Phetracha

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Phetracha (alternative spellings: Bedraja, P'etraja, Petraja, Petratcha; also called Phra Phetracha; Thai: สมเด็จพระเพทราชา; d.1703) was king of the Ayutthaya kingdom in Thailand, as successor of king Narai.

Phetracha was born in 1632 at Baan Plu Luang, Suphanburi. De la Loubere has recorded that he was a cousin of King Narai, and that his mother was also King Narai's milkmaid. It was also recorded that his sister was one of King Narai's queen.

He started his civil service career as head of elephant department, which is a highly military position. Hence, he was sometime referred to as "the Elephant Prince".

It is interesting to note that while thai historians recorded that Phetracha was not interested in being King, Jesuit missionaries stated otherwise, that he was an ambitious man. While this matter is ambiguous, it is generally agreed that he is a very influential figure in that period, harboring respect from many officers. It is also said that he strongly believed in Buddhism, thus gain support from many monks, who fear of Thailand being converted to Christainity. Moreover, Phetracha seemed to gain King Narai's trust as well, as he is one of King Narai's close aide and confidence. When the royal palce at Lopburi was finished, King Narai would stay there for many months in a year. And Phetracha was appointed as regent to take care of matter in Ayutthaya.

Phetracha's rivalry with counsellor Constantine Phaulkon is understandable. While Phaulkon's ideology is to open Thailand to international community (and benefits from the expansion of foreign trading), Phetracha is a traditionalist who is disgusted by international influence in Thailand. King Narai himself favors the open of his country and creates many diplomatic with European countries, notably France.

In 1686, there was a crisis in Thailand, when British battleship surrounded the port town of Marid, and demanded 65,000 pound sterling for 60 British men allegedly slayed by Phaulkon's men. King Narai decided to give away Marid to France. However, the French government also demanded port town of Bangkok and King Narai to be converted into Christian. And they did so by sending 6 battleships and 500 troops to Ayutthaya. Eventually, the treaty was signed on December 11, 1687. The conversion left unmentioned but Thailand had to give Bangkok to be under France's rule, and the aforementioned army was to stationed in Bangkok.

The crisis did not bode well with Thai society. Many officer felt that national pride's was hurt and that Thailand was on the verge of being France's colony. While many Buddhist monk was afraid that eventually King Narai will be Christian. Thus, Phetracha becomes center of nationalist movement and was respect throughout the government.

When he heard that King Narai had become terminally ill, he killed the rightful heir and beheaded Phaulkon. It was not certain that he and his son assassinate King Narai or not (official history states that King Narai died in front of him and his son of natural cause). In order to legitimate his coup d'état, he married the sister and daughter of the late Narai. His dynasty ruled Ayutthaya for 79 years.

With Phetracha, a representative of the Siam Nationalist Party came to lead the kingdom. As his first act of rule, he banned all French representatives out of the country. He also negotiated for France to return Bangkok back. Only missionaries were allowed to stay, and they were allowed to continue their mostly futile efforts at converting the locals.

During his reign, there were many rebellions, as many colonies do not accept his reign. Notably there were wars with Nakon Sri Thammart and Nakorn Ratchasrima, which last over 2 years.

In conclusion, many traditional Thai historian regards him as 'traitor' who rebel against his King (especially the one with 'the great' title), and was not mentioned much. However, he should also be regarded as nationalist who rescues Thai from being French colony as well