระราชวรินทร์) and Pra Mahamontri rose so quickly in the noble ranks that a few years after, the former was created Chao Phraya Chakri, the rank of the Chancellor, while the latter became Chao Phraya Surasih.^[20]

[edit] Reign

[edit] Ascension to the throne

King Taksin the Great enthroned himself as a Thai king, 1768-12-28.

On December 28, 1768, he was crowned king of Siam at Wang Derm Palace in Thonburi, the new capital of Siam.^[22] He assumed the official name of Boromraja IV, but is known in Thai history as King Taksin, being a combination of his popular name, Phya Tak, and his first name, Sin, or the King of Thonburi, being the only ruler of that capital. At the time of his coronation, he was only 34 years of age. His father was Chinese or partly Chinese, and his mother Siamese. He believed that even the forces of nature were under his control when he was destined to succeeded, and this faith led him to attempt and achieve tasks which to another man would seem impossible. He never had time to build Thonburi into a great city, as he was fully occupied with suppression of internal and external enemies, as well as territorial expansion throughout his reign.^[23]

[edit] Five separate states

After the sacking of Ayutthaya, the country had fallen apart, due to the disappearance of the central authority. Besides King Taksin, who had organized his force in the south-eastern provinces, Prince Teppipit, King Boromakot's son, who had been unsuccessful in a diversionary action against the Burmese in 1766, had set himself up as the ruler of Phimai holding sway over the eastern provinces including Nakhon Ratchasima or Khorat, while the Governor of Phitsanulok, whose first name was Ruang (Thai:เรือง), had proclaimed himself independent, with the territory under his control extending to the province of Nakhon Sawan. North of Phitsanulok was the town of Sawangburi (known as Fang in Uttaradit Province), where a Buddhist monk named Ruan had made himself a prince, appointing his qualified fellow monks as army commanders. He had himself pursued Buddhist studies at Ayutthatya with such excellent results that he had been appointed the chief monk of Sawangburi by King Boromakot. In the southern provinces up to Chumphon, a Pra Palad who was the acting Governor of Nakhon Si Thammarat declared his independence and raised himself to the princely rank.^[7]^[24]
Having firmly established his power at Thonburi, King Taksin set out to crush his rivals so as to effect the reunification of the Kingdom. After a temporary repulse by the Governor of Phitsanulok,^[25] he concentrated on the defeat of the weakest one first. Prince Teppipit of Phimai was quelled and executed in 1768.^[26] In dealing with the Prince of Nakhon Si Thammarat, who was taken prisoner by the loyal Governor of Pattani,^[27] the King not only pardoned him but also favoured him with a residence at Thonburi. Chao Narasuriyawongse, one of Taksin's nephews, was substituted for him as Governor. King Taksin himself led an expedition against him and took it, but the Prince disappeared and could not be found again.^[28]

[edit] Wars and rebellions

Needless to say, Hsinbyushin of Burma never abandoned his plan to force Siam to its knees, and as soon as he had been informed of the foundation of Thonburi as King Taksin's capital, he commanded the Governor of Tavoy to subjugate him in 1767. The Burmese army advanced to the district of Bangkung in the province of Samut Songkram to the west of the new capital, but was routed by the Thai king himself.^[29]
Peace having been concluded withChina, the Burmese king sent another small army of 5,000 to attack Siam in 1774. But it was completely surrounded by the Thais at Bangkeo in Ratchaburi, and eventually starvation compelled the Burmese to capitulate to King Taksin. It would be no exaggeration to say that he could have massacred all of them if he wished to do so, but the fact that he took them alive was to promote the morale of the Thai people.^[30] The Burmese reinforcements who had encamped themselves in the province of Kanchanaburi were then mopped up. Undaunted by this defeat, King Hsinbyushin tried again to conquer Siam, and in October 1775 the greatest Burmese invasion in the Thonburi period began under Maha Thiha Thura, known in Thai history as Azaewunky. He had distinguished himself as a first rate general in the wars with China and in the suppression of a recent Peguan rising.^[31]

