Thai historians indicate that the strain on…

Thai historians indicate that the strain on Taksin had taken a heavy toll, and that the king had started to become a religious fanatic.

Taksin shows increasing signs of mental trouble from 1781, believing himself to be a future Buddha and expecting to change the color of his blood from red to white.

He begins practicing meditation, even lecturing the monks and, at times, flogging monks who refuse to worship him.

Economic tension caused by war grows increasingly serious.

Looting and other crime is rampant as famine spreads.