Rama II

king of Siam

Also known as: Phraphutthaloetla Naphalai

Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Article History

Quick Facts

Also called:: Phraphutthaloetla Naphalai

Born:: Feb. 24, 1768, Rat Buri

Died:: July 21, 1824, Bangkok (aged 56)

Title / Office:: king (1809-1824), Thailand

House / Dynasty:: Chakkri dynasty

Rama II (born Feb. 24, 1768, Rat Buri—died July 21, 1824, Bangkok) was the second ruler (1809–24) of the present Chakkri dynasty, under whose rule relations were reopened with the West and Siam began a forward policy on the Malay peninsula. A gifted poet and dramatist, Rama II wrote a famous version of Inao, a dramatic version of a popular traditional story, as well as episodes of the Ramakien and popular dance dramas such as Sang Thong.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Encyclopaedia Britannica.