The Chakri Dynasty of Siam and Thailand - YouTube The Chakri Dynasty of Siam and Thailand Want to watch this again later? Sign in to add this video to a playlist. Need to report the video? Sign in to report inappropriate content. Rating is available when the video has been rented. This feature is not available right now. Please try again later. Uploaded on Sep 30, 2010 The Chakri Dynasty (also known as the House of Chakri) (Thai: ราชวงศ์จักรี: Rajawongse Chakri) is the current ruling royal house of the Kingdom of Thailand, the Head of the house is the King of Thailand. The dynasty has ruled Thailand since the founding of the Ratthanakosin era and the city of Bangkok in 1782 following the end of King Taksin of Thonburi's reign, when the capital of Siam shifted to Bangkok. The Royal house was founded by King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke an Ayutthayan military leader.

Prior to the founding of the dynasty, King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke (Rama I), held the title of Chao Pharaya Chakri for over ten years. This title was held by the greatest warlords of Ayuthaya and was meant to reflect the prowess of the holder on the battlefield. In the founding of the dynasty King Rama I himself chose both name and emblem for the dynasty. The Chakri which provides both name and emblem to the house of Chakri, is composed of the discus (Chakra) and the trident (Trisula, sometimes shortened to "Tri" in Thai language), the celestial weapon of the God Narayana (an avatar of Vishnu) of whom the Siamese king is seen as a personification. The coined name Chakri thus denotes the transcending force of divine strength and stability upon the physical realm. The current Head of the Dynasty is King Bhumibol Adulyadej since 1946, the Heir Apparent to the headship is Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn. The House's dynastic seat is the Grand Palace in Bangkok. Long Live Chakri Dynasty!

Chakri | Article about Chakri by The Free Dictionary Chakri | Article about Chakri by The Free Dictionary Chakri (also Chakkri), the royal dynasty of Thailand (formerly Siam) since 1782. The Chakri dynasty was founded by the Siamese military commander Phya Chakri, who came to power after the execution of King Taksin. The kings of the Chakri dynasty are Rama I (1782–1809), Rama II (1809–24), Rama III (1824–51), Mongkut (Rama IV, 1851–68), Chulalongkorn (Rama V, 1868–1910), Vajiravudh (Rama VI, 1910–25), Prajahipok (Rama VII, 1925–35), Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII, 1935–46), and Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX, since 1946; crowned 1950).

Kings of the Chakri Dynasty 72 27 King Rama I's son, His Majesty King Phutthaloetla Naphalai or Rama II, acceded to the throne peacefully and was fortunate to have inherited the crown during a time of relative stability. In the beginning, a son of King Taksin rebeled as pretender to the throne. The rebel was crushed by Prince Tub, later Rama III, and his soldiers. The last Burmese invasion also happened during this reign, but the town of Thalang (now Phuket) was recaptured by the king's brother. Rama II's reign was remarkable for the heights attained by Thai poetry, particularly in the works by the King himself and of Sunthorn Phu, one of the court poets. The reigns of King Rama II and his two sons, Rama III and IV, marked the first stage in the Thai kingdom's dealings with the West during the age of Imperialism. He was born a commoner, eldest son of a great general, and king in the making. He lived a life of a noble but not a royal before his father came to the throne.

RAMA II 57 14 Though a son of a minor wife from a Southern Muslim family and not the queen, His Majesty King Nangklao, or Rama III, succeded his father to the throne because of his proven ability as well as high ranking overseeing the ministry of trade and foreign affairs. Prince Monkut (later King Rama IV) was the rightful heir, but was much younger and having a lesser experience. During his reign, contacts with China increased especially through trade, and a renewed contact with Western countries most notably England and America. Under President Andrew Jackson, the Siamese-American Treaty of Amity and Commerce was signed, which is in fact still being used with some modern modifications. Rama III was known as a shrewd ruler who upheld Buddhism above all, but at the same time, allowed Christian missionaries to work in the Kingdom. It was also during his reign that the Kings of Siam were given names, as his grandfather (Rama I) was then known as the First Reign and his father (Rama II) was known as the Middle Reign. He named both previous kings. He was named Nangklao by his half brother during the next reign.

RAMA III 63 26 Monkut entered the monkhood throughout the reign of his half-brother, Rama III. As the new king, His Majesty King Monkut, or Rama IV, seriously embarked on reforms based on Western models in which he concentrated largely on the technological and organizational aspects of reform. Road buildings, canal diggings, ship building, the reorganization of the Thai army and administration, and the minting of money to meet demands of a growing monetary economy were the main changes during his reign. He was also able to fend off Western powers embarking on their colonising spree of Asia, losing some lands in the process, but was able to keep Siam free. He was also an accomplished astronomer. He predicted the coming of an eclipse during his reign, and organized a group of astrologers, both foreign and Thai, to witness the spectacular event. He also started the modernasation process of Thailand, which was dutifully continued by his son.