Battle of Bangkeo in Ratchaburi

After crossing the Thai frontier at Melamao Pass, the Burmese marched towards Phitsanulok, capturing Phichai and Sukhothai on the way. In his interrogation of two Phichai officials, Azaewunky referred to Chao Phraya Surasih who was the Governor of Phisanulok as "Phraya Sua" or "The Tiger", thus testifying to his boldness and decisiveness. The Burmese then besieged Phitsanulok which was defended by the brother generals, Chao Phraya Chakri and Chao Phya Surasih, and as the result of the stubborn resistance on the part of Thai soldiers, they were checked outside the city ramparts for about 4 months.^[32] Hearing about Chao Phraya Chakri's successful assaults which drove back the Burmese to their well fortified camp, Azaewunky arranged a meeting with him, in the course of which he extolled his generalship and advised him to take good care on himself. He prophesied that General Chakri would certainly become king. Was he really honest in his prediction? No definite answer has been found for it. Anyhow he was at that time seventy two years of age, while his opponent was only thirty nine. Any doubt about Azaewunky's stratagem to sow discord between King Taksin and Chao Phraya Chakri should be dismissed, since they collaborated closely in subsequent military expeditions.^[31]^[33]
In spite of King Taksin's endeavour to attack the Burmese from the rear, Chao Phraya Chakri and Chao Phraya Surasih could not hold Phitsanulok any longer, due to lack of provisions. Having collected most of the inhabitants, they successfully fought their way through enemy lines and made Phetchabun their headquarters. Azaewunky led his army into the deserted city at the end of March 1776, but was soon confronted with the same problem of the shortage of food. At this juncture he was instructed by the new Burmese King, Singun Min or Chingkucha (1776–1782) to evacuate Thai territory. So Azaewunky's army left Siam, but the remnants of the Burmese forces continued the war until they were pushed out of the country in September of that year.^[31]^[33]
In King Taksin's opinion, so long as Chiang Mai was ruled by the Burmese, the north of Siam would be constantly subjected to their incursions. The prerequisite for the maintenance of peace in that region would therefore be the complete expulsion of the Burmese from Chiang Mai.^[34] In 1771, the Burmese Governor of that city moved his army southwards and laid siege to Phichai, but he was driven out. Taksin followed the Burmese with a view to studying their strength, and his army was thus not prepared for a direct assault on their city fortress. After meeting with stubborn resistance, he retired, presumably believing in an ancient prophesy to the effect that two attempts were required for the capture of Chiang Mai.^[35] King Narairaja had tried twice to seize it before it fell into his hands.^[36]
The Burmese failure to take Phichai formed a prelude to Taksin's second-expedition to Chaing Mai.^[37] In 1773, a Burmese army which threatened Phichai was drawn into an ambush and was heavily routed. Phraya Phichai, the Phichai Governor, engaged the Burmese in a hand to hand fight until his two long swords were broken, and thus won the name of "Broken Sword."^[38] When a Thai army under the command of Chao Phraya Chakri and Chao Phraya Surasih reached Lampang, Phraya Chaban and Phraya Kawila, the two leading officials who had deserted the Burmese joined him in laying siege to Chaing Mai and soon King Taksin arrived on the spot. The city fell to the Thai armies in January 1775, but the Burmese Governor and the commander managed to escape with their families. Before his departure for Thonburi, the King conferred honours and distinction on those who had contributed to success of his campaign. Phraya Chaban was made Governor of Chaing Mai with the title of Phraya Wichienprakarn, while Phraya Kawila and Phraya Waiwongsa governed Lampang and Lamphun respectively.^[39] Chao Phraya Chakri was directed to prolong his stay in order to assist them in the pacification of the north, which included the Laotian states. However, the Burmese King considered that as the Laotian states constituted his base for the maintenance of Burmese power in the territory further east, namely, Luang Prabang and Vientiane, Chiang Mai must be taken back, and so a Burmese army of 6,000 men was sent there to carry out its mission in 1776. The Burmese entered the city, but were forced out by a Thai army under Chao Phraya Surasih which had marched to its relief. Chaing Mai had suffered from the recent campaigns so badly that its population was greatly reduced and impoverished, and in the event of a new Burmese attack, it could not defend itself. For these reasons, King Taksin abandoned the city and its remaining inhabitants were transplanted to Lampang. Chiang Mai thus became a deserted city and remained so for fifteen years.^[40] Over the next few years, Taksin managed to gain control over Chiang Mai, and put Cambodia under the vassalage of Siam by 1779 after repeated military campaigns.^[41]

