KING BUDDHA YOT FA
CHULALOK
[Rama I] 1782 - 1809
He was born in Ayutthaya on March 20,
1737, as the son of Phra Aksorn Sundara Smiantra, he was formerly known as Thong
Duang. Following the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767 he entered the service of Phraya
Taksin and fought by his side in almost every campaign until the latter became
King Taksin, establishing the capital at Thonburi.
He was created Luang Yorkrabat, then Phra
Rajvarin, Chao Phraya Chakri and eventually Somdetch Chao Phraya Maha Kashatriya
Suk by King Taksin, and following the deposition of King Taksin in 1782 [at the
age of 45] was chosen King, becoming the founder and first ruler of the House of
Chakri two hundred years ago.
On the year of his accession he moved the
capital from Thonburi to the opposite bank of the Chao Phraya River, thus
founding the city of Bangkok.
It was during his reign that the Grand
Palace was constructed and he installed the Emerald Buddha in the Chapel Royal
following its completion.
He died
in Bangkok on September 7, 1809 and, as many historians have stated, the modern
Siam dates from his reign.
02. December 2004