RAMA IV 63 17 King Monkut's son, His Majesty King Chulalongkorn , or Rama V, came to the throne at the age of 16 and died as one of Siam's most loved and revered kings, after a remarkable reign of 42 years. Modern Thailand may be said to be a product of the comprehensive and progressive reforms of his reign, for these touched almost every aspects of Thai life. The King faced the western world with an eager attitude, and adapted some Western ideas and inventions in progressing Thailand to a modern and up-to-date future. He was the first King to travel to the Western countries and avoided Thailand from being colonized through careful negotiations with the English, French and Portuguese. He also travelled extensively throughout his kingdom for he was passionately interested in his subjects' welfare and was intent on the monarchy assuming a more visible role in society. During his reign, communications system was revolutionized, the post and telegraph services were introduced and a railway network was built. Such advances enabled the central government to improve its control over outlying provinces.

RAMA V 57 42 King Chulalongkorn's son and heir, His Majesty King Vajiravudh , or Rama VI, was the first Thai king to have been educated abroad, in his case at Harrow School and Oxford in England. He was notable for his accomplishments as a poet, dramatist and polemicist, and was notable in the modernization of the educational system. He set up Vajiravudh College, the first English public school style boarding school and the first university named after his father, Chulalongkorn. His contacts with foreign royalties was by far the most wide of all the kings of the Chakri Dynasty, with foreign royals attending his coronation ceremony , the first and only time in Thailand's history. With his English education, the king started to experiment with the constitutional model, creating a subsystem of democracy within the Phyathai Palace, calling it Dusit Thani. This experiment was a basis that was continued by his brother, Rama VII, who did not have the chance to bring it to fruition, but rather a new model forced upon him by the uprising and change.

RAMA VI 44 15 His Majesty King Prajadhipok , or Rama VII, was also the son of Rama V and the younger brother of Rama VI. He was a liberal and a conscientious man. He was well aware of the desirability of establishing Siam in the international political community as a country with a modern and liberal constitutional system of government. His plan to grant a form of democracy to Siam slowly, together with educating his people over time, so both the system and the people can adapt to become a near-perfect system. He granted democracy in 1932, not putting his plan into action, but a more hurried version pressured by a group of nobles wanting to make the power their own. This finally ended absolute monarchy in Siam. He thus became the first constitutional monarch. In 1935, the king abdicated the throne as he was not happy of how Siam has evolved, for which he had no control over at all. With corruption becoming the norm since the first day of change, the king went abroad to live quietly in England until his death in 1941.

He became the first Thai King to die abroad, and not receiving the Royal Funeral Procession accorded to the past and future Siamese Kings. RAMA VII 47 9 The new king was His Majesty King Ananda Mahidol , or Rama VIII, then a ten-year-old grandson of Rama V. He was very much loved by the people, but due to his young age, was mostly away pursuing his studies in Switzerland. During his absence, the People's Party was left relatively free in shaping the destiny of a kingdom. His kingship had a Regency Committee headed at times by his uncle Prince Rangsit Prayurasakdi of Chainat and s cousin, Prince Aditya Dibabha. King Ananda Mahidol returned to Thailand in 1945, and unexpectedly died in 1946 of a gunshot wound to his head in his bedroom at the Baromphiman Mansion. His death is still unsolved with many individuals being charged and rumours abound. It was ruled that it was not a suicide, but could not prove of a murder.

The Prime Minister at the time, Pridi Banomyong was blamed by many royal descendants as politics was far from stable, and the king had too much popularity. Pridi was finally exiled in 1947, quietly returning to stage a coup, caught and exiled again in 1949 this time for life. Pridi was named a great personality by UNESCO, but his name is still a taboo in royal circles. RAMA VIII 20 11 King Ananda's younger brother, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej became Rama IX, and is the present king of the Thai kingdom. He is much loved and revered. He is the first Thai king to visit all corners of Thailand, all provinces of the kingdom, giving help to the people. He has been given the title "the Great" when he is still alive, for his love of his people is undisputedly great. Currently, he is the World's longest reigning monarch, and his 50th year on the Thai throne's celebration in 2006 was the biggest that Thailand, and possibly the world, has ever seen.

It was the first time that most of the Royals from around the world has gathered under one roof, not seen since the coronation ceremony of King Rama VI in 1911. RAMA IX Chakri dynasty Chakri dynasty The Chakri dynasty ( Thai : ราชวงศ์จักรี; rtgs : Ratchawong Chakkri, Thai pronunciation: , Pronunciation ) is the current ruling royal house of the Kingdom of Thailand , while the Head of the house is the monarch . The dynasty has ruled Thailand since the founding of the Rattanakosin Era and the city of Bangkok in 1782 following the end of King Taksin of Thonburi ‘s reign, when the capital of Siam shifted to Bangkok. The royal house was founded by King Rama I , an Ayutthayan military leader of Sino - Mon descent. Prior to the founding of the dynasty, King Rama I held for years the title Chakri , the title of the civil chancellor (สมุหนายก). In founding the dynasty, King Rama I himself chose “Chakri” as the name for the dynasty.