[edit] Expansion to the Outer Zone

Closeup of Emerald Buddha in summer season attire

The annexation of Champasak Province indirectly led King Taksin to send an expedition against Vientiane. In 1777, the ruler of Champasak, which was at that time an independent principality bordering on the Thai eastern frontier, supported the Governor of Nangrong, who had rebelled against the Thai king. A Thai army under Chao Phraya Chakri was ordered to move against the rebel, who was caught and executed, and having received reinforcements under Chao Phraya Surasih, he advanced to Champasak, where the ruler, Chao O and his deputy, were captured and were summarily beheaded. Champasak was added to the Kingdom of Siam, and King Taksin was so pleased with Chao Phraya Chakri's conduct of the campaign that he promoted him to be Somdej Chao Phraya Mahakasatsuek Piluekmahima Tuknakara Ra-adet (Thai:สมเด็จ เจ้าพระยามหากษัตริย์ศึก พิลึกมหึมาทุกนคราระอาเดช) (meaning the supreme Chao Phraya, Great Warrior-King who was so remarkably powerful that every city was afraid of his might)^[42]—being the highest title of nobility that a commoner could reach. It would be equivalent to the rank of a Royal Duke.
In Vientiane, a Minister of State, Pra Woh, had rebelled against the ruling prince and fled to the Champasak territory, where he set himself up at Donmotdang near the present city of Ubon. He made formal submission to Siam, when he annexed Champasak, but after the withdrawal of the Thai army, he was attacked and killed by troops from Vientiane. This action was instantly regarded by King Taksin as a great insult to him, and at his command, Somdej Chao Phya Mahakasatsuek invaded Vientiane with an army of 20,000 men in 1778. It would be useful here to briefly summarise the history of Laos which had been separated into two principalities of Luang Prabang and Vientiane since the beginning of the eighteenth century. The Prince of Luang Prabang, who was in enmity with the Prince of Vientiane, submitted to Siam for his own safety, bringing his men to join Somdej Chao Phya Mahakasatsuek in besieging the city.^[43] After a siege of Vientiane which took about four months, the Thais took Vientiane and carried off the image of the Emerald Buddha to Thonburi. The Prince of Vientiane managed to escape and went into exile. Thus Luang Prabang and Vientiane became Thai dependencies. Nothing definite is known about the origin of the celebrated Emerald Buddha. It is believed that this image was carved from green jasper by an artist or artists in northern India about two thousand years ago. It was taken to Ceylon and then to Chiang Rai, a town in the north of Siam where it was, in 1434, found intact in a chedi which had been struck by lightning. As an object of great veneration among Thai Buddhists. it has been deposited in monasteries in Lampang, Chiang Mai, Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Thonburi, and eventually in Bangkok.^[44]^[45]
In 1770, King Taksin launched a war against the Nguyễn Lords over their control of Cambodia. After some initial defeats, the joint Siamese-Cambodian army defeated the Nguyễn army in 1771 and 1772. These defeats helped provoke an internal rebellion (the Tây Sơn rebellion) which would soon sweep the Nguyễn out of power. In 1773, the Nguyễn made peace with King Taksin, giving back some land they controlled in Cambodia.^[46]
In 1769, Cambodia was in turmoil again, due to the rivalry for the throne by two royal brothers, the elder of who was King Ramraja (Non). Having suffered defeat at the hands of his brother (Ton) who was aided by Annamite troops, he sought shelter in Siam. Prince Ton proclaimed himself as King Narairaja. This struggle afforded an opportunity to King Taksin to resuscitate Thai suzerainty over Cambodia as in the days of Ayutthaya. An army was dispatched to assist the ex-King Ramraja to regain his power, but met with no success.^[47]^[48]
In 1771, however, the Thai forces won back the Cambodia throne for him, but Narairaja retreated to the east of the country. In the end, Ramraja and Narairaja came to s compromise, whereby the former became the first King and the latter was the second King or Maha Uparayoj, and Prince Tam was Maha Uparat or Deputy to the first and the second King. This arrangement proved to be unsatisfactory. Prince Tam was murdered, while the second King died suddenly. Believing that King Ramraja was responsible for their deaths, many prominent officials under the leadership of Prince Talaha (Mu) revolted, caught him and drowned him in the river in 1780. Prince Talaha put Prince Ang Eng, the four year old son of the ex-King Narairaja, on the throne with himself acting as Regent, but he soon leaned too much Annam, thus coming into conflict with King Taksin’s policy to support a pro-Thai prince on the Cambodian throne. The Thai King therefore decided on an invasion of Cambodia. A Thai army of 20,000 under Somdej Chao Phraya Mahakasatsuek moved into Cambodia, and in the event of his success in subduing the country, he was to assist in crowning Taksin’s son, Prince Intarapitak, as King of Cambodia. With the aid of an Annamite army, Prince Talana was prepared to take his stand against the Thai forces at Phnom Penh, but before any fighting started, serious disturbances which had broken out in Siam made Somdej Chao Phraya Mahakasatsuek decide on a hasty return to Thonburi, after handing the command of the army to Chao Phraya Surasih.^[39]

[edit] Territory

Thailand's territory, during Taksin's reign.

