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The Chakri Dynasty
The first independent Thai kingdom was established in Sukothai ("Dawn of Happiness") in early 13th century when two Thai chieftains rebelled against the Khmers who had ruled the region for a couple of centuries before then. The kingdom expanded throughout the Chao Phraya river basin, and along with it expanded the Theravada Budhism. This is when Thai language was created. However, Sukothai eventually came under the rule of another Thai kingdom Ayuthya which was founded in 1350. In the four centuries that Ayuthya was the capital of Thailand, the Thais saw a succession of 33 kings and and totally rid the nation of Khmer presence. Arts prospered during this period as did Budhism. Relations were fostered with Arabia, India, Japan and Europe. Ayuthya remained the Thai capital till 1767 when the Burmese invaded and destroyed the city. However, the Burmese were expelled within a few months by King Taksin and Thonburi was made the new capital.
The Chakri dynasty was founded in 1782 by Buddha Yodfa Chulalok (Rama I) who established the hamlet of Bangkok as the new capital. Two Chakri monarchs, Mongkut (Rama IV 1851-1868) and his son Chulalongkorn (Rama V, 1868-1910) saved Thailand from colonisation by Western powers, thanks to their diplomacy. The Chakri dynasty is the longest surviving monarchy in the world.
THE RULERS OF THE CHAKRI DYNASTY
- Buddha Yodfa Chulalok (Rama I) 1782-1809
- Buddha Loetla Nabhalai (Rama II) 1809-1824
- Nangklao (Rama III) 1824-1851
- Mongkut (Rama IV) 1851-1868
- Chulalongkorn (Rama V) 1868-1910
- Vajiravudh (Rama VI) 1910-1925
- Prajadhipok (Rama VII) 1925-1935
- Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII) 1935-1946
- Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) 1946-present
HIS MAJESTY KING BHUMIBOL ADULYADEJ (RAMA IX)
The present ruler is His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), the ninth king of the dynasty. He was born in 1927 in Cambridge Massachusets, USA where his father, Prince Mahidol was studying medicine at Harvard. King Bhumibol asended to the throne in 1946 and is the longest reigning Thai monarch.
He rules the country as a Constitutional Monarch and is highly revered by the Thai people. His love for his people is mirrored in the deep interest he takes in the welfare if the people, concerning himself, along with his wife Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, with all aspects of the lives of the Thai people.
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