The emblem of the dynasty is composed of the discus ( Chakra ) and the trident ( Trisula ), the celestial weapons of god Vishnu and Shiva , whom the Thai sovereign is seen as an incarnation. The current head of the house is King Maha Vajiralongkorn who was proclaimed king on 1 December 2016, but has actually reigned with retroactive effect since 13 October 2016 after the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej . The house’s current dynastic seat is the Grand Palace in Bangkok. Contents Photograph of Mahidol Adulyadej, Prince of Songkla and Mom Sangwan (later the Princess Mother ). The Chakri Mahaprasat, inside the Grand Palace in Bangkok, the dynastic seat and official residence of the dynasty. The present royal family of Thailand is descended from Prince Mahidol Adulyadej of Songkla (1891–1929) and Srinagarindra (later Princess Mother) (1900–95) forming the House of Mahidol (ราชสกุลมหิดล) (a cadet branch of the dynasty).

The Prince was a son of King Chulalongkorn and his wife Queen Savang Vadhana . The Prince was also the half-brother of both King Vajiravudh and King Prajadhipok . After the death of King Ananda Mahidol (Prince Mahidol’s elder son), King Bhumibol Adulyadej (the Prince’s younger son) ascended the throne in 1946. In 1949 the King married his first cousin once removed , Mom Rajawongse Sirikit Kitiyakara (a daughter of Mom Chao Nakkhatra Mangkala Kitiyakara , a grandson of King Chulalongkorn). Bhumibol was succeeded by his son Maha Vajiralongkorn officially on 13 October 2016, but was proclaimed King on 1 December 2016.

Members Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya (Eldest daughter of King Rama IX) Other Members HRH Princess Soamsawali (the King’s former consort and mother of Princess Bajrakitiyabha) Khun Ploypailin Jensen (Princess Ubolratana’s elder daughter) Khun Sirikitiya Jensen (Princess Ubolratana’s younger daughter) Thanpuying Dhasanawalaya Sornsongkram (the King’s cousin, daughter of the late Princess Galyani Vadhana ) Non-official members Juthavachara Vivacharawongse (the King’s first son, birth by his ex-wife) Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse (the King’s second son, birth by his ex-wife) Chakriwat Vivacharawongse (the King’s third son, birth by his ex-wife) Vatchrawee Vivacharawongse (the King’s fourth son, birth by his ex-wife) Former spouses Than Phu Ying Srirasmi Suwadee (ex-wife of the Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn) Virayudh Tishyasarin (ex-husband

 of the princess Chulabhorn Walailak) Peter Ladd Jensen (ex-husband of the princess Ubolratana Rajakanya) Recently deceased members HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) (2016) HRH Princess Bejaratana Rajasuda , King Rama IX’s cousin (the only daughter of King Vajiravudh ) (2011) HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana , the Princess of Naradhiwas (King Rama IX’s elder sister) (2008) Khun Bhumi Jensen (Princess Ubolratana’s son) (2004) HRH Princess Srinagarindra , the Princess Mother (King Rama IX’s mother, also mother of King Rama VIII ) (1995) Line of succession to the Thai throne Photograph of King Bhumibol, Queen Sirikit and their four children, taken in 1966.

Thai Royal Family At his coronation, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej uttered the momentous Oath of Succession: "We shall reign with righteousness, for the benefit and happiness of the Siamese people." His activities since then have borne out the truth of those words. From the beginning of his reign, King Bhumibol Adulyadej has selflessly devoted his time and effort to the well-being and welfare of the Thai people. Numerous projects have been initiated under his guidance. Driven by a desire to know his people and their living conditions, His Majesty, shortly after his coronation, made a historical journey to the impoverished northeastern provinces. Accompanied by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the young king was enthusiastically welcomed by hundreds of thousands of villagers, many of whom had walked for days just for a fleeting glimpse of their new king and queen. This arduous 22-day trip became the model for all subsequent royal trips. Since then, His Majesty has visited every Thai province - by plane, helicopter, jeep, train, boat, or on foot - thus making him the most widely travelled king in Thai history.

Through these visits to provincial and rural areas, His Majesty has been able to gain valuable insight into his people's lives and problems, thus keeping himself informed about a wide range of rural difficulties; some are peculiar to a certain locality while others common to an entire region. Moreover, he has become a father-like figure to millions of his subjects who are no longer amazed to find him suddenly in their village, available for consultation about matters both trivial and serious. During his trip to rural areas, His Majesty consults not only officials and local monks, but also solicits first-hand information from farmers and agricultural workers concerning their common problems, needs and hopes. On returning to Bangkok, he initiates steps to ensure that villagers receive the required assistance. If governmental departments are unable to effect immediate assistance, he will often use his own funds to initiate relief. Such assistace is currently supported with funds from the Chai Phatthana Foundation established in 1988 by His Majesty . Never one to simply issue directives, His Majesty makes proposals and seeks the cooperation of the local population in order to ensure their successful implementation.

