Maha Senanurak

Maha Senanurak มหาเสนานุรักษ์
Viceroy of Siam
Tenure	7 September 1809 –16 July 1817
Appointer	Phutthaloetla Naphalai(Rama II)
Predecessor	Itsarasunthon(later Rama II)
Successor	Sakdiphonlasep
Born	(1773-03-29)29 March 1773 Thonburi Kingdom
Died	16 July 1817(1817-07-16)(aged 44) Bangkok,Siam
Spouse	Princess Samlee Various consorts
Issue	40 sons and daughters, including: Pavares Variyalongkorn
House	Chakri dynasty
Father	Phutthayotfa Chulalok(Rama I)
Mother	Amarindra
Religion	Theravada Buddhism

Maha Senanurak(Thai:สมเด็จพระบวรราชเจ้ามหาเสนานุรักษ์;March 29, 1773 – July 16, 1817) was aViceroyappointed by his brotherPhutthaloetla Naphalaias the titular heir to the throne. Maha Senanurak was known for his leadership of the Siamese campaign againstthe Burmese invasion of Thalang in 1809.

Early life

Chuiwas born to Chao Phraya Chakri (future KingPhutthayotfa Chulalokor Rama I) and his wife Nak (future QueenAmarindra) in 1773. In 1782, Chao Phraya Chakri crowned himself as the first monarch of theChakri dynastyof Siam at Bangkok. Chui was then made a prince. He was later awarded the titleKrom KhunSenanurak. Prince Senanurak was known to be close to his only true brother Prince andFront PalaceIsarasundhorn (futurePhutthaloetla Naphalaior Rama II).In 1807 Prince Isarasundhorn made his brother Prince Senanurak his successor to the Front Palace (Thai:พระบัณฑูรน้อย). In 1809, King Phutthayotfa Chulalok died. As a result, the Front Palace Isarasundhorn ascended the throne as King. The new King appointed Prince Senanurak as the next the Front Palace lord, and as his successor.

Countering the Burmese invasions

Main article:Burmese–Siamese War (1809–12)

In 1809 KingBodawpayaof Burma sent histroops to invade Thalang(modernPhuket.) Phutthaloetla Naphalai sent Maha Senanurak to counter this invasion. Around the same time Prince Kasatranuchit, a son of KingTaksinofThonburiand his sister Princess Chimyai, staged a rebellion to reclaim the throne. The rebellion was quickly suppressed by PrinceChetsadabodin(future King Rama III). Maha Senanurak's wife, Princess Samlee, a daughter of Taksin, was executed for treason.

Death

Senanurak fell ill and died in 1817. For the rest of his reign King Rama II refused to appoint a new Front Palace, perhaps leading to the brief confusion in the succession between his sonsChetsadabodinandMongkutafter his death in 1824.