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April 6 marks the anniversary of the founding of the present Chakri
Dynasty of which the present ruling monarch, King Bhumibol the
Great, is the ninth king.
The Chakri Dynasty was founded by Phra Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke,
or Rama I, who was born on March 20, 1737 with the name of Thong
Duang and came to the throne on April 6, 1782. He ruled the country
for 28 years.
During his reign he consolidated the kingdom in such a way that here was
no further fear of invasion from enemies. King Rama I has been praised as
an accomplished statesman, a lawmaker, a poet and a devout Buddhist. Thus,
his reign has been called a "reconstruction" of the Thai state and Thai
culture. He was the monarch who established Bangkok as the capital of
Thailand, and this is the most long-lasting creation which gains
popularity as the "City of
Angels".
King Rama I passed away on September 7, 1809 at the age of 72.
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