Over 1,000 small-scale "royally suggested" projects have been started in this way, covering the whole spectrum of rural problems in Thailand, from the introduction of new cash crops to water and soil conservation, from swamp drainage to the preservation of national forests. In all cases, the aim is not only to serve immediate needs, but also the needs of future generations by conserving the existing ecosytem and seeking to restore areas that have already suffered from misuse. Some of these projects, notable those involving crop substitution, have proved so successful that the United Nations hopes to emulate them in other countries facing similar problems. One of the earliest and most innovative projects initiated by His Majesty was the Royal Project in the North. The slash-and-burn technique of clearing virgin forests as used by the migratory tribal people living in Thailand's mountainous North has had an increasingly adverse effect on the environment, resulting in deforestation of vast watershed areas. The traditional cultivation of opium poppies has also caused a problem for the government. The King's project sought to address these problems and also to improve the qaulity of life of the hilltribes. Under this programme, a wide variety of cash crops which yield larger profits than opium have been introduced.

The programme also provides assistance in the form of growing and marketing techniques, as well as bringing educational and medical facilities to permanent settlements. The results can be seen clearly not only in tribal communities who have joined the project, but also in the supermarkets of Bangkok and in numerous new export products. International recognition of the project's effectiveness has come in many forms, including financial grants and expert assistance from several foreign governments. In 1988, the Royal Project was awarded the Ramom Magsaysay Award, the Asian equivalent of the Nobel Prize, in the area of international understanding. To overcome water shortage problems in the Northeast, reservoirs and dams have been built and alternative crops tested to increase farmers' income. Swamp drainage has been a concern of royally-initiated projects in the South, together with land reclamation and preservation of mangrove forests. In a number of experimental centers set up at His Majesty's initiative near the Gulf of Thailand, various agencies are demonstrating ways that surrounding villagers can improve crop yields in the sandy soil; certain important new sources of income such as the breeding of fresh-water and brackish water fish and prawns have also been introduced with notable success.

In creating his unique version of a modern monarchy, His Majesty has been a significant force in other areas besides that of rural development. His moral leadership, personal as well as symbolic, has proven immensely important, sometimes decisive, in a number of national crises since he came to the throne, always on the side of peace and stability and remaining within the limits of his constitutional authority. Firmly committed to the development of democratic principles, he has also restrained impulsive officials from acting for their own interests to the detriment of the nation. The political stability which has played such an essential part in Thailand's remarkable economic growth over the past decade has been largely due to the fact that leaders of all factions share a deep repect of his views on such matters. His Majesty provided equally wise counsel during Thailand's struggle against communist insurgency. Drawing upon his wide experience of rural areas, he suggested solutions aimed at relieving rural poverty and inspiring confidence in the open-minded policies of the authorities. Today, most former insurgents have been peacefully reassimilated into Thai life.

Chakri Dynasty commemorated on April 6 & 8 - Pattaya Mail Pattaya Mail Chakri Dynasty commemorated on April 6 & 8 April 3, 2013 Tweet on Twitter The Kingdom of Thailand commemorates annually the Chakri Dynasty on April 6. However, since the April 6 is a Saturday this year, Monday, April 8 will be the government holiday in lieu. Banks, government offices and many business offices will be closed on Monday in observance of this special day. However, currency exchange booths will remain open. Chakri Day (April 6) was first instituted by H.M. King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) in the year 1919 to commemorate all the Kings in the Chakri Dynasty, which started with Rama I and continues to this day with Rama IX, H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great. The reigning Kings in the House of Chakri brought peace and tranquility to the people within Thailand’s borders and successfully protected the Kingdom, maintaining sovereignty and integrity through crucial periods threatened by European colonization and two World Wars.

In commemorating Chakri Day the national flag is proudly displayed by the people of Thailand and all government officials and members of the community participate in traditional ceremonies, making offerings of flowers and garlands at the many statues of Kings in the House of Chakri. The Chakri Dynasty, or the “House of Chakri” followed the reign of King Taksin the Great, when He abdicated due to poor health. The Chakri Dynasty was ushered in on 6 April 1782 when a close aid of King Taksin, General Chakri, marched back into Thonburi and assumed the throne as H.M. King Buddha Yod Fa Chulalok the Great (Rama I). Each Monarch thereafter has had “Rama” as part of their title. Chakri Dynasty – Chronology of the present-day Dynasty of Thailand King Buddha Yod Fa Chulalok the Great (Rama I) 1782-1809 Rama I King Buddha Yod Fa Chulalok the Great was chosen King in 1782, becoming the founder and first ruler of the House of Chakri.

