Page 54 - -25-0508(ALLs)

The First King of the Chakri Dynasty

and the Establishment of the Nation’s Foundation*

Professor Emeritus Piyanart Bunnag, PhD

Fellow of the Academy of Moral and Political Sciences,
The Royal Society of Thailand

Krisda Punyasmita
Associate Fellow of the Academy of Moral and Political Sciences,

The Royal Society of Thailand

Nadh Wisidhwatchara

Introduction
His Majesty King Phra Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke the Great (King Rama I), the first monarch of

the Chakri Dynasty (1782–1809), played a pivotal role in laying a strong foundation for Thailand.
His contributions spanned numerous domains, including the establishment of a new capital,

the development of political and governmental structures, the promotion of religion, arts,
and culture, as well as advancements in the economy, national defense, and foreign affairs.

The foundations he established are regarded as vital cornerstones of the nation, enduring firmly
and sustainably to the present day. These include the preservation of the nation, religion,

and monarchy as Thailand’s core institutions. Additionally, many of his contributions have become
intellectual and cultural legacies that continue to be of great benefit today.

The Foundation of the Nation during the Early Establishment of the Rattanakosin

Era (1782–1809)
His Majesty King Phra Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke the Great laid the foundation of the nation

during his reign, which was during the early establishment of the Rattanakosin Era (1782–1809)
as follows:

* This is an English version adapted from the article with the same title in Thai published in the book
“The Royal Institution and Academic Advancement of the Nation” (สถาบัันพระมหากษััตริย์์กับัวิิวิัฒนาการทางวิิชาการ
ของประเทศ), adapted from King Phra Buddha Yodfa Chulalok the Great and His “Royal Vision”
in Laying the Foundation of the Nation during the Early Rattanakosin Era (1782-1809), presented
at the meeting of the Academy of Moral and Political Sciences on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, and from
Krisda Punyasmita. “King Phra Buddha Yodfa Chulalok the Great and the Administration of Justice for
the People”. In the Office of the Royal Society. (2023). The First Monarch of the Chakri Dynasty and
the People. Bangkok: Office of the Royal Society.

47

7/7/2568 BE 15:17
-25-0508(001)P5.indd 47 7/7/2568 BE 15:17
-25-0508(001)P5.indd 47