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| King Rama III | |
_Portrait_2.jpg) Portrait at theGrand Palace, Bangkok | |
| King of Siam | |
| Reign | 21 July 1824 – 2 April 1851 |
| Coronation | 1 August 1824 |
| Predecessor | Phutthaloetlanaphalai (Rama II) |
| Successor | Mongkut (Rama IV) |
| Viceroy | Sakdiphonlasep (1824–1832) |
| 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 |
| Dynasty | Chakri |
| Father | Phutthaloetlanaphalai (Rama II) |
| Mother | Sri Sulalai |
| Religion | Theravada Buddhism |
| Seal | .svg) |
Nangklao[a] (bornThap[b]; 31 March 1788 – 2 April 1851), also known by hisregnal nameRama III, was theking of Siam who initiated the country's first cautious engagements with the West. His reign marked the period during which Siam's territorial extent reached its greatest size.[1]
Nangklao was the eldest surviving son of KingRama II. His motherSri Sulalai was 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 Suriyendra and thus "legitimate" according to Western customs.[2] Under the old concept of Thai monarchy, however, a proper king must emulateMaha Sammata in that he must be "elected by the people."[3] 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.[4]
During Nangklao's reign, the crown strengthened the tax-farming system, which became a major and more reliable source of revenue for the kingdom. TheBurney Treaty (1826) further liberalized foreign trade and reduced the royal warehouse monopoly, generating substantial income for the state. For his contributions to trade and economic development, he is regarded as "the father of Thai commerce". In military affairs, Siam consolidated its regional dominance by suppressing theLaotian Rebellion (1826–1828, in what is now theIsan region) and by prevailing in theSiamese–Vietnamese War (1831–34) and the subsequentcampaign in Cambodia (1841–1845).
Nangklao was born as Prince Thap in 1788 to Prince Itsarasunthon and one of his royal wives, Chao Chom MandaRiam, who came from a Muslim noble family from the south. Riam also birthed two siblings for Prince Thap who both died in the same year, Pom (1790–93) and Noo Dam (1792–93). Following Itsarasunthon's coronation (posthumously known asPhutthaloetla Naphalai, or Rama II) in 1809, Prince Kshatriyanuchit (Mom Men), a surviving son of Taksin, revolted aspretender to 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). He received the sobriquet "Chao Sua"[c], bestowed by his father in recognition of his commercial acumen. 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.[5]
As the prince administered trade affairs, his half-brother Prince Mongkut pursued the way of religion, becoming amonk in 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 oruparaja washeir presumptive. If there were none, then anad hocsenabodi consisting of senior officials present at the death of a king, would elect a successor.[6] Foreign observers accustomed to the concept of anheir apparent expected 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 Tha for years. Support came strongly from high-ranking nobility, includingChao Phraya Abhay Pudhorn, theSamuha Nayok, andDis Bunnag then Minister ofKromma Tha, and otherBunnag family members.
Chetsadabodin accepted the throne and wascrowned in 1824. He raised his mother Riam to Princess Mother Sri Sulalai. 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 nameNangklao by Mongkut, who had in the interim remained in ecclesiastic status to avoid the intrigues of royal politics.[7]: 300
The reign of Nangklao (as he was posthumously known) saw the renewal of Western contacts. In 1822, BritishEast India Company agentJohn Crawfurd's mission to Siam[5] laid 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.Phraya Chumporn ordered theforced migration ofMergui (a common practice in Southeast Asia regarding the newly-conquered lands),[8] 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.[citation needed]
In 1825,Henry Burney arrived to negotiate peace agreements. TheBurney Treaty was the first treaty with the West during theRattanakosin period. Its purpose was to establishfree trade in Siam and to greatly reduce taxation on foreign trading ships. Whether it accomplished these objectives is disputed.[9]
In 1833,US PresidentAndrew Jackson's "special agent" andenvoyEdmund Roberts, referring often to Crawfurd's account,[7]: pp198ff 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.[10][11]Dan Beach Bradley, an American physician and prominent Western personality of the time, introduced printing andvaccination.