During the year of his accession to the throne 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. Many historians have stated that modern Siam dates from his reign. King Buddha Loet La Nabhalai (Rama II) 1809-1824 Rama II King Buddha Loet La Nabhalai (Rama II) was the only Maha Uparaja (Deputy King, appointed by his father King Rama I in 1806) to eventually succeed to the throne during the period of the Chakri Dynasty. 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, and the arts flourished during his reign.

King Nang Klao (Rama III) 1824-1851 Rama III During King Nang Klao’s reign trade prospered and territorial advances were made as the vassal states of the north and east came more firmly under the rule of Bangkok. During his rule, in 1833, the first treaty with the United States was signed. Extensively encouraged international trading and education, enhanced promotion of Buddhism and built many temples. His Majesty King Mongkut (Rama IV) 1851-1868 Rama IV Modernized Thailand in both commerce and education, and instituted reforms which would adapt the country to western ways. Known as the “Father of Thai Scientists”, he was famous for his astrology. Before becoming King, the then Prince Mongkut entered the monkhood. Ironically, it was this period in monkhood, which required him to take a vow of poverty and self-denial, that gave Prince Mongkut a good understanding of statecraft. It allowed him to meet people from all walks of life, from the humblest to the elite, Thais as well as foreigners.

He traveled to various parts of the Kingdom, barefoot, depending on offerings of food and other necessities from the people. From the Thais, he gained an invaluable first-hand insight into their welfare and livelihood. From the foreigners, he obtained precious information about the outside world, especially about technology and science. King Chulalongkorn the Great (Rama V) 1868-1910 Rama V King Chulalongkorn the Great is one of the most beloved and revered of all the Chakri Kings – during his long reign of 42 years 23 days great advances were achieved for the country. He abolished slavery, extensively contacted the Western world, modernized the government, education, transportation, and communication. Bonds of friendship between himself and the various European royal families were formed which exist to the present day. He successfully managed to cultivate the idea of Siam as a buffer state between the colonial possessions of the European powers in South-East Asia. The price he paid of losing certain border territories was amply rewarded, for Siam was never colonized – the only country in the region to maintain its sovereignty throughout the period of colonial expansionism.

King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) 1910-1925 Rama VI King Vajiravudh was educated in England and his great love of literature and poetry in both Thai and English together with his scholastic abilities was later to manifest itself during his reign. Among his lasting achievements were devising a system of transliteration of Thai into English and of translating the entire works of Shakespeare into Thai. His passion for traditional Thai theater and ballet has left a mass of published scores which form the basis of the study of these arts to the present day. He continued the work of Rama V in modernizing Thailand, promoted education and established the Boy Scouts in Thailand. King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) 1925-1935 Rama VII King Prajadhipok’s reign coincided with the worldwide economic depression which followed the Wall Street Crash of 1929 and its effects were not unfelt in Siam. On April 6, 1932 the country celebrated the sesquicentenary of the Chakri Dynasty – two months later the eventual transferal of power to a Legislative Assembly began.

On December 10, 1932 King Prajadhipok granted a constitution to the Thai people, and the Constitutional Monarchy of the present day was born. King Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII), 1935-1946 Rama VIII A direct grandson of King Rama V, King Ananda Mahidol was the eldest son and second child of H.R.H. Prince Mahidol Adulyadej, Prince of Songkla. He succeeded his uncle, King Prajadhipok, as King on March 2, 1935. King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great (Rama IX) 1946 to the present Rama IX A true monarch of the people and guiding light for the whole Thai nation. Saved Thailand from many crises, dedicated to raising the living standards of the poor, especially in remote regions. As his reign advances, the growing reverence of the Thai people for their sovereign has become ever more apparent. On May 5, 1987, to mark his then forthcoming 60th birthday, King Bhumibol Adulyadej was proclaimed “the Great” by the prime minister of Thailand.

On July 2, 1988, HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great celebrated his record reign – the day on which he had reigned longer than any of his predecessors. To this day, he remains the longest reigning monarch in the world. TAGS Details of Bangkok at street level - A royal city - Hong Kong to Bangkok - Bangkok at street level - A royal city Hong Kong to Bangkok Bangkok at street level - A royal city Bangkok is the centre of royal Thailand and home to monarchs of the Kingdom since the country’s inception. Bangkok has experienced the most recorded reigns in the world, beginning with the Ayutthaya Kingdom in the mid-14th century. The Ayutthaya Kingdom encompassed the Chao Phraya basin, which was named Siam, with Bangkok as its capital. After 300 years of rule, the Ayutthaya was taken over by the Chakri Dynasty in 1782, ushering in a new royal family that still rules today. The current monarch is King Bhumibol Adulyadej, otherwise known as Rama IX, who is the ninth king of the House of Chakri.

