Rama III

Nangklao นั่งเกล้า
King Rama III
Portrait at theGrand Palace, Bangkok
King of Siam
Reign	21 July 1824 – 2 April 1851
Coronation	1 August 1824
Predecessor	Phutthaloetla Naphalai(Rama II)
Successor	Mongkut(Rama IV)
Viceroy	Sakdiphonlasep
Born	Thap (Chetsadabodin) (1788-03-31)31 March 1788 Bangkok,Siam
Died	2 April 1851(1851-04-02)(aged 63) Bangkok, Siam
Spouse	Various consorts
Issue	51 sons and daughters
House	Chakri dynasty
Father	Phutthaloetla Naphalai(Rama II)
Mother	Sri Sulalai
Religion	Theravada Buddhism
Seal

Phra Bat Somdet Phra Nangklao Chaoyuhua(Thai:พระบาทสมเด็จพระนั่งเกล้าเจ้าอยู่หัว,RTGS:Phra Bat Somdet Phra Nangklao Chao Yu Hua;31 March 1788 – 2 April 1851), personal nameThap(Thai:ทับ), also styledRama III,was the thirdking of Siamfrom theChakri dynasty,ruling from 21 July 1824 to 2 April 1851.

Nangklao was the eldest surviving son of KingRama II.His motherSri Sulalaiwas one of Rama II's secondary wives. Nangklao was likely designated as heir by his father. His accession was uncontested and smoothly confirmed by the grand council. Foreign observers, however, falsely perceived him as having usurped the prior claim of his younger half-brother PrinceMongkut,who was born to QueenSri Suriyendraand thus "legitimate"according to Western customs.Under the old concept of Thai monarchy, however, a proper king must emulateMaha Sammatain that he must be "elected by the people."Ironically, Mongkut may have later contributed to this misconception, when he feared that his own accession might be perceived by foreign observers as a usurpation.

During Nangklao's reign, the militaryhegemonyof Siam was established by putting down theLaotian Rebellion(1826–1828, in what would come to be calledIsan), theSiamese–Vietnamese War (1831–34),and theSiamese-Vietnamese War fought in Cambodia (1841–45).

Early life

King Nangklao was born as Prince Thap in 1788 to Prince Itsarasunthon and one of his royal wivesChao Chom Manda Riam,who came from a Muslim noble family from the south. Following Isarasundhorn's coronation (posthumously known as Phutthaloetla Naphalai, or Rama II) in 1809, Prince Kshatriyanuchit (Mom Men), the surviving son of Taksin, revolted aspretenderto the throne. Prince Thap was assigned to suppress the rebellion, which he did. Praised by his father for his competence, Prince Thap was given theSanskrit-derived titleChetsadabodin,raised to the bureaucratic rank ofKromma Muen,and served his father asKromma Tha(minister of trade and foreign affairs.) As Kromma Tha, he developed proficiency in foreign trade, and developed an affection for Chinese goods and culture. Temples he later had constructed were characterized by Chinese influence. After a private audience in 1822, Crawfurd wrote of the Prince Krom-chiat that, "he seemed certainly to maintain the character assigned to him in public estimation, of being the most intelligent of all the princes and chiefs of the Siamese Court." The Portuguese Consul stated that the Prince had offered him a large sum of money, if he would translate from the French into the Portuguese language a history of the wars ofNapoleon,for the purpose of being rendered into Siamese through the Christian interpreters.

Succession

As the prince administered trade affairs, his half-brother Prince Mongkut pursued the way of religion, becoming amonkin 1824. In that year, Phutthaloetla Naphalai died suddenly without having named a successor toviceroyMaha Senanurak,who had died 16 July 1817. According to the traditions of royal succession, the viceroy oruparajawasheir presumptive.If there were none, then anad hocsenabodiconsisting of senior officials present at the death of a king, would elect a successor.Foreign observers accustomed to the concept of anheir apparentexpected Prince Mongkut, as a son of the queen, to ascend to the throne. However, the assembled Senabodi considered Prince Chetsadabodin a more competent choice as he had served the king inKromma Thafor years. Support came strongly from high-ranking nobility, includingChao PhrayaAbhay Pudhorn, theSamuha Nayok,andDis Bunnagthen Minister ofKromma Tha,and otherBunnag familymembers.

Chetsadabodin accepted the throne and wascrownedin 1824. He raised his mother,Riam,to Princess Mother Sri Suralai. He appointed his uncle,Sakdiphonlasep,viceroy on 21 July 1824 – who predeceased the king 1 May 1832, leading to yet another succession crisis. He did notname his reign,but was posthumously awarded the nameNangklaoby Mongkut, who had in the interim remained in ecclesiastic status to avoid the intrigues of royal politics.

