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Mongkut (Thai: มงกุฏ; 18 October 1804 – 1 October 1868) was the fourth king of Siam under the House of Chakri, titled Rama IV. He ruled from 1851 to 1868. His full title in Thai was Phra Poramenthra Ramathibodi Srisin Maha Mongkut Phra Chom Klao Chao Yu Hua Phra Sayam Thewa Maha Makut Witthaya Maharat (พระบาทสมเด็จพระปรเมนทรรามาธิบดีศรีสินทรมหามงกุฎ พระจอมเกล้าเจ้าอยู่หัว พระสยามเทวมหามกุฏวิทยมหาราช).King Mongkut of Siam, also known as Rama IV, left a lasting imprint on popular culture through various adaptations of the story "Anna and the King of Siam." This narrative, inspired by Anna Leonowens' memoir, vividly captures her encounters and experiences within the Siamese court during King Mongkut's reign from 1862 to 1867.
Among these adaptations, the 1951 musical "The King and I" and its 1956 film adaptation stand out as iconic representations. These works introduced audiences worldwide to the character of King Mongkut, offering a dramatized portrayal of his dynamic interactions with Anna Leonowens and the cultural complexities of Siam during that era.
Despite his international recognition primarily through these adaptations, King Mongkut's legacy extends far beyond the realm of entertainment. His reign was marked by significant modernization initiatives and diplomatic engagements, which played pivotal roles in shaping Thailand's trajectory towards progress and international relations.
Siam first felt the pressure of Western expansionism during Mongkut's reign. Mongkut embraced Western innovations and initiated the modernization of his country, both in technology and culture—earning him the nickname "The Father of Science and Technology" in Siam.
Mongkut was also known for appointing his younger brother, Prince Chutamani, as Second King, crowned in 1851 as King Pinklao. Mongkut told the country that Pinklao should be respected with equal honor to himself (as King Naresuan had done with his brother Ekathotsarot in 1583). During Mongkut's reign, the power of the House of Bunnag reached its zenith: It became the most powerful noble family of Siam.