Prince Prajadhipok was born
on November 8, 1893 to King Chulalongkorn (King Rama V) and Queen Sri Patcharindra. In 1906 after completing his primary education in Thailand, he furthered his education at secondary level at Eton College, England. His interest in military affairs encouraged him to enroll in the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich. In 1920 he achieved highest military education at L'Ecole de Guerre, France.
The Prince's Wedding
On August 26, 1918 the wedding of Prince Prajadhipok and Princess Rambhai Bharni was held at Varopaspiman Pavillion, Bangpa-in Palace. On this occasion, Queen Sri Patcharindhra ordered "Sukhothai Palace" to be built for the couple.
Accession to the Throne
On February 25, 1926 Prince Pajadhipok succeeded to the throne and was named the Seventh King of the Chakri Dynasty (King Rama VII). His meticulous deeds for the country were manifold; for instance, he established the National Museum, patronized the National Library and inaugurated the construction of King Rama I Bridge linking Bangkok and Thonburi. Furthermore, he advocated Thai education by encouraging the issuance of Primary Education Act. On October 25, 1930 King Prajadhipok presided over the commencement ceremony at Chulalongkorn University; the King was considered to be the first Thai monarch to perform such an honorable task.
Constitution Granting
On June 24, 1932 a small group of civil servants and military officers staged a bloodless coup and demanded a constitution. In fact, the King has already been thinking along such lines himself and had already drafted a constitution. Consequently, the first constitution was granted on December 10, 1932 and King Prajadhipok was the first king in Thai history to rule under the legal constitution.
The King's abdication and his death
On March 2, 1934 King Prajadhipok decisively abdicated his throne after his nine-year reign due to political conflict. He spent his last year in England until his death on May 30, 1941 when he was only 48. The King's austere funeral was held at Golders Green cemetery. In 1949 under General Plak Piboonsonkram's administration, Queen Rambhai Bharni brought the King's ashes back to Bangkok.
