KING BUDDHA LOET LA NABHALAI [ Rama II ] 1809 - 1824

He was the son of King Rama I. He born at Rajaburi on February 26, 1768 he accompanied his father on military campaigns as a young man. He was 16 when his father ascended the throne and was immediately created a Prince of the rank of Somdetch Chao Fa and given the name of Isarasundorn. Appointed Maha Uparaja [ or Deputy King ] by his father in 1806, he was the only Maha Uparaja to eventually succeed to the throne during the period of the Chakri Dynasty. He became king on the death of his father [at the age of 42 ], King Rama I. His reign was a period of consolidating the achievements of the previous reign and he began the custom of appointing senior princes to supervise over the different departments of state. He is best remembered though for his interest in the arts. He was an artist, writer, composer, which flourished during his reign. He died on July 21. 1824 [ at the age of 58 ].