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Rattanakosin Kingdom

Thailand, 1782–1932. Draft, not yet reviewed

The Rattanakosin Kingdom, also known as the Kingdom of Siam after 1855, refers to the Siamese kingdom between 1782 and 1932. It was founded in 1782 with the establishment of Rattanakosin (Bangkok), which replaced the city of Thonburi as the capital of Siam. In its second period, Siam engaged with the colonial powers of Britain and France and remained the only Southeast Asian state to maintain its independence. The failure to implement democratic reforms culminated in the Siamese revolution of 1932 and the establishment of a constitutional monarchy.

Seat of power: Bangkok

Rulers

Phutthayotfa Chulalok

King of Thailand, 1782–1809

He was the founder of the Rattanakosin Kingdom and the first King of Siam from the reigning Chakri dynasty. Rama I's reign marked a revival of Siamese culture and state organization following the collapse of the Siamese kingdom in 1767, whose capital was then situated at Ayutthaya. He established a new purified Buddhist sect which allied and tied together Buddhism and the monarchy.

Portrait of Phutthayotfa Chulalok: Unknown authorUnknown author, Public domain, file

Phutthaloetla Naphalai

King of Thailand, 1809–1824

His reign was largely peaceful, devoid of major conflicts. His reign was known as the Golden Age of Rattanakosin Literature, and the king himself was a renowned poet and artist.

Portrait of Phutthaloetla Naphalai: Unknown authorUnknown author, Public domain, file

Nangklao

King of Thailand, 1824–1851

During his reign, he initiated the country's first cautious engagements with the West. The Burney Treaty further liberalized foreign trade and reduced the royal warehouse monopoly, generating substantial income for the state. He is regarded as the father of Thai commerce.

Portrait of Nangklao: Unknown authorUnknown author, Public domain, file

Mongkut

King of Thailand, 1851–1868

He was the king of Siam from the Chakri dynasty. Mongkut embraced Western innovations and initiated reforms in technology, science, and culture. His accurate prediction of the total solar eclipse of 18 August 1868 demonstrated his scientific acumen.

Portrait of Mongkut: John Thomson, CC0, file

Chulalongkorn

King of Thailand, 1868–1910

His reign was characterised by the modernisation of Siam, governmental and social reforms, and territorial concessions to the British and French empires. As Siam was surrounded by European colonies, Chulalongkorn, through his policies and acts, ensured the independence of Siam.

Portrait of Chulalongkorn: Bain News Service, publisher., Public domain, file

Vajiravudh

King of Thailand, 1910–1925

King Vajiravudh is best known for his efforts to create and promote Siamese nationalism. His reign was characterized by Siam's further Westernization, minimal participation in World War I, and lavish spending on arts and culture. He founded the country's first university, Chulalongkorn University.

Portrait of Vajiravudh: ร้านถ่ายรูปหลวงฉายานรสิงห์, Public domain, file

Prajadhipok

King of Thailand, 1925–1935

He was the seventh monarch of the Chakri dynasty and the last king of Siam under the absolute monarchy. He pursued significant reforms, including establishing the Privy Council, modernizing financial and public-utility regulations, and founding the National Library. His rule was also marked by weak political leadership and turbulent economy due to the Great Depression, leading to the revolution in 1932.

Portrait of Prajadhipok: Unknown authorUnknown author, Public domain, file

Culture

Picture

The palace complex at the heart of Bangkok has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam since 1782.

Image: Preecha.MJ, CC BY-SA 4.0, file

Sources

Text adapted from the Wikipedia articles listed as sources, CC BY-SA 4.0.