Taksin (April 17, 1734 – April 7, 1782) is the only King of the Thonburi Kingdom.
He is greatly revered by the Thai people for his leadership in liberating Siam from Burmese occupation after the Second Fall of Ayutthaya in 1767, and the subsequent unification of Siam after it fell under various warlords.
He establishes the city Thonburi as the new capital, as the city Ayutthaya has been almost completely destroyed by the invaders.
His reign is characterized by numerous wars, fought to repel new Burmese invasions and to subjugate the northern Thai kingdom of Lanna, the Laotian principalities, and a threatening Cambodia.
He is succeeded by the Chakri dynasty and the Rattanakosin Kingdom under his long time friend King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke.
Although warfare consumes most of King Taksin's time, he pays a great deal of attention to politics, administration, economy, and the welfare of the country.
He promotes trade and fosters relations with foreign countries including China, