Historical Analysis towards the Roles of the Second Kings during the Bangkok Period : 1782-1885.

Abstract

This research is aimed at analyzing the roles of the Second Kings during the Bangkok Period : 1782-1885. A great deal of historical data were used as the basis for this study. The main findings were as follows: In the reign of King Rama I , the Second King was Krom Phrarajwang Bowan Mahasurasinghanad (Bunma), his brother. He had played the remarkable roles during the crisis of the collapse of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. He accompanied King Taksin to expel Burmese troops from Thai territories. Mahasurasinghanad proved to be one of the courageous soldiers and had dedicated his life to the welfare of the nation throughout the reign of King Rama I. King Rama II had also proclaimed his brother the title of Wang Na. The task of Krom Phrarajwang Bowan Mahasenanurak was to be the eyes and ears of the King. In the reign of King Rama III, a younger uncle was made Wang Na, Krom Phrarajwang Bowan Mahasakdipolasepya. King Rama II and Rama III got along quite well with their Wang Na or Second Kings. King Rama IV appointed his only brother King Pinklow Chao Yuhua, to be the Second King, equal in status with the King himself. The King and his brother had been close companion. There were no critical incident throughout the reign. In the reign of King Rama IV, Krom Prarajwang Bowan Vichaichan, King Pinklow’s son, became Wang Na. He wasn’t appointed directly by the King, consequently; many political dilemmas and conflicts occurred from the start, leading to the outbreak of the so-called Wang Na crisis. Khom Phrarajwang Bowan Vichaichan held his rank until his death. Since then, the position of Wang Na was abolished and changed to the Crown Prince Investiture.