Western contacts

During the First Anglo-Burmese War, Nangklao initially assisted the British during the war

The reign of Nangklao (as he was posthumously known) saw the renewal of Western contacts. In 1822, BritishEast India CompanyagentJohn Crawfurd's mission to Siamlaid the groundwork for a British request for Siamese support in theFirst Anglo-Burmese War,which broke out in 1824. Nangklao provided fleets and elephants and sent Siamese armies to participate in the invasion of Burma since the British promised Siam the conquered lands.PhrayaChumporn ordered theforced migrationofMergui(a common practice in Southeast Asia regarding the newly-conquered lands),which had been conquered by the British. The British were frustrated at Phraya Chumporn's actions, and hostilities were heightened. Nangklao ordered the Siamese armies to leave to avoid further conflict.

In 1825,Henry Burneyarrived to negotiate peace agreements. TheBurney Treatywas the first treaty with the West in theRattanakosin period.Its purpose was to establishedfree tradein Siam and to greatly reduce taxation on foreign trading ships. That it accomplished the objectives is disputed.

In 1833,US PresidentAndrew Jackson's "special agent" andenvoyEdmund Roberts,referring often to Crawfurd's account,concluded theSiamese–American Treaty of Amity and Commerce,signed at the Royal City of Sia-Yut'hia (Bangkok) on 20 March, the last of the fourth month of the year 1194 CS (Chula Sakarat). This treaty, with later modifications, is still in force.Dan Beach Bradley,an American physician and prominent Western personality of the time, introduced printing andvaccination.

Anouvong insurgency

Monarchs of theChakri dynasty
	Phutthayotfa Chulalok (King Rama I)
	Phutthaloetla Naphalai (King Rama II)
	Nangklao (King Rama III)
	Mongkut (King Rama IV)
	Chulalongkorn (King Rama V)
	Vajiravudh (King Rama VI)
	Prajadhipok (King Rama VII)
	Ananda Mahidol (King Rama VIII)
	Bhumibol Adulyadej (King Rama IX)
	Vajiralongkorn (King Rama X)

Main article:Lao rebellion (1826–1828)

The three Laotian kingdoms (Lan XanginVientiane,Luang Prabang,andChampasak) became Siamesetributary statesafterChao Phraya Maha Kshatriyaseuk(King Rama I, Nangklao's grandfather) had conquered them in 1778.Anouvong,the son of the king of Vientiene, was taken to Bangkok as a captive. He spent nearly thirty years in Siam and joined the Siamese forces in wars with Burma. In 1805, Anouvong returned to Vientiane to be crowned as the king.

In 1824, Phutthaloetla Naphalai died and, in the following year, Siam was dragged into conflicts with theBritish Empire.Anouvong saw this as an opportunity to wield his power. In 1825, returning from the funeral of Phutthaloetla Naphalai in Bangkok, Anouvong assembled a large force and went on the offensive. After defeating Bangkok-vassal principalities along the way, Anouvong capturedKorat,the main defensive stronghold of Siam in the northeast. He forced the city to be evacuated while marching toSaraburi,on approach to the capital, Bangkok. However, the Korat captives rebelled—said to have been at the instigation ofLady Mo,wife of a ruling noble of Korat—although this claim is countered by many historians who say Mo had no heroic role in the events at Tung Samrit, though a contemporary account did mention her action. As Bangkok gathered counterattacking troops, Anouvong withdrew to return to Vientiane.

Nangklao sent his uncleMaha Sakdi PolseptheFront PalaceandSing Singhaseni(at the timestyledPhrayaRatchasuphawadi) to defeat the armies of Anouvong inIsan.Anouvong was defeated and fled to Vietnam. The Siamese captured Vientiane and ordered the evacuation of the city.

In 1827, Nangklao ordered thetotal destructionof Vientiane. Anouvong returned to Laos with Vietnamese forces. Ratchasuphawadi led the Siamese to fight and the engagements occurred atNong Khai.Anouvong was defeated again and, after an attempt to flee, was captured. Vientiane was razed, extinguishing her 200 year reign, and ceased to be a kingdom. Anouvong was imprisoned in an iron cage in front of theSuthaisawan Halland died in 1829.

Vietnam and Cambodia

Main articles:Siamese–Vietnamese War (1831–1834)andSiamese–Vietnamese War (1841–1845)

In 1810, internal conflicts between Cambodian princes forcedAng ImandAng Duongto flee to Bangkok.Otteyrajaof Cambodia turned toGia Longof Vietnam for support against the opposing princes. However, this was perceived by Siam as treacherous as the two countries had fought for centuries for control of Cambodia.

In 1833, theLê Văn Khôi revoltagainstMinh Mạngbroke out in Vietnam.Lê Văn Khôi,the rebel leader, sought Siamese aid. Nangklao intended to take this opportunity to install a pro-Siamese monarch on the Cambodian throne.

