Chetthathirat

Chetthathirat (Thai: เชษฐาธิราช) or Borommaracha II (บรมราชาที่ 2; c. 1613 – 1629) was the eldest son of King Song Tham and older brother of Athittayawong and Phra Srisin or Phra Phanpi Srisin (Thai: พระพันปีศรีศิลป์), all three of the House of Sukhothai. In childhood he was known as Chetthakuman (พระเชษฐากุมาร), meaning 'Chettha the Infant', or simply Chettha.

Reign

Chetthathirat reigned for a period of one year and seven months, after the death of his father, according to Songtham's wishes, and conveyed to Okya Sri Vorawong (Thai: ออกญาศรีวรวงศ์) or Phraya Siworawong – an influential royal page. The events were detailed by Jeremias van Vliet.^{[1]:211–214}

The king’s last wish, however, was objected to by some leaders in the kingdom, including the Kalahom Chaophraya Maha Senabodi. Siworawong gained supporters in the government, and even used the services of Yamada Nagamasa the Okya Senaphimok (Thai: ออกญาเสนาภิมุข). Upon king Songtham’s death, Chetthathirat took the throne and Siworawong arrested and executed those who had been opposed to the idea. The king was made Siworawong as Okya Kalahom Siworawong (Thai: ออกญากลาโหมสุริยวงศ์) or Chaophraya Kalahom.^[1]:212

Siworawong then induced Phra Srisin, who had entered the priesthood, to come to the palace with his followers. Siworawong captured him and ordered his execution. However, Chetthathirat spared his life but exiled him to Phetchaburi. Later Chetthathirat did execute Phra Srisin, when he plotted rebellion.^[1]:213

Death

Upon the death of Siworawong's mother, he held a grand cremation ceremony over several days, attended by every government servant. This jealously infuriated the king who was attempting to conduct government business, and punished those servants. Siworawong sought to protect those servants and they vowed their support in opposing the monarch. They attacked the palace, captured the king and executed him. The throne was given to his younger brother Phra Athittayawong.^{[1]:214[2]:55}

References