Crowned in 1946, King Bhumibol is also the longest reigning monarch in Thai history, whose official title places him as Head of State, Head of the Armed Forces, Upholder of the Buddhist Religion, and Defender of all Faiths. However, in 1973 the Thai people voted for a prime minister, in a move that, for the first time in Thai history, relieved the king of some of his ruling responsibilities. Even so, the King still holds a huge amount of power, reflected in his official residence at the Grand Palace: a multi-building estate in the heart of Bangkok, built at the start of the Chakri Dynasty. The palace’s intricate red and gold roofs stand out against the modern concrete buildings of Bangkok's ever-growing footprint. The royal family, especially King Bhumibol and his wife, are highly respected and beloved by most Thai people, and pictures of the King can be seen across Bangkok. Though he is considered the Father of the Land, many older Thai citizens feel they have grown up with Rama IX as he became king at the very young age of 18. The election of a prime minister enabled the King to take on social outreach projects that have greatly benefited many of his citizens.

He is known to have visited every single part of his kingdom, helping the needy by providing key infrastructure to rural areas. As a result, King Bhumibol is considered semi-divine by many Thai people, and is credited with the growth of the country during his rule. The official website of Tourism Authority of Thailand select type: Economy Thailand’s economy remains export-dependent, with exports accounting for 60% of a GDP that stood at roughly THB 7.7 trillion (approximately USD 270 billion) as of 2008. This positions the economy of Thailand as the 2nd largest in Southeast Asia, after Indonesia, a distinction it has held for many years. Thailand’s exports, worth approximately USD180 billion per annum, consist primarily of agricultural products, including fish and rice, the latter of which Thailand is the largest exporter of in the world, as well as textiles, rubber, automobiles, jewelry, and computers/electronic appliances. With the seventh lowest unemployment rate in the world, and only 10% of the population living below the poverty line, Thailand is a relatively economically developed nation.

However, while one of the premier tourist destinations in the world, the Thai economy only receives around 7% of its GDP from international tourism revenue, a figure which is nonetheless a substantial 550 billion Baht (nearly USD 16 billion). Politics The Thailand government is based a constitutional monarchy quite similar to that of the United Kingdom, in which a Prime Minister serves as head of a parliamentary government and a hereditary Thai king functions as head of state. This form of Thailand government has been in place since 1932 following nearly 700 years of outright rule by various lines of Thai kings; the current Thai King, His Majesty King Bhumibol Aduyadej (Rama IX) is the reigning monarch of the Chakri Dynasty that has ruled Thailand since the fall of Ayutthaya and the founding of the Rattakosin Era. The widely revered Thai King serves as spiritual leader of the country as well as head of state, but wields no outright political authority. The Thailand Government is formed by a coalition of political parties headed by a Prime Minister.

While Thailand has undergone numerous coup d’etats since becoming a constitutional monarchy and Thailand politics is a contentious affair, Thai people are politically active and place high value on their arguably tenuous democracy. Government of Thailand Thailand has existed as a modern nation-state since the founding of the Chakri Dynasty and the establishment of Bangkok as its capital in 1782. In 1932, a ‘revolution’ absolved the absolute rule of the monarchy and established a Constitutional Monarchy, removing the political authority of the crown and founding a nascent ‘democracy’. In 1946, direct elections were finally held in which the people of Thailand voted for members of a bicameral legislature (Senate and House of Representatives) to be presided over by a Prime Minister representing the executive branch. The Judiciary, including a Supreme Court, acts independently of the executive office and the legislature, though it was not until the 1996 constitution that more effective checks and balances were instituted. From its inception ‘democracy’ in Thailand has been turbulent, with 17 coup d’etats passing power back and forth between leaders of the military and an elite bureaucracy that borders on plutocracy.

The country has also been governed under 17 different constitutions; the Kingdom's current constitution the result of the most recent coup d’etat, a bloodless overthrow of then Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawattra in 2006. Currently, Thailand is embroiled in political wrangling over the implications of that coup and the subsequent legislative shake up caused by mass protests both against and in favor of the former Prime Minister. Nonetheless, the Thai people are very politically active and value their freedom despite their tenuous democracy. The Monarchy and the King of Thailand Thailand had been ruled outright by kings of various realms since the thirteenth century; it was not until 1932 that Thailand became a constitutional monarchy, a system not unlike that of the United Kingdom, in which the Thai King serves as Head of State and spiritual leader of the country, but wields no outright political authority. The current King of Thailand, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) is the ninth Thai king from the House of Chakri, which has ruled Thailand since the founding of Bangkok by King Phutthayotfa Chulalok (Rama I) in 1782.

