When was Rama I born and what was his birth name?
Rama I was born on the 20th of March 1737 with the name Thongduang. He was born into a family of Mon nobility during the reign of King Boromakot of Ayutthaya.
Questions about Rama I
Short answers, pulled from the story.
How did Rama I become King of Siam and when did he ascend the throne?
Rama I ascended the throne on the 6th of April 1782 after defeating the rebels and seizing power from King Taksin. He established the Chakri dynasty and moved the capital to Rattanakosin on the east bank of the Chao Phraya river.
What major war did Rama I fight against Burma and when did it occur?
Rama I fought the Burmese, Siamese War of 1785, 1786 which is also known as the Nine Armies War. This conflict ended with the defeat of King Bodawpaya in the Tha Din Daeng campaign.
What legal and religious reforms did Rama I implement during his reign?
Rama I convened a council to standardize the Buddhist canon in 1788 and compiled the Three Seals Law in 1805 to regularize the legal order. He also established a purified Buddhist sect that allied Buddhism with the monarchy.
When did Rama I die and who succeeded him as the next king?
Rama I died in Bangkok on the 7th of September 1809 after a short but acute illness. He was succeeded by his son Prince Isarasundhorn who became King Phutthaloetla Naphalai known as Rama II.