The kingdom under his rule was much bigger than it was in Ayutthaya times. It included the following provinces : Thon Buri, Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, Singburi, Lopburi, Uthai Thani, Nakhon Sawan, Chachoengsao, Prachinburi, Nakhon Nayok, Chonburi, Rayong, Chantaburi, Trat, Nakhon Chai Si, Nakhon Pathom, Suphanburi, Ratchaburi, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, Phetchaburi, Kanchanaburi, and Prachuap Khiri Khan.
Throughout his reign, King Taksin carried out his policy of expansion.
In the north, including the whole of Lanna. Burmese was driven out. local allies became Thonburi's subjugation.
In the south, including Syburi (today is Kedah) and Trengganu in Malaysia.
In the east, Cambodia was subjugated. His forces even attacked South Vietnam
In the northeast, including Vientiane, Phuan, Luang Phrabang, and Hua Phan Ha Thang Hok.
In the southeast, including Phutthaimat (Hà Tiên in Vietnam today).
In the west, as far as Mergui and Tenasserim in Myanmar today leading to the Indian Ocean.^[7]^[49]

[edit] Economy, culture and religion

After King Taksin established Thonburi as his capital, people were living in abject poverty, and food and clothing were scarce. The king was well aware of the plight of his subjects, so in order to legitimize his claim for the Kingdom, he considered solving economic problems as the main priority. He paid high prices for rice from his own money to induce foreign traders to bring in adequate amounts of basic necessities to satisfy the need of the people. He then distributed rice and clothing to all his starving subjects without exception. People who had been dispersed came back to their homes. Normalcy was restored. The economy of the country gradually recovered.^[50] King Taksin sent three diplomatic envoys to China in 1767, which then was ruled by Qianlong Emperor, After six years (1772), China recognized King Taksin as the rightful ruler of Siam,^[51] and the record dating from 1777 states: "Important goods from Thailand are amber, gold, colored rocks, good nuggets, gold dust, semi-precious stones, and hard lead." During this time the king actively encouraged the Chinese to settle in Siam, principally those from Chaozhou,^[52] partly with the intention to revive the stagnating economy^[53] and upgrading the local workforce at that time.^[54] He had to fight almost constantly for most of his reign to maintain the independence of his country. As the economic influence of the immigrant Chinese community grew with time, many aristocrats, which he took in from the Ayutthaya nobility, began to turn against him for having allied with the Chinese merchants. The opposition were led mainly by the Bunnag, a trader-aristocrat family of Persian origins.^[55] Coupled with the tax revenues that these activities provided—helped restore the kingdom's devastated economy.
Thai galleons travelled to Portuguese colony of Surat, in Goa, India. However, formal diplomatic relations were not formed. In 1776, Francis Light sent 1,400 flintlocks along with other goods as gifts to King Taksin. Later, Thonburi ordered some guns from England. Royal letters were exchanged and in 1777, George Stratton, the Viceroy of Madras, sent a gold scabbard decorated with gems to King Taksin.^[56]
In 1770, natives of Terengganu and Jakarta presented King Taksin with 2,200 shotguns. At that time, Holland controlled the Java Islands.^[57]
Simultaneously King Taksin was deeply engaged in restoring law and order in the Kingdom and in administering a programme of public welfare to his people. Abuses in the Buddhist establishment, and among the public, were duly rectified, and food and clothes as well as other necessities of life were hastily distributed to those who needed them, thus bringing respect and affection to him.^[20]
King Taksin was also interested in other branches of art, including dance and drama. There is evidence that when he went to suppress the Chao Nakhon Si Thammarat faction in 1769, he brought back Chao Nakhon's female dancers. Together with dancers that he had assembled from other places, they trained and set up a royal troupe in Thonburi on the Ayutthaya model. The King wrote four episodes from the Ramakian for the royal troupe to rehearse and perform.^[58]^[59]
When he went north to suppress the Phra Fang faction, he could see that monks in the north were lax and undisciplined. He invited ecclesiastical dignitaries from the capital to teach those monks and brought them back in line with the main teachings of Buddhism. Even though King Taksin had applied himself to reforming the Buddhist religion after its period of decline following the loss of Ayutthaya to Burma, gradually bringing it back to the normalcy it enjoyed during the Ayutthaya kingdom, since his reign was so brief he was not able to do very much.
The administration of the Sangha during the Thonburi period followed the model established in Ayutthaya,^[60] and he allowed French missionaries to enter Thailand, and like a previous Thai king, helped them build a church in 1780.

