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- Wellcome Collection gallery (2018-04-03): https://wellcomecollection.org/works/akaqd2a3 CC-BY-4.0
Mongkut Rank
About Mongkut
Mongkut was the fourth King (Monarch) of Siam (Thailand). He ruled under the “House of Chakri” from 1851 until 1868.
Background
He was born in the Thonburi Palace and was the 43rd child and second son of King Rama II. However, because he was the first son of King Rama II to be born of his Queen, he was favored to succeed to the Siam throne.
Early Life & Buddhism
He became a monk in 1824 and at age 20. In 1829, a highly pious monk, Buddhawangso, inspired him to follow Buddhism’s monastic rules and disciplines. As an accomplished Buddhism scholar, he developed the reform movement, “Dhammayuttika Nikaya,” and embarked on many travels. During his travels, he made friends with several Western troupes.
Reign
Accompanied by the West, he acceded to the throne of Siam in 1851 after the death of his elder brother “King Rama III.” He successfully entered into treaties with the United States, Britain, and other nations, which ultimately opened “Thailand to Western commerce.”
During his reign, the country experienced many scientific and technological developments, and he was dubbed “the father of science and technology.”
Personal Life & Death
He had at least 32 wives and over 82 children.
He died on October 1, 1868, aged 63, in the Grand Palace, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, Siam.
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F.A.Q. about Mongkut
When is his birthday?
Mongkut's birthday is on October 18, 1804.
In how many days is his birthday?
Mongkut's birthday is in 176 days
How old was Mongkut when he died?
He was 63 years old.
When did he die?
He died in October 1, 1868.
How old would he be today?
Mongkut would be 219 years old if he was alive today.
Where was Mongkut from?
He was born in Thonburi Palace, Thonburi, Siam.