The Chakri Kings of Thailand - in the Golden Age of Rattanakosin

The first of the Chakri kings, King Rama I, King Phra Phuttayotfa, who reigned from 1782 - 1809, founded the dynasty when he established in Bangkok as the Thai capital. King Rama I is remembered as the great warrior who has put an end to the constant threat from Burma and consolidated the kingdom. Literature flourished during the first kingdom. The works include the Ramakian, the Thai version of Indian epic Ramayana and the translation of classical Chinese novel, Three Kingdoms. When King Rama II and King Phra Phutthalertla Napalai, the son of King Rama I ascended the throne, his reign from 1809 - 1824 marking the beginning of a dynasty. Like his father, King Rama II loved literature and was known as a great poet. The Chakri dynasty has continued with King Rama III and King Phra Nangklao, the son of King Rama II, who reigned 1824-1851. Unlike his father, had no interest in literature. Even the greatest poets of Thailand, Sunthorn Phu, has not found favor in the third reign. In King Rama IV or King Mongkut (1851 - 1868), another son of King Rama II's reign was one of the most illustrious Chakri kings. After 27 years in monasteries during which he studied Buddhism, English, Latin, science, mathematics and astrology, Monkut the king ascended the throne in 47. Politically astute, he saw the increased pressures of colonialism and groomed his son, Prince Chulalongkorn, to face the challenges ahead. The reign of King Rama V or King Chulalongkorn (1868 - 1910 was the golden age of the Chakri Reformation. The most respected of the Chakri kings, King Chulalongkorn reorganized the government, better education, infrastructure and communications. Slavery was abolished . is his greatest achievement was its ability to neutralize the UK and France at the height of its imperial power and the independence of Thailand. Vajiravudh King Rama VI or King, the son of King Rama V, who reigned from 1910 -- 1925. The first of the Chakri kings to be educated abroad, King Vajiravudh presented the names of persons, the flag of Thailand has changed in its current form, issued compulsory primary education and established Chulalongkorn University in memory of his father. The United seventh, however, the huge cost incurred in a fragile economy, a harbinger of events during the next reign. The younger son of King Rama V, King Rama VII or King Prajadhipok, reigned 1925 -- 1935. It's also the last Chakri kings to rule as absolute monarch. The coup of June 24, 1932 ended the absolute monarchy. Prajadhipok king reigned briefly as a constitutional monarch first in a stormy relationship with the new government. abdicated March 2, 1935. After the abdication, the young Prince Ananda, son of Prince Mahidol, and grandson of King Rama V King, was appointed at the age of ten years. Regency has been appointed, while the young king continued his studies . King Rama VIII or King Ananda Mahidol was a short and tragic reign 1935-1946. On June 9, 1946, less than a year after returning from their studies, the young King Ananda was shot. verdict was not returned. In 1946, The current monarch, King Rama IX and King Bhumipol Adulyadej, the younger brother of King Ananda ascended the throne. 's reign saw the flowering of a close relationship between benevolent monarch and his people, one of deep respect and love for her . It seemed the ideal model of a constitutional monarchy on the longest reign in history. Perhaps the King Prajadhipok was so desperate that in 1932. the new kings of the Chakri dynasty of ancient Siam saw a group of fragmented kingdoms under constant threat from the outside of a unified kingdom. The kingdom has gone through a painful transition from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional democracy and a prosperous and stable tumultuous. The reign of Chakri of Thailand has covered over 220 years during which The Kingdom has maintained its unity, l independence and prosperity. For more information on the Chakri Kings. Chakri Kings first appeared in Tour Bangkok Legacies a travel site historical people, places and events that shaped the landscape of Bangkok. The author Eric Lim, a free-lance writer, lives in Bangkok, Thailand.