[edit] Final years and death

Thai historians indicate that the strain on him took its toll, and the king started to become a religious fanatic. In 1781 Taksin showed increasing signs of mental trouble. He believed himself to be a future Buddha, expecting to change the colour of his blood from red to white. As he started practising meditation, he even gave lecture to the monks. Sometimes he flogged monks who refused to worship him as such.^[61]
Economic tension caused by war was serious. As famine spread, looting and crimes were widespread. Corrupt officials were reportedly abundant. Taksin himself executed several officials harshly. Discontent among officials could be expected.
Several historians have suggested that the tale of his 'insanity' may have been reconstructed as an excuse for his overthrow. However, the letters of a French priest who was in Thonburi at the time support the accounts of the monarch's peculiar behavior. Thus the terms 'insanity' or 'madness' possibly were the contemporary definition describing the monarch's actions. With the Burmese threat still prevalent, a strong ruler was needed on the throne. According to some sources, many oppressions and abuses made by officials were reported. King Taksin punished them harshly, torturing and executing high officials. Finally a faction led by Phraya San seized the capital and forced the king to step down.
According to the following Rattanakosin era accounts, King Taksin was described as 'insane.' The disturbance in Thonburi widely spread, with killing and looting prevalent. A coup d'état removing Taksin from the throne consequently took place,^[62] although Taksin requested to be allowed to join the monkhood. When the coup occurred, General Chao Phraya Chakri was away fighting in Cambodia, but he quickly returned to the Thai capital following being informed of the coup. Upon having arrived at the capital, the General extinguished the coup through arrests, investigations and punishments. Peace was then restored in the capital.
According to the Royal Thai Chronicles, General Chao Phraya Chakri decided to put the deposed Taksin to death. The Chronicles stated that, while being taken to the executing venue, Taksin asked for an audience with General Chao Phraya Chakri but was turned down by the General. Taksin was beheaded in front of Wichai Prasit fortress on Wednesday, April 10, 1782, and his body was buried at Wat Bang Yi Ruea Tai. General Chao Phraya Chakri then seized control of the capital and declared himself king together with establishing the House of Chakri.^[63]
The Official Annamese Chronicles states that Taksin was ordered to be executed by General Chao Phraya Chakri at Wat Chaeng by being sealed in a velvet sack and was beaten to death with a scented sandalwood club.^[64] There was an account claiming that Taksin was secretly sent to a palace located in the remote mountains of Nakhon Si Thammarat where he lived until 1825, and that a substitute was beaten to death in his place.^[65] King Taksin ashes and that of his wife are located at Wat Intharam (located in Thonburi). They have been placed in two lotus bud shaped stupas which stand before the old hall.^[66]

[edit] Critics over the coup

Another contradicting view of the events is that General Chakri actually wanted to be King and had accused King Taksin of being Chinese. The late history was aimed at legitimizing the new monarch, Phraya Chakri or Rama I of Rattanakosin. According to Nithi, Taksin could be seen as the originator, new style of leader, promoting the 'decentralized' kingdom and new generation of the nobles, of Chinese merchants-origin, his major helpers in the wars. On the other hand, Phraya Chakri and his supporters were of 'old' generation of the Ayutthaya nobles, discontent with the previously said changes.
However, this overlooks the fact that Chao Phraya Chakri was himself of partly Chinese origin as well as he himself being married to one of Taksin's daughters. No previous conflicts between them were mentioned in histories. Reports on the conflicts between the king and the Chinese merchants were seen caused by the control of the rice price in the time of famine.^[67] However, prior to returning to Thonburi, Chao Phraya Chakri had Taksin's son summoned to Cambodia and executed.^[68] All in all, Phraya Chakri was, in fact, the highest noble in the kingdom, charging the state affairs as the Chancellor. Therefore he was of the greatest potential to be the new leader.
Another view of the events is that Thailand owed China for millions of baht. In order to cancel the agreement between China, King Taksin decided to ordain and pretend to die in an execution.^[69]

[edit] Legacy

Statue of King Taksin the Great at Wongwian Yai.

