Nangklao (1787–1851)
Born 1787 CE, died 1851 CE.
Nangklao (born Thap; 31 March 1788 – 2 April 1851), also known by his posthumous regnal name Rama III, was King of Rattanakosin from 1824 to his death in 1851. During his reign, he initiated the country's first cautious engagements with the West. Siam's territory also reached its greatest extent during this period. Nangklao was the eldest surviving son of King Rama II. His mother Sri Sulalai was one of Rama II's secondary wives. Nangklao was likely designated as heir by his father. His accession was uncontested and smoothly confirmed by the grand council. Foreign observers, however, falsely perceived him as having usurped the prior claim of his younger half-brother Prince Mongkut, who was born to Queen Sri Suriyendra and thus "legitimate" according to Western customs.
Text from the Wikipedia article Rama_III, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.