H.M. King Bhumibol was born in Massachusetts, USA while his father, who did not serve as King of Thailand, was attending Harvard University. H.M. Bhumibol ascended the throne as King of Thailand in 1946 following the death of his brother and has since attained the distinction of being the world’s longest reigning monarch and the longest reigning Thai King in Thailand’s history. While the King of Thailand has little direct power, under the constitution King Bhumibol is a symbol of national identity and unity; indeed, the Thai King commands enormous popular respect and moral authority, both of which he has leveraged on a few rare occasions to resolve political crises that have threatened national stability. In more recent years however, he has maintained a more hands-off approach, urging Thais to learn to resolve their differences in an amicable way for the good of their country. The Thai King and the members of the Royal Family are deeply revered by the Thai people for the Royal Family’s passionate commitment to the welfare its people.

In Thailand, respect for the Royal Family goes beyond mere custom however, it is safeguarded by law: it is not only socially unacceptable to disparage members of the Royal Family or their likenesses; it is punishable under lese majeste law. Furthermore, it is required to stand in respect to the King at the commencement of films and to stop walking and/or stand during the playing of the national anthem at 8 am and 6 pm. On the lighter side, it has become fashionable to pay respect to the king by wearing a yellow shirt on Monday’s since the 60th anniversary of the king’s reign in 2006. While both the King’s official residence, the Grand Palace, and his traditional residence, Chitralada Palace, are located in Bangkok (where the King has instituted an agricultural research center), the King and Queen are typically found at Klai Kangwon Villa in the seaside town of Hua Hin. Notable Kings of Thailand: In Thai history there have been 36 Kings of Lan Na, 9 of Sukhothai, 9 of Chiang Mai, 8 of Nan, 36 of Ayutthaya, 1 of Thonburi, and 9 of Bangkok.

While each has certainly made important contributions to Thai history, the following Kings stand out in the annals of Thai history: Mangrai, Lan Na (R. 1259 – 1317) The founder of the Lan Na Kingdom, Mangrai had just become ruler of Chiang Saen at age 21 when he set about uniting the disparate realms of northern Thailand. By 24 he had founded the city of Chiang Rai and established his capital there. Mangrai forged an alliance between Ngam Muang of Phayao and Ramkhamhaeng of Sukhothai while using subterfuge to assume control of the ancient Mon city of Haripunjaya. As founder of Chiang Mai in 1296, Mangrai oversaw the construction of many important Buddhist shrines and his great alliance among Tai and Mon tribes allowed him to ward off Mongol invaders. Ramkhamhaeng, Sukhothai (R. ca. 1279 - 1298) As a 19 year old prince of a fledgling kingdom, Rama led his fathers troops to victory and thus earned the name Ramkhamhaeng (Rama the bold).

As king, he was a populist, assuring his subjects of fair treatment and allowing them freedom to worship animist spirits while staunchly supporting the development of Buddhism. The kingdom of Sukhothai flourished during his reign as he generally chose to avoid unnecessary conflict and allied himself with King Mangrai of Lan Na and Ngam Muang of Phayao. Almost exclusively under the reign of King Ramkhamhaeng was Sukhothai an expansive and prosperous kingdom that would develop an artistic style renowned for its great beauty. Ramathibodi, Ayutthaya (R. 1351 – 1369) Perhaps born of wealthy immigrant Chinese merchants, U Thong married wisely and applied political skill and familial relations shrewdly to fill the void of power in Central Thailand following the decline of Sukhothai and the waning reach of Angkor. Installing his son on the throne of Lopburi and founding his new kingdom along the Chao Phraya River, Ramathibodi I, first King of Ayutthaya, established a powerful kingdom that may even have sacked Angkor. Naresuan, Ayutthaya (R. Jun 1590 – Apr.

25, 1605) In the decades before Naresuan assumed the throne, the Kingdom of Ayutthaya was in shambles. The throne was held by a puppet of neighboring Burma, which had recently conquered the city. While the Burmese razed, looted, and depopulated Ayutthaya for a decade, the Khmers decimated the Thai eastern provinces and there was little glimmer of respite or hope. Enter Naresuan who slew the Burmese crown prince in a duel atop war elephants and then proceeded to change the balance of power in Southeast Asia, ‘liberating’ Lan Na and even offering his navy to China for battle with Japan. Narai, Ayutthaya (R. Oct. 26, 1656 – Jul. 11, 1688) Narai assumed the throne during a period of domestic and international uncertainty. Establishing a royal monopoly on nearly all goods produced in the kingdom, Narai fostered economic growth of the kingdom often at the expense of European trading companies and long-established communities of diverse foreign nationals.

While wooed by Christian and Islamic proselytizers, Narai and his worldly Greek aide de camp established Siam as an influential player in international relations and Asian trade, balancing complex political and commercial interests. Taksin, Thonburi (R. 1767 – 1782) Burmese armies had decimated Ayutthaya in 1767, leaving but a small garrison behind in the ravaged capital. The Siamese, with no capital, no king, and no government were in despair. The Governor of Tak, a half Chinese-half Thai man of considerably charisma and military cunning established his base at Thonburi and defeated the remaining Burmese troops. His ability to raise capital and re-conquer all the Siamese territory once held by Ayutthaya –in addition to annexing Siem Reap and Battambang and later subjugating Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Chiang Mai- allowed him to justify his ascension to the throne he had usurped. Phra Phutthayotfa Chulalok (Rama I), Bangkok (R. Apr. 6, 1782 – Sep.

