Phetracha พระเพทราชา | |
---|---|
King of Ayutthaya | |
King of Siam | |
Reign | 1 August 1688[1] – 5 February 1703[citation needed] |
Predecessor | Narai |
Successor | Suriyenthrathibodi |
Viceroy | Sorasak |
Born | 1632 |
Died | 5 February 1703citation needed] Ayutthaya Kingdom | (aged 70–71)[
Consorts | Kan, Princess Thephamat Sudawadi, Princess Yothathep Si Suphan, Princess Yothathip Kusawadi of Chiang Mai |
Issue | Prince Trat Noi Prince Phra Khwan Suriyenthrathibodi, King of Ayutthaya (adopted) Princess Chim Princess Chin Prince Dam Prince Kaeo Prince Bunnak |
House | Ban Phlu Luang dynasty |
Religion | Buddhism |
Phetracha (alternative spellings: Bedraja, P'etraja, Petraja, Petratcha; also called Phra Phetracha; Thai: เพทราชา, pronounced [pʰêːt.rāː.t͡ɕʰāː]; 1632– 5 February 1703) was a king of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, usurping the throne from his predecessor King Narai and originally settled in Phluluang Village. His dynasty, the Ban Phlu Luang dynasty, was the last ruling house of the Ayutthaya Kingdom.[2]: 252
Originally a member of King Narai's extended family (two of his relatives were among Narai's wives), he was a trusted councilor of Narai, and the Director-General of the Royal Department of Elephants. However, in 1688 he led the Siamese revolution of 1688, had Narai's heirs executed, and by marrying Narai's only daughter took the throne of Ayutthaya kingdom upon Narai's death. He opposed the pro-French policies of Narai, ejecting the French officers and some other French citizens from the kingdom, and launched the Siege of Bangkok, to exile all French troops from Siam. Since then, Siam and France have only contacted a few times. His reign was marred by rebellions, insurrections and political upheavals throughout due to the nature of his ascension to power, especially those claiming ties of loyalty to the previous dynasty, as well as to the late King Narai himself.