The Entrance of King Taksin's tomb in Chenghai, Guangdong, China

King Taksin was seen by some radical historians as a King who differed from the Kings of Ayutthaya, in his origins, his policies, and his leadership style, as a representative of a new class. During the Bangkok Period right up till the Siamese Revolution of 1932 King Taksin was, said, not as highly honoured as other Siamese Kings because the leaders in the Chakri Dynasty were still concerned about their own political legitimacy. After 1932, when the absolute monarchy gave way to the democratic period, King Taksin become more honoured than ever before. Instead, King Taksin became one of the national heroes. This was because the leaders of that time such as Plaek Pibulsonggram and even later military junta, on the other hand, wanted to glorify and publicise the stories of certain historical figures in the past in order to support their own policy of nationalism, expansionism and patriotism.^[7]
King Taksin statue was unveiled in the middle of Wongwian Yai (the Big Traffic Circle) in Thonburi, at the intersection of Prajadhipok/Inthara Phithak/Lat Ya/Somdet Phra Chao Taksin Roads. The king is portrayed with his right hand holding a sword, measuring approximately 9 metres in height from his horse's feet to the spire of his hat, rests on a reinforced concrete pedestal of 8.90 x 1.80 x 3.90 metres. There are four frames of stucco relief on the two sides of the pedestal. The opening ceremony of this monument was held on April 17, 1954 and a homage-paying fair takes place annually on 28 December. The king today officially comes to pay respect to king Taksin statue.^[70]
The monument featuring King Taksin riding on a horseback surrounded by his four trusted soldiers; Pra Chiang-ngen (later Phraya Sukhothai), Luang Pichai-asa (later Phraya Phichai), Luang Prom-sena, Luang Raj-saneha. It is placed on the groung of Toong na-chey public park on Leab muang road, just opposite the City Hall, Chantaburi.
In 1981 the Thai cabinet passed a resolution to bestow on King Taksin the honorary title of the Great. The date of his coronation, December 28, is the official day of homage to King Taksin, although it is not designated as a public holiday. The Maw Sukha Association on January 31, 1999 cast the King Taksin Savior of the Nation Amulet, which sought to honour the contributions of King Taksin to Siam during his reign.^[71]
The Na Nagara (also spelled Na Nakorn)^[72] family is descended in the direct male line from King Taksin.^[73]
A tomb containing King Taksin's clothes and a family shrine were found at Chenghai district in Guangdong province in China in 1921. It is believed that a descendant of King Taksin the Great must have sent his clothes to be buried there to conform to Chinese practice. This supports the claim that the place was his father's hometown.^[74]
King Taksin the Great Shrine is located on Tha Luang Road in front of Camp Taksin. It is an important place of Chantaburi in order to demonstrate binding of People in Chanthaburi to King Taksin. It is a nine-sided building. The roof is a pointed helmet. Inside of this place enshrined the statue of King Taksin.

The area which is now Thailand has been populated since the beginning of civilization in Asia. By the13th century, the Thais ruled over states as far apart as Lanna, Suphannaphum (Suphanburi), Nakorn Si Thammarat and Sukhothai. Sukhothai, however, emerged as the strongest Thai Kingdom in the 13th and started its decline in the14th century. In 1350, the Kingdom of Ayutthaya was “founded” and became the most dominant city state, spreading its influence through warfare and trade all over Southeast Asia. During the 18th century, Burma again expanded its territories and defeated the Thais in several battles. In 1767, after a 15 month seige, Ayutthaya was sacked and burnt by the Burmese, ending its political dominance of the peninsula. A savior of the Thai state emerge – King Taksin the Great who, after a few years, gathered together enough forces to defeat the Burmese and set up the Kingdom of Thonburi.

King Taksin was the only king of the Thon Buri Period. He has been recognized as one of the great Thai kings, for his prowess in warfare, his leadership in liberating the country after Ayutthaya was taken by the Burmese in 1767, and his ability in unifying the country after it had been split up into many factions.

King Taksin was born in 1733 in the reign of King Borommakot of Ayutthaya. He was originally called Sin. His father was a Chinese named Haihong of the Tae clan, who had immigrated to Thailand. The King's mother was a Thai called Nok Lang.There is reliable evidence, that prior to his entering government service, Sin was a trader with a fleet of carts. Later, in recognition of services he had rendered, he was appointed Governor of Tak Province.

     In 1765, Phraya Tak came to Ayutthaya to help defend the capital. He fought valiantly and earned great recognition. He was promoted to the title and rank of Phraya Wachira Prakan, Governor of Kamphaeng Phet. It is believed, that prior to the fall of Ayutthaya, he got out of the capital by fighting his way through the Burmese seige with the aim of assembling men to liberate the country.

     According to the royal Thai chronicle, Phraya Tak and his followers, after breaking out of Ayutthaya, headed for the east coast. On the way, they encountered many Burmese troops but were able to defeat them all. He became widely known for his military prowess and many came to pledge their service.

     In the fifth lunar month of the year 1767, Ayutthaya was lost to the Burmese and the attitudes of high ranking officials changed with the situation. Some thought of setting themselves up as heads of state. Even Phraya Chantaburi, who had promised friendship to Phraya Tak, revoked his promise. The latter, therefore, led his army to capture Chantaburi and Trad and returned to make a stand at Chantaburi, making it his headquarters for collection of provisions and arms. In the meantime, other commanders and officers came to join him. The most important was Nai Sudchinda, an officer of the Royal Pages Department, who later became Khrom Phra Ratchawang Bawon Sathan Monkon in the Reign of King Rama I.

At the end of the monsoon season, Phraya Tak led his forces from Chantaburi to the Chao Phraya River delta in the twelfth lunar month of the same year. After he had taken Thon Buri, he attacked the Pho Sam Ton Camp in Ayutthaya and was able to seize the camp in two days. His triumph over the Burmese at the Pho Sam Ton Camp was symbolic of the liberation of the country. After capturing the camp, he tried to put the country back in order. Then he brought people back to Thon Buri and established it as his capital because the site was more appropriate than Ayutthaya. In 1768 he was crowned king. After the coronation, King Taksin proceeded at once to unify the country . Besides waging war to drive the Burmese out of the country, the king had to subdue the Thais who set themselves up as heads of various factions. His military successes resulted in the country being united once again.

