佚名 · Public domain
18th–19th century · 1737–1809
Rama I
พระบาทสมเด็จพระพุทธยอดฟ้าจุฬาโลก · Thailand
Founding monarch of Siam's Chakri dynasty
Formerly a general under King Taksin of Thonburi, he led many campaigns against Burma, Cambodia and Laos. He took the throne in 1782, founding the Chakri dynasty that continues today, and built a new capital, Rattanakosin — today's Bangkok.
Where the story happened
Places connected with this person
History · Grand Palace
Rama I's new capital and palace
On 6 May 1782 the newly crowned Rama I ordered the Grand Palace built and moved the capital from Thonburi on the west bank of the Chao Phraya to Bangkok on the east bank. A Chinese community lived on the site, and the king ordered them to move south of the city walls, to today's Bangkok Chinatown. Since 1782 the Grand Palace has been the official residence of the kings of Siam (Thailand).
History · Phuket
The two heroines of Thalang
In 1785 a Burmese army attacked Phuket (then called Thalang). The island's military governor had just died, and the Burmese thought it would be easy to take; Captain Francis Light, based around Penang, had sent the island a warning in advance. The governor's widow and her sister organised the islanders to defend the town and tricked the Burmese into overestimating its defences; after a month-long siege the Burmese withdrew on 13 March 1785. Rama I granted the two sisters the titles 'Thao Thep Kasattri' and 'Thao Si Sunthon'. Today Phuket's provincial seal shows their monument.
History · Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
King Taksin arrived at dawn
In 1767 Ayutthaya fell to the Burmese army, and the royal capital of more than four centuries was reduced to ruins. The general Taksin, whose father was Teochew Chinese, broke out, rebuilt the army, drove out the Burmese and then founded a new capital at Thonburi on the west bank of the Chao Phraya. Legend says he came down the river and reached this temple at dawn, so he renamed it the 'Temple of Dawn' and vowed to restore it. In the Thonburi period the Emerald Buddha was enshrined here. In 1782 Taksin was overthrown in a coup and executed; Rama I moved the capital to the east bank, and in 1785 the Emerald Buddha was moved into the Grand Palace.
Visit
Related destinations
Grand Palace
The glittering palace of the Chakri dynasty, a sacred place in Thai hearts
Phuket
Pearl of the Andaman Sea, a byword for southern Thai sunshine and beaches
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
A towering prang on the west bank of the Chao Phraya: King Taksin arrived here at dawn, giving the 'Temple of Dawn' its name.