Royalty from Thailand (Siam)
I have recently read an article titled: "Land of the Living Gods" in the Royalty Monthly magazine (Vol. 19, No. 12). I thought it would be nice to talk about the Royals who once ruled Thailand.
The article says that the first "Thai Kingdom" was founded by two Thai chieftains in 1238. The first king was a military leader named, Tong-Duang (aka General Chakri). He became King Rama I in 1782. He ruled until 1809. He established the city of Bangkok as the capital of Thailand.
King Rama I was succeeded by his son, Prince Isarasundorn who became King Rama II. This king was a painter, writer, and composer. King Rama II died in 1824.
King Rama II's second son, Nangklao became King Rama III in 1824. The king's first son, Mongkut took to the life of a Buddhist monk.
Mongkut later became King Rama IV. Mongkut was the king that was portraied in the theatre play and movie titled: "The King and I". He felt a need to create the right impression amongst foreigners. He ordered the nobility to wear shirts at court. He felt that the traditional dress gave the impression of "Barbarism". King Rama IV died in 1868. The king and his son, Prince Chulalongkorn were struck with malaria during a trip to Wakor to watch the solar eclipse. King Rama died, but his son survived.
King Rama IV's son, Prince Chulalongkorn became King Chulalongkorn in 1868. He became the first Thai king to travel abroad. He visited: Singapore, Java, India, Europe, Sweden, Russia. He modernized the government . He introduced a cabinet system. The king abolished slavery and declared amnesty for political prisoners. The first railroad in Thailand was built during this king's reign. It opened in 1896 and ran from Bangkok to Ayutthaya. Coins, banknotes, and the western calendar were introduced during King Chulalongkorn's reign. Religious freedom was also introduced. Christianity and Islam were made legal. King Chulalongkorn died on October 23, 1910.
Prince Vajiravudh became the next king. He became King Vajiravudh in 1911. This king was educated at Sandhurst Military Academy and Oxford University in England. During his reign, he had the entire works of Shakespeare translated into Thai. He declared war on Germany in 1916 and sent troops to fight amongst the Allies. During this king's reign, polygamy was abolished and compulsory primary education was introduced. King Vajiravudh died in 1925 without a male heir.
Prince Prajadhipok successed his brother as King Rama VII. In 1932, he developed a constitution where he shared power with a prime minister. His advisors blocked the plan. A bloodless coup d'etat took place on June 24, 1932. The coup brought about a constitution. This coup did mark the beginning of 60 years of military dominance. King Prajadhipok and his wife, Queen Rampaipannee went into exile in England in 1935. He died in England in 1941.
***Can anyone add any more info about these royals?
***Does anyone know about the story of the murder of King Rama VIII? The article mentions the murder but does not go into details.
