Chakri Dynasty Kingdom of Thailand
The Chakri Dynasty (also known as the House of Chakri) (Thai: ราชวงศ์จักรี) is the current ruling royal house of the Kingdom of Thailand, the Head of the house is the King of Thailand. The Dynasty has ruled Thailand since the founding of the Ratthanakosin era and the city of Bangkok in 1782 following the end of King Taksin of Thonburi's reign, when the capital of Siam shifted to Bangkok. The Royal house was founded by King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke an Ayutthayan military leader.
The first capital of Thailand is named as Ayutthaya, which remained to be the capital city of Thailand for 417 years. Ayutthaya survived many wars with the Burmese during this period and was occupied by them in the year 1767. Later, a Thai revival occurred within a few months and the Burmese were expelled by King Taksin. The King's weariness with war, made him undergo religious escapism. Many people rebelled against the King for lack of leadership and overthrew him. The young nobleman, Thong Duang, who became military Chakri, was elevated to the throne. He took the title "King Ramathibodi" and reigned as King Rama I from 1782 until 1809. The King was aware that Thonburi was vulnerable to Burmese attack. He established a new capital across the River Chaophraya and named it Krung Thep (Bangkok).
The Chakri Dynasty has been and continues to be very successful in managing the Kingdom. In the early period they had to deal with invasion and wars whilst in the 20 th century, corruption and abuse of power from elected politicans who see public office as a means of making riches rather than a public service. The Chakri Kings include the following.
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His Majesty King Phra Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke, the first king of the Chakri Dynasty who established Bangkok as the capital of Thailand. The most renowned event in his reign was the Burmese-Siamese War of 1785, which was the last major Burmese assault on Siam. Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke was also the first Somdet Chao Phraya, the highest rank the nobility could attain, equaled to that of royalty.
King Phra Nangklao Chaoyuhua, or King Rama III of the Chakri Dynasty, was born in Bangkok on March 31, 1788. He was the son of King Rama II by a junior wife, Chao Chom Riem. King Rama III was crowned at the age of 37.
King Phra Buddha Lertla Napalai, the 2nd King of the Chakri Dynasty, ascended the throne in 1809, had an extremely gentle temperament and never resorted to violence if it were not for the good of the people as a whole.. Throughout his reign, he did only meritorious deeds, thus peace and harmony were the order of the day during that era. King Rama II died on July 21, 1824 at the age of 58.
During this month of December, on the 5th to be exact, Thailand's revered Monarch, His Majesty King Bhumibol, will celebrate his 76th Birthday. It will be a day of national celebration, rejoicing, prayers and thanksgiving for such is the high esteem the Thai people hold for their King.
King Phra Chula Chomklao Chaoyuhua was the eldest son of King Rama IV and Queen Dhepsirintaramat and loved by them both. He was born in Bangkok on September 20, 1853. He was nicknamed "Phaw Yai" (Big Daddy) by his father.
Bangkok is one of Asia’s most cosmopolitan cities. Created as the Thai capital in 1782 by the first monarch of the present Chakri dynasty, Bangkok is a national treasure house and Thailand’s spiritual, cultural, political, commercial, educational and diplomatic centre.
His Majesty "King Phra-Pok-Klao Chaoyuhua" (Rama VII), popularly known as Prajadhipok, was the 7th King of the Chakri Dynasty. He was born in Bangkok on November 8, 1893. He succeeded to the throne on the death of his elder brother, King Vajiravudh.