     Although warfare took up most of King Taksin's time, he paid a great deal of attention to politics, administration, economy, and the welfare of the country. He promoted trade and fostered relations with foreign countries including China, Britain and the Netherlands. He had roads built and canals dug. Apart from restoring and renovating temples, the king attempted to revive literature, and various branches of the arts such as drama, painting, architecture and handicrafts. He also issued regulations for the collection and arrangement of various texts to promote education and religious studies.Towards the end of the reign, there was trouble in Thon Buri, which was then called Chao Phraya San. Somdet Chao Phraya Maha Kasatsuhk hurried back from his campaign in Cambodia, held an investigation, and let the officials decide on appropriate punishment for King Taksin.Then the people asked the Somdet Chao Phraya to take the throne and rule the country.

     King Taksin was put to death on April 6,1782 at the age of 48 after a 15-year reign. After he was executed, his remains were buried at Wat (Temple) Bang Yireua Tai, in 1785, King Rama I (Buddha Yodfa) had the remains disinterred and cremated at the same temple. A tomb containing King Taksin's clothes and a family shrine were found at Ching Hai district in Taechiew province in China in 1921. It is believed that a decendant of King Taksin the Great must have sent his clothes to be buried there to conform to Chinese practice. This supports the claim that the place was his father's hometown.

     King Taksin had accomplished so much for the Thais in his short reign. Without his leadership, the country would not have been rid of the Burmese and become unified so soon. In recognition of what he had done for the country, the government has declared December 28 a day of homage to the King. A state ceremony has been held annually at the memorial to King Taksin the Great in Wongwian Yai in Bangkok since 1954. On October 27, 1981, the cabinet passed a resolution to honor him as "King Taksin the Great."


In King Taksin's reign from 1767 to 1782, wars were fought to unify, defend and expand the country almost all the time. A brief survey of major events is given below:
AD 1767	Ayutthaya was lost to the Burmese for the second time. The country was liberated when the Burmese were defeated at Pho SamTon Camp. Thon Buri was established as the capital. A Burmese army attacked Bang Kung.
AD 1768	King Taksin ascended the Throne. An army was sent to suppress the Phitsanulok faction. Chao Phra Fang's faction attacked the Phitsanulok faction. An army was sent to suppress the Phimai faction.
AD 1769	A delegation from Si Sattanakhanahut headed by the ruler's son brought tribute to become a vassal state. An army was sent to suppress Cambodia. An army was sent to suppress Nakhon Si Thammarat.
AD 1770	An army was sent to suppress the Sawangkhaburi faction. The Burmese advanced an army against Sawankhalok. The first expedition to subdue Chiang Mai.
AD 1771	Construction of Thon Buri city wall. An expedition to subdue Cambodia.
AD 1772	The first Burmese attack on Phichai Province.
AD 1773	Tattooing on the wrist (to classify men as soldiers of the king, fresh recruits, or provincial soldiers). The Burmese second attack on Phichai Province.
AD 1774	The second expedition to subdue Chiang Mai. A Burmese attack on Bang Kaew (a District in Ratchaburi).
AD 1775	A Burmese attack on Phisanulok.
AD 1776	The Nang Rong revolt and an expedition to subdue provinces along Mekong River. King Taksin started meditation practice.
AD 1777	The title of Chao Phraya Chakri Somdet Chao Phraya Maha Kasatsuhk was created.
AD 1778	Si Sattanakhanahut sent an army to attack Phra Woh at Nong Bua Lamphu and Don Mod Daeng.
AD 1779	An expedition to subdue Vientiane. The Emerald Buddha was brought to Thon Buri. Maha Da rebellion.
AD 1780	An uprising in Cambodia. A Vietnamese revolt in Thon Buri.
AD 1781	An expedition to subdue Cambodia. Unrest in Thon Buri. Phraya San's uprising. Civil war between Phraya San and Phraya Suriya Aphai.
AD 1782	Deliberation on the problem of King Taksin. The end of Thon Buri period.

