Phetracha

Phetracha (alternative spellings: Bedraja, ''P'etraja, Petraja, Petratcha; also called Phra Phetracha''; , ; 1632– 5 February 1703) was the king of the Ayutthaya Kingdom from 1688 to 1703 and the founder of the Ban Phlu Luang dynasty, the final ruling house of Ayutthaya. Originally a high-ranking official and Director-General of the Royal Department of Elephants under King Narai, he rose to power by orchestrating the Siamese revolution of 1688. Upon Narai's death, Phetracha seized the throne, executed the late king's heirs, and consolidated his legitimacy by marrying Narai's only daughter. His reign marked a decisive shift in Siamese foreign policy; he moved to expel French influence from the kingdom, leading to the Siege of Bangkok and the withdrawal of French troops. Consequently, diplomatic ties with the West were significantly reduced for decades. Phetracha's rule, however, was frequently destabilized by internal rebellions and political unrest from factions remains loyal to the previous dynasty.

==Background== thumb|left|180px|Ban Pho Luang (later known as Ban Phlu Luang), located north of the city of Suphan Buri, on a map produced during the reign of King Rama V. Phetracha was originally an elephant trainer from Ban Phlu Luang in Suphan Buri, his rise to prominence was tied to his family's close relationship with the monarchy. His mother, Phra Nom Prem, served as the wet nurse to King Narai; consequently, Phetracha was raised alongside Narai from childhood. His younger sister, Si Chulalak (Chaem), was also a primary consort of King Narai the Great.