Phraya Ratchasuphawadi, who had been promoted toChao PhrayaBodindecha, was ordered to captureSaigon.Dis Bunnag, the Minister ofKromma Tha,commanded a fleet to rendezvous with ground forces at Saigon. The two Cambodian princes, Ang Im and Ang Duong, also joined the expedition. Bodindecha tookUdongkand the fleet tookBantey Mas.The fleet proceeded to Saigon but was repelled.

Bodindecha then tookPhnom Penhand again invaded Vietnam by land in 1842. In 1845, the Vietnamese recaptured Phnom Penh, but Bodindecha was able to defend Udongk. In 1847, prompted by EmperorThiệu Trị's treatment of Christian missionaries, French forces invaded Vietnam. A cessation of hostilities with Siam was negotiated. Ang Duong was installed as the Cambodian monarch under the equal patronage of both Siam and Vietnam, thus ending the war.

Revolt of Kedah

In 1837, Krom Somdet Phra Sri Suralai, mother of Nangklao, died. All officials throughout the kingdom went to Bangkok to attend the funeral. At Syburi (KedahofMalaysianow), without the presence of Siamese governors, a nephew of theSultan of Kedahthen staged a revolt. Nangklao then sentTat Bunnagdown south to subjugate the rebellion quickly in 1838. Tat then suggested an autonomous government for Kedah Sultanate. In 1839, Kedah was divided into four autonomous parts.

Religious devotion and educational reforms

Nangklao was famous for hisBuddhistfaith. He fed the poor each day after becoming prince, and released animals every monastery day. More than 50 temples were built and repaired in his reign, including the first Chinese style temple atRajorasa,the highest stupa atWat Arun,the Golden Mountain at Wat Saket, the metal temple atWat Ratchanadda,and Chetupol Temple orWat Pho.Wat Pho is the site of the firstuniversityin Thailand. Under his reign, King Rama III was also responsible for the writing of the Chindamanee textbook and also the revision of the Buddhist textbook the Tripitaka which was to be distributed throughout the kingdom. In addition to that Rama III also allowed monks to use castles as classrooms for the teaching of Buddhism.

Death and legacy

Rama III statue at Wat Ratchanatdaram, Bangkok

Wat Yannawawas patronised by Nangklao, who ordered the temple enlarged and constructed many new structures within. The temple is shaped like a Chinese junk to commemorate the significance of Chinese commerce and influence in Siam during Nangklao's reign

Nangklao died on 2 April 1851 without having named a successor. He had 51 children including sons,but had raised none of his consorts to the queen. The throne passed to his half-brother, PrinceMongkut.

Nangklao stated on his deathbed that "Our wars with Burma and Vietnam were over, only the threats of the Westerners was left to us. We should study their innovations for our own benefits but not to the degree of obsession or worship." This vision coincided with Western intervention in Siam in the reign of Mongkut. He was able to predict, but not live to see the neighboring kingdoms of Burma and Vietnam fall to European colonial rule.

During his reign, trade between Siam and China became lucrative. The king kept his profits in redpursesbeside his bed, subsequently this money was known as "red purse money". Nangklao stipulated that the red purse money that he had earned through his business acumen should be set aside as the state's emergency fund for the future "so that Siam would be able to buy the land back" if it fell into a squabble with a foreign power. In the reign of his nephewChulalongkorn,Siam indeed had to pay reparations to France for the 1893Paknam incidentduring theFranco-Siamese crisis,and funding in part came from Nangklao's red purse money.

Legacy

• Thai baht15th Series banknotes issued to draw attention to deeds of Chakri Dynasty monarchs in agriculture, science, religion and finance, depicted King Rama III on the reverse of the 500 baht banknote issued 3 August 2001, with a partial quotation of his deathbed statement below aChinese sailing ship.
• A statue of Rama III was dedicated in the front ofWat Ratchanatdaram.
• Phra Nang Klao Hospitalis a hospital inNonthaburi Provincebearing his name.
• Phra Nang Klao Bridgeis a bridge across theChao Phraya Riverin Nonthaburi Province bearing his name, with thePhra Nang Klao Bridge MRT station.
• Maha Chesadabodindranusorn Bridgeis a bridge across the Chao Phraya River in Nonthaburi Province bearing his title.

Ancestry

Ancestors of Rama III
8. Thongdi, Phra Akson Sunthonsat 4.Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke, Rama I 9. Yok 2.Buddha Loetla Nabhalai, Rama II 10. Thong Na Bangxang 5.Nak Na Bangxang 11. Princess Rupsirisobhak Mahanagnari 1.Nangklao, Rama III 6. Bunchan, Phraya Nanthaburi Sri Maha-uthayan 3.Riam 14. Wang, Phraya Ratchawangsan 7. Pheng 15. Chu

See also

• List of people with the most children

External links

• Phra Bat Somdet Phra Nangklao Chao Yu Hua