Until the time of his death in 1851, Rama III had reigned for twenty-seven years during which the Chakri Dynasty became even more firmly established. Regional conflicts with Laos and Cambodia were dealt with firmly but King Nangklao was less sure what to do about increasing pressures from Western nations. By nature he was a conservative Monarch and, providing trade and commerce was comfortable for Siam. He was reluctant to open his kingdom to further commercialism or foreign demands. Standard trade agreements had been signed with several Western nations but, as the Siamese Crown had a "middle-man" monopoly on all forms of commerce, many merchants regarded this as a restrictive practice. They wanted a freeing-up of regulations and the ability to deal directly with producers instead of having to negotiate constantly with the King and His Court Ministers.
Such was the situation in 1850 when the U.S. Presidential Envoy, Joseph Balestier, arrived in Bangkok with the express task of conferring with King Nangklao to find ways to improve Treaty and trade relations. Rama III declined to receive Mr. Balestier but, instead, delegated his Phra Klang (Finance Minister) to do so. The U.S. Envoy's brief was to confer with the Siamese King only but, as he was not permitted, he returned to the United States in a less than happy mood.
The following year, 1851, King Rama III was taken ill so it is understandable that he did not personally receive Sir James Brooke representing Her Imperial Majesty Queen Victoria. Sir James, also wishing to discuss the liberalization of trade and access, was likewise received by the Phra Klang. The Phra Klang indicated that the Trade Agreement with Great Britain was similar to agreements with other countries and, therefore, had no need for change. Sir James Brooke the White Rajah of Borneo (Sarawak) was furious at this slight.
Sir James subsequently wrote to a colleague "Siam is, however, a country well worthy of attention and, in commercial point of view, second only to China, but the Government is as arrogant as that of China, and the King, in comparison, is inimical to Europeans. We may wait till the demise of the king brings about a new order of things. Above all, it would be well to prepare for the change, and to place our own king on the throne.." Would Great Britain have forced the issue by placing their own man on the Siamese Throne? We shall never know because, as events transpired, King Nangklao, Rama III, died on 2nd April 1851. But it is a point speculated upon by HRH Prince Chula Chakrabongse (great-grandson of King Mongkut) who wrote, "It is almost the general belief that if King Nangklao had lived a little longer the disputes might have led to more serious consequences".
Rama III had not named his successor so it was left to the Council of Ministers to elect their new Monarch. Although the late King had fathered 22 sons, the Ministers decided that the late King's half-brother, Prince Mongkut, was the best possible choice for the Crown of Siam and how right they were.

Prince Mongkut was the son of King Lert-Lah (Rama II) and his Royal Queen, so was of the purest Chakri line. He had entered a monastery at the age of 20 and worked and studied as a monk until called to be king at 47 years of age. Prince Mongkut was an able scholar with immense curiosity about life, religion, people, language, science and astronomy. In short, not only was he a Prince of the Blood, Prince Mongkut was an extremely intelligent and well-educated man. Also, he was fluent in English both the spoken and written words and looked upon progress with interest and discernment.
On 22nd May 1851 he was crowned King Mongkut Rama IV of Siam to great rejoicing of his people. As a Buddhist monk for 27 years, King Mongkut knew the people, had travelled around their villages, accepted their gifts of food and given them spiritual guidance. Now he was their King and the people were happy.

One of King Mongkut's early decrees was for his subjects' right to petition their Monarch. A huge drum had stood outside the Royal Palace and, traditionally, a person could bang on the drum if he wished to be heard by his King. However, the tradition had long fallen into disuse and no one now dared hit the drum. King Mongkut changed that by appearing in public, once a week, and personally listening to petitions.
King Mongkut handled relations with Great Britain, so strained during the latter reign of Rama III, with diplomacy, tact, intelligence and skill. In 1855, Sir John Bowring, on behalf of H.M. Queen Victoria, arrived in Bangkok. Forewarned by his predecessor Sir James Brooke, Sir John was not prepared to allow his Queen, or himself, be demeaned in any way. Arriving from Singapore on the warship HMS Rattler with HMS Grecian in attendance, Sir John Bowring sought audience with King Mongkut not with any Phra Klang. At such an audience, he indicated, it would not be fitting for him to "crawl like Eastern people" nor remove his shoes nor relinquish his sword of office.
King Mongkut granted an audience to Sir John Bowring and, with finesse and charm, completely disarmed Queen Victoria's Envoy. As Sir John reported, Royal Barges conveyed the entourage to the landing place and, when summoned to the Audience Hall, "the Plenipotentiary and all officers proceeded there on foot without laying aside any portion of their dress". After bowing three times to His Majesty King Mongkut, Rama IV, of Siam, Sir John Bowring was warmly greeted by the Siamese Monarch and was seated, about 10 meters before the Throne, in line with the highest Siamese Nobles. His reception and the civilized, diplomatic handling of all events impressed Sir John Bowring to the highest degree.
Such was the style of King Mongkut of Siam a progressive, learned Sovereign who was to do much for his Kingdom.

King Chulalongkorn (Rama V, 1868 - 1910)