| Monarchs of theChakri dynasty | |
|---|---|
_Portrait.jpg) | Phutthayotfa Chulalok (Rama I) |
_Portrait.jpg) | Phutthaloetla Naphalai (Rama II) |
| Nangklao (Rama III) |
_Portrait.jpg) | Mongkut (Rama IV) |
_Portrait.jpg) | Chulalongkorn (Rama V) |
_Portrait.jpg) | Vajiravudh (Rama VI) |
_Portrait.jpg) | Prajadhipok (Rama VII) |
 | Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII) |
.jpg) | Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) |
 | Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) |
The three Laotian kingdoms (Lan Xang inVientiane,Luang Prabang, andChampasak) became Siamesetributary states afterChao 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.[12] 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 Polsep theFront Palace andSing Singhaseni (at the timestyledPhraya Ratchasuphawadi) 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 destruction of 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 Hall and died in 1829.[13]
In 1810, internal conflicts between Cambodian princes forced Ang Im andAng Duong to flee to Bangkok. Otteyraja of Cambodia turned toGia Long of 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 revolt againstMinh Mạng broke 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 Phraya Bodindecha, 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 tookUdongk and the fleet tookBantey Mas. The fleet proceeded to Saigon but was repelled.
Bodindecha then tookPhnom Penh and 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.
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 (Kedah ofMalaysia now), without the presence of Siamese governors, a nephew of theSultan of Kedah then staged a revolt. Nangklao then sentTat Bunnag down 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.
Nangklao was famous for hisBuddhist faith. He fed the poor each day after becoming prince, and released animals every monastery day. More than 50temples 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 firstuniversity in Thailand. Under his reign, King Rama III was also responsible for the writing of the Chindamanee textbook and also the revision of the Buddhist Canon, theTipitaka 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 Buddhist faith.
Nangklao died on 2 April 1851 without having named a successor. He had 51 children including sons,[14] but had raised none of his consorts to the queen. The throne passed to his younger paternal half-brother, PrinceMongkut.
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Nangklao is remembered as a commercially minded monarch whose reign consolidated Siam's early-Rattanakosin economy. He has been commemorated in Thailand as the "father of Thai commerce", the "father of Thai maritime trade", and the "father ofThai traditional medicine".[15] Administratively and fiscally, his promotion of tax-farming and robust China-linked exchange helped secure steady crown revenues in the 1820s–1840s.[16][17]
Culturally, Nangklao left a lasting built heritage in Bangkok, patronising temple construction and a distinct Sino-Thai aesthetic. Notable works includeWat Ratchanatdaram and theLoha Prasat, commissioned during his reign.[18][19] His guidance to his successor—preserved in later accounts—stressed frugality, concord with the sangha, and vigilance in foreign affairs, themes that shaped the early reign of Mongkut (Rama IV).[20]
Commemoration of his reign continues in modern Thailand; 31 March is observed annually as "King Nangklao Memorial Day".[21]
| Ancestors of Rama III | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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TheThammasat describes its ideal of a monarch as a King of Righteousness, elected by the people (theMaha Sammata).
[Vella] holds this to be 'the view of many western writers' and it dates from the reign of King Mongkut, owing largely to their mistaken belief that because he was the son of a minor wife, Prince Chesda was illegitimate. The indication is that the western writers adopted this view from Mongkut himself, as the subsequent story will show.
If there was no uparaja at the time of the king's death—and this was frequently the case—the choice of a new monarch drawn from the royal family was left to the Senabodi, the council of senior officials, princes, and Buddhist prelates that assembled at the death of a king. It was such a council that chose Nang Klao's successor.
Here they were pointed to Mr. Crawford [sic]'s account of his mission to Siam and Cochin-China, page 269....
In this paper the evidence upon which historians have based their statements on the Treaty's economic results is examined. It will be shown that all take their cue from Bowring's own words. Secondly, it will be shown that Bowring's remarks are not necessarily a reliable indicator.
Revised ed. Prepared under the direction of the Committee on Foreign Relations, United States Senate, by William M. Malloy. (Treaties and Conventions, 1889, p. 992.) The provisions of this treaty were later modified by theTreaty of 1856.
The 1966 Treaty of Amity and Economic Relations, the most recent iteration...
Thai: การงานสิ่งไตของเขาที่ดี ควนจะเรียนร่ำเอาไว้ก็เอาอย่างเขา แต่อย่าให้นับถือเลื่อนใสไปทีเดียว
Nangklao (Rama III) Born: 31 March 1788 Died: 2 April 1851 | ||
| Regnal titles | ||
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| Preceded by | King of Rattanakosin 21 July 1824 – 2 April 1851 | Succeeded by |
The generations are numbered from the establishment of theChakri dynasty from 1782 | ||||||||||
| Rama I |
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| Rama II |
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| Rama III |
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| Rama IV |
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| Rama V | ||||||||||
| Rama VI |
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| Rama VII |
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| Rama VIII |
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| Rama IX |
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| Rama X |
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(  )*Became king**Appointed Viceroy ***Appointed Deputy Viceroy (  )^Appointed Crown PrinceX was degraded from royalty | ||||||||||
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