King Rama I Monument, Bangkok
Situated at the foot of the Memorial Bridge Phra Pathom, King Rama I Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke is a monument in Bangkok. It is named after the King Rama I of Chakri dynasty and is built to honor the great king of Bangkok who had done many good reforms to uplift Bangkok.
King Rama I, formerly known as Thong Duang, was born in Ayutthaya on March 20, 1737 during the reign of King Barommakote. After the decline of Ayutthaya in 1767, he joined the royal palace as an officer. At the age of 25, he was promoted to be the governor of Ratchaburi Province and helped King Taksin in restoring the country's sovereignty on a number of occasions. He was also the first Somdetch Chao Phraya, the highest rank the nobility could attain, equaled to that of royalty. He was chosen as King at the age of 46 in 1782 and ruled for 27 years, dying at the age of 73.
After taking the oath as a king, Rama I decided to move the capital from Dhonburi to Bangkok because of its better strategic location and the availability of a vast land. He himself shifted to the new capital and stayed in a temporary palace made of wood. He ordered the construction of a new palace and a Royal Chapel where Emerald Buddha is installed today.
King Rama I made the country a democratic state. After digging canals for the defense of the country, he ordered the digging of the Mahanak canal strictly for the people to use as a waterway. King Rama I also revised the law making it suitable to the changing times. King Rama I gave due importance to literature. His most outstanding literary work was the epoch Ramayana that really captured the Thai hearts in all respects.
King Rama I also developed the field of architecture, sculpture and drama. He collected old Buddha images from all over the country and enshrined them in temples in Bangkok. King Rama I fought in many wars, protecting the country from foreign forces and had always defeated them. He expanded Thai territory farther and wider than it had been before. It is, therefore, deemed most appropriate to accord King Rama I the title "The Great" on the occasion of celebrating the Bangkok, or Rattanakosin Bicentennial. During his reign, Chinese immigration was also allowed in the trading and mercantile sector to sustain the country's economy.
King Rama I died on 7 September 1809. It is not wrong to say that he is the one who put the country on the path to success and glory.
King Rama I, formerly known as Thong Duang, was born in Ayutthaya on March 20, 1737 during the reign of King Barommakote. After the decline of Ayutthaya in 1767, he joined the royal palace as an officer. At the age of 25, he was promoted to be the governor of Ratchaburi Province and helped King Taksin in restoring the country's sovereignty on a number of occasions. He was also the first Somdetch Chao Phraya, the highest rank the nobility could attain, equaled to that of royalty. He was chosen as King at the age of 46 in 1782 and ruled for 27 years, dying at the age of 73.
After taking the oath as a king, Rama I decided to move the capital from Dhonburi to Bangkok because of its better strategic location and the availability of a vast land. He himself shifted to the new capital and stayed in a temporary palace made of wood. He ordered the construction of a new palace and a Royal Chapel where Emerald Buddha is installed today.
King Rama I made the country a democratic state. After digging canals for the defense of the country, he ordered the digging of the Mahanak canal strictly for the people to use as a waterway. King Rama I also revised the law making it suitable to the changing times. King Rama I gave due importance to literature. His most outstanding literary work was the epoch Ramayana that really captured the Thai hearts in all respects.
King Rama I also developed the field of architecture, sculpture and drama. He collected old Buddha images from all over the country and enshrined them in temples in Bangkok. King Rama I fought in many wars, protecting the country from foreign forces and had always defeated them. He expanded Thai territory farther and wider than it had been before. It is, therefore, deemed most appropriate to accord King Rama I the title "The Great" on the occasion of celebrating the Bangkok, or Rattanakosin Bicentennial. During his reign, Chinese immigration was also allowed in the trading and mercantile sector to sustain the country's economy.
King Rama I died on 7 September 1809. It is not wrong to say that he is the one who put the country on the path to success and glory.
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King Rama I Monument on Map
Sight Name: King Rama I Monument
Sight Location: Bangkok, Thailand (See walking tours in Bangkok)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Bangkok, Thailand (See walking tours in Bangkok)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
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