Image for King Rama I

King Rama I

King Rama I, also known as King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke, was the founder of the Chakri Dynasty and the first monarch of modern Thailand (then Siam). Ascending the throne in 1782, he moved the capital to Bangkok and established a centralized government, laying the foundation for the country's stability and modernization. He is remembered for strengthening the monarchy, reviving Thai culture and traditions, and overseeing important legal and administrative reforms. His leadership helped preserve Thailand's independence during a period of regional upheaval and set the stage for the country's future development.