Thammathibet (original) (raw)

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Poet and Viceroy of Ayutthaya Kingdom ( -1746)

Thammathibetธรรมธิเบศร
Prince Senaphithak
Viceroy of Siam
Tenure 1732–1755
Predecessor Borommakot
Successor Uthumphon
Died 1746Ayutthaya, Ayutthaya Kingdom
Spouse Inthasudawadi, Princess Yisanseni
Issue Athit, Prince Pitak Phubet12 sons and daughters
NamesThammathibet Chaiyachet Suriyawong
House Ban Phlu Luang dynasty
Father Borommakot
Mother Khao, Princess Aphainuchit

Thammathibet Chaiyachet Suriyawong, the Prince Senaphithak (Thai: สมเด็จเจ้าฟ้าธรรมธิเบศรไชยเชษฐสุริยวงศ กรมขุนเสนาพิทักษ์) or Prince Narathibet (Thai: นราธิเบศร์), also known as Prince Kung/ Chao Fa Kung (Thai: เจ้าฟ้ากุ้ง; 1715 – 1755[1]), was Viceroy of the front palace of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, from 1732/33[_citation needed_] but he is more well-known as one of the most prominent poets in Thai literature. He also created the music for the Royal Barge Procession.

Thammathibet, Prince Senaphithak was the eldest son of King Borommakot (reg. 1733 to 1758) and Princess Aphainuchit or Phra Phan Watsa Yai.

In his poetic works praised for their lyrical language, Thammathibet describes the beauty of the Royal Barge procession, illustrating the work of the rowers, the individual boats, and the sight of the entire procession fleet. Nature, both plant and animal life, are also themes of his poetry. He often deals with the beauty of women, a subject which eventually led to disaster in real life.

Thammathibet and his half-brother Chao Sakaeo (Prince Sunthon Thep) had an argument about an elephant. In April, 1746, Thammathibet reportedly laid siege to the palace of his half-brother, forbidding any entrance or exit. Nevertheless, Chao Sakaeo and his sons were able to enter the palace of the king and lodge complaints there. The King was surprised by these clashes. Thammathibet also hurried to the royal palace but he was not allowed to enter, so he returned to his own palace.

Later, he was brought before his father, who asked him the reason for his presumptuous behavior. Thammathibet remained silent, which rankled the King, who left his son in jail. Thammathibet was chained in a single cell, and no one was allowed to join him. Meanwhile, the accusations against him increased. King Borommakot entrusted Chao Sakaeo and Chao Krommun Poon (Prince Chitsunthorn), along with Okya Chakri (Chancellor) and the Phraklang, with the prisoner's interrogation, which did not bode well. Thammathibet did not speak, and was twice punished with twenty blows, then his soles were burnt.

His most important advisers were also imprisoned and "questioned". They made many accusations: Thammathibet had made copies of the keys to the chambers of the king, the queen, and the royal concubines, so that he could get access to the rooms by night. In addition, his followers had bought and hidden weapons to use at the right moment. And finally, they confessed that Thammathibet was responsible for the death of several monks and the mutilation of some of his subordinates. Thereupon the king ordered fifty blows.

Wat Chaiwatthanaram, where Thammathibet was cremated

During the further interrogations, Thammathibet confessed that he had visited four of the numerous royal concubines and planned to assassinate his father the king and his family and seize power in Ayutthaya. The king gave an order to give Thammathibet fifty more blows and burn his forehead, arms, and legs. In the course of this torture, Thammathibet, the four concubines, and some higher counselors of the prince died.

Prince Thammathibet was cremated in Wat Chaiwatthanaram in Ayutthaya along with Chao Fa Nim, his father's first concubine, and Chao Sangwan, according to Buddhist rite.

# Consort and Concubines Children
1. Inthasudawadi, Princess Yisanseni None
2. Princess Se Princess Si
3. Lady Phan Athit, Prince Phithak Phubet
4. Lady Hem or Yek Prince Chai (also known as Chat or Koet)
5. Princess Suai Princess MitPrincess ThapPrincess Chuen
6. Lady Chan Prince Sisang
7. Lady Suai Princess Ta
8. Lady Thongdaeng Prince Maen
9. Princess Soi Princess Dara
10. Lady Sun Princess ChiPrincess Chat
11. Lady Twen Prince Ming
  1. ^ Royal Society of Thailand. (2007). The Journal of The Royal Society of Thailand, 32(1–2), (2007, January–June). p 414.
Thammathibet House of Ban Phlu Luang Born: ? Died: 1746
Regnal titles
Preceded byPhon Viceroy of Ayutthaya 1732–1746 VacantTitle next held by**Phonphinit**