KING BUDDHA LOET LA
NABHALAI
[Rama II] 1809 - 1824
He was the son of King Rama I. He was
born at Rajaburi on February 26, 1768 he accompanied his father on military
campaigns as a young man.
He was 16 when his father ascended the
throne and was immediately created a Prince of the rank of Somdetch Chao Fa and
given the name of Isarasundorn. Appointed Maha Uparaja [or Deputy King] by his
father in 1806, he was the only Maha Uparaja to eventually succeed to the throne
during the period of the Chakri Dynasty. He became king on the death of his
father [at the age of 42], King Rama I.
His reign was a period of consolidating
the achievements of the previous reign and he began the custom of appointing
senior princes to supervise over the different departments of state. He is best
remembered though for his interest in the arts. He was an artist, writer, and
composer, which flourished during his reign. He died on July 21. 1824 [at the
age of 58].
02. December 2004