Rama I
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Phra Bat Somdet Phra Phutthayotfa Chulalok Maharat, personal name Thongduang (ทองด้วง), also known as Rama I, was the founder of the Rattanakosin Kingdom and the first monarch of the reigning Chakri dynasty of Siam. His full title in Thai is Phra Bat Somdet Phra Paramoruracha Mahachakkriborommanat Phra Phutthayotfa Chulalok. He ascended the throne in 1782, following the deposition of King Taksin of Thonburi. He was also celebrated as the founder of Rattanakosin as the new capital of the reunited kingdom.
Portrait at the Grand Palace, Bangkok
Mural of the Ramakien Epic, written by the King, the Thai version of the Ramayana, on the walls of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Grand Palace, Bangkok
The Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall inside the Grand Palace. Rama I ordered the palace built in 1782 as the centre of his new capital
Canopy bed belonging to King Rama I inside the Chakkraphat Phiman Throne Hall inside the Grand Palace. All subsequent monarchs are required to sleep at least one night here
Rattanakosin Kingdom (1782–1932)
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The Rattanakosin Kingdom, the Kingdom of Siam, or the Bangkok Empire, were names used to reference the fourth and current Thai kingdom in the history of Thailand. It was founded in 1782 with the establishment of Rattanakosin (Bangkok), which replaced the city of Thonburi as the capital of Siam. This article covers the period until the Siamese revolution of 1932.
View of the city of Bangkok in 1822
Photograph of King Mongkut (Rama IV) (r. 1853–1868) in western style uniform
Coronation of King Norodom of Cambodia at Oudong in June 1864
Somdet Chaophraya Si Suriyawong (Chuang Bunnag) emerged to prominent roles after Bowring Treaty of 1855, became regent of young King Chulalongkorn in 1868, given highest rank of Somdet Chaophraya in 1873, and retained powers until his death in 1883.