In 1781, Gen Chao Phraya went on the campaigns against Cambodia, only to return prematurely due to the instability caused by a rebellion which deposed the ruler King Taksin. In 1782, Gen Chao Phraya defeated the rebels and then executed the ousted Taksin. He seized power and made himself King, establishing the Chakri Dynasty, which continues to rule Thailand to this day.
Chakri Kings of Thailand
Rama I, the Great (1782–1809), Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke (ruled 27 years)
Rama II (1809–1824), Buddha Loetla Nabhalai (15 years)
Rama III (1824–1851), Nangklao (27 years)
Rama IV (1851–1868), Mongkut (17 years)
Rama V, the Great, (1868–1910), Chulalongkorn (42 years)
Rama VI (1910–1925), Vajiravudh (15 years)
Rama VII (1925–1935), Prajadhipok (10 years)
Rama VIII (1935–1946), Ananda Mahidol (11 years)
Rama IX, the Great (since 1946, coronation 5 May 1950), Bhumibol Adulyadej
Nobody knows what kind of ruler Prince Vajiralongkorn would be. Many believe that Prince Vajiralongkorn will replace the Privy Council with his own men. One reason why Prince Vajiralongkorn is distrusted in military circles is his past association with Mr Thaksin who was said to have lavished money on the prince. That may have been the real reason for the coup which overthrew Thaksin,, which appeared to have the blessing of Prem Tinsulanonda, the chairman of the Privy Council and thus the king's chief adviser.
An old prophecy holds that the Chakri dynasty will last only nine generations. King Bhumibol is Rama IX. Republican voices are rising to the surface—unreported in Thailand's pliant media.
Within palace circles, however, there is a dawning realisation that change is coming. Senior royalists know that King Bhumibol's charisma and influence will not easily transfer to his successor.
Will the 'reincarnation' of king Taksin return to claim his throne?
Chakri Kings of Thailand
Rama I, the Great (1782–1809), Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke (ruled 27 years)
Rama II (1809–1824), Buddha Loetla Nabhalai (15 years)
Rama III (1824–1851), Nangklao (27 years)
Rama IV (1851–1868), Mongkut (17 years)
Rama V, the Great, (1868–1910), Chulalongkorn (42 years)
Rama VI (1910–1925), Vajiravudh (15 years)
Rama VII (1925–1935), Prajadhipok (10 years)
Rama VIII (1935–1946), Ananda Mahidol (11 years)
Rama IX, the Great (since 1946, coronation 5 May 1950), Bhumibol Adulyadej
Nobody knows what kind of ruler Prince Vajiralongkorn would be. Many believe that Prince Vajiralongkorn will replace the Privy Council with his own men. One reason why Prince Vajiralongkorn is distrusted in military circles is his past association with Mr Thaksin who was said to have lavished money on the prince. That may have been the real reason for the coup which overthrew Thaksin,, which appeared to have the blessing of Prem Tinsulanonda, the chairman of the Privy Council and thus the king's chief adviser.
An old prophecy holds that the Chakri dynasty will last only nine generations. King Bhumibol is Rama IX. Republican voices are rising to the surface—unreported in Thailand's pliant media.
Within palace circles, however, there is a dawning realisation that change is coming. Senior royalists know that King Bhumibol's charisma and influence will not easily transfer to his successor.
Will the 'reincarnation' of king Taksin return to claim his throne?
