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The International Journal of the Royal Society of Thailand

Volume XVI-2024 (Special Issue)

create new literary works, including Traibhumi Lokawinicchai, Tamraphichai Songkhram,

Khlong Tamra Chang, Rachaniti, Nitan Sibsong Liam, Ratanaphimpawong, Chinkanlamali,
Sangkitiyawong, Chindamani, Samkok, Saihan, Racha Thirat, and the Royal Chronicles of

Ayutthaya.

5. Defending the Kingdom
During the early establishment of Bangkok as the new capital, King Rama I not only laid

the social, cultural, and economic foundations of the nation but also had to safeguard the
kingdom against external threats, particularly from Burma. Over his reign, Thailand faced seven

wars with Burma, with the Burmese invading six times and Thailand launching a counterattack
once. The “Nine Armies War” in 1785, fought at Lad Ya in Kanchanaburi, was the largest military

engagement between Thailand and Burma. Despite being vastly outnumbered, unity of
the people, strong leadership, and bravery—exemplified by King Rama I and Prince Maha Sura

Singhanat—secured a decisive victory, forcing the Burmese to retreat.
Under the leadership of King Rama I, Thailand’s territorial reach expanded significantly,

with Cambodia, Laos, Lanna, and the northern Malay states becoming vassal states.
Even Vietnamese royalty sought refuge in Bangkok for four years before returning to establish

a new dynasty in their homeland.

The Passing and Commemoration of His Majesty King Rama I

King Rama I passed away on September 7, 1809, at the age of 72 years, 5 months,

and 19 days, after reigning for 27 years, 5 months, and 2 days. He had a total of 36 sons and
daughters.

In 1923, King Rama VI (King Vajiravudh) decreed that April 6 be observed as “Chakri Day”
to honor the immense contributions of King Rama I to the Thai people. This day involves an annual

ceremony at the Prasat Phra Thep Bidorn (Thep Bidorn Royal Hall) to pay homage to the statues
of the past kings of the Chakri Dynasty. In the reign of King Prajadhipok (King Rama VII), during

a celebration of the 150 anniversary of Bangkok’s establishment in 1932, His Majesty ordered
th
the construction of two royal monuments to commemorate King Rama I: a statue of King Rama I

the Great and a bridge spanning the Chao Phraya River linking Bangkok and Thonburi. The following
year, an official royal proclamation designated April 6 as “The Chakri Memorial Day,”

featuring ceremonies to pay royal homage to King Rama I Monument and the former kings at
the Prasat Phra Thep Bidorn. Later, in the reign of King Rama IX (King Bhumibol Adulyadej),

on September 22, 1981, the Cabinet conferred upon King Rama I the honorary title “Somdet

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