7, 1809) Tong Duang, the Chaophraya Chakri, was a military commander who was responsible for many of the successful campaigns that reestablished Siam under the rule of King Taksin. Both he and his wife were of noble families of Ayutthaya and after an uprising deposed (and executed) Taksin, the Chakri was popularly nominated and crowned King Ramathibodi. He established his capital at Bangkok and the city quickly flourished thanks in great part to his insightful religious, bureaucratic, and legislative reforms and a reinstitution of royal and public ceremonies. Through subsequent battles against Burma, Siam was able to reassert itself as the dominant player in the heartland of Southeast Asia. Mongkut (Rama IV), Bangkok (R. Apr. 3, 1851 – Oct. 1, 1868) Just prior to his father’s death Mongkut was ordained at an unusually young age and he studiously absorbed the knowledge of Buddhist texts and the mental discipline of meditation. His brother, King Rama III, appointed Mongkut abbot of a new Buddhist order, which also served as a center for western scientific and mathematic studies.

As King, Mongkut made economic concessions to foreign powers and established personal diplomatic relations with various world powers in order to insulate Siam against British and French colonialism. He also set a slow course for domestic changes that he knew would take time to implement. Chulalongkorn (Rama V), Bangkok (R. Oct. 1, 1868 – Oct. 23, 1910) Appointed King at the age of 15 upon his father’s death, King Chulalongkorn had been groomed by his father to lead Thailand into the 20th century. Benefiting from a classical Thai education, a western tutor (Anna Leonowens), and several years of hands-on apprenticeship with his father, Chulalongkorn began enacting reforms immediately upon being crowned after coming of age. Among the accomplishment during his storied 42 year reign were the abolition of slavery, restructuring the form of government to a more modern and effective bureaucracy, and consequently making concessions to foreign powers in order to maintain Siam’s sovereignty. Prajadhipok (Rama VII), Bangkok (R. Nov. 26, 1925 – Mar.

2, 1935 – abdicated) The youngest son of King Chulalongkorn and 76th of 77 children, Prajadhipok was an unlikely selection to succeed his much better prepared elder brother (Rama VI). After coming to power amidst the economic turmoil that soon spiraled into the Great Depression, Prajadhipok reigned for just 10 years and is best known today for serving as the last absolute monarch of the Kingdom of Siam, abdicating his throne after a Constitutional Monarchy was established in 1932. Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), Bangkok (R. Jun. 9, 1946 – present) The current reigning King of Thailand, the longest reigning King in Thai history, and the longest reigning current head of state in the world, H.M. King Buhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) is also one of the most revered monarchs in Thai history and one of the most respected leaders in the world.

Musician, photographer, scientist, and man of the people, King Bhumibol has served as spiritual leader of his people for over six decades, acting as a symbol of stability and hope for a country often shaken by political upheaval and fostering numerous programs along with members of his royal family to bring economic prosperity to his people. CHULABHORN GRADUATE INSTITUTE Chakri Day Another day of regal significance is the Chakri Day on April 6. A public holiday in Thailand, it is officially called the Chakri Memorial Day, as it is the day to commemorate the founding day of the Chakri Dynasty by King Rama I in 1782, and to honor the royal lineage with its long tradition of producing the Chakri monarchs all industrious and intent on developing the Kingdom of Siam, now commonly known as Thailand. The now ruling King Bhumibol or King Rama IX belongs to the Royal House of Chakri; he is the ninth king.

The activities of the day are mainly official ones, centered on the ceremonies dedicated to King Rama I in particular, as he was the first ruler and founder of the city of Bangkok, or Krung Thep (the City of Angels). King Rama I had been a military commander before he agreed to rule following a political turmoil. So he reigned as King Rama I from April 1, 1782 onward. In the same year, for militarily strategic purposes, he established a new capital on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River, at the area which is now the Grand Palace. The occasion also marked the beginning of the new Rattanakosin Era with Bangkok as its capital city. The city has flourished since then. Almost 30 years ago it celebrated its bi-centennial anniversary. Bangkok also has become an important hub city in Southeast Asia. On Chakri Day a royal ceremony is performed by the King and members of the Royal Family to pay homage to King Rama I and the other previous monarchs who each played important roles and helped shape the country.

More ceremonies take place at King Rama I Statue at the Memorial Bridge, the first bridge connecting Bangkok to the Thonburi side on the west bank of the river. Latest update: 23 May 2016, 11:22:17

Question: The Royal House of Chakri has (at 2011) ruled which country since 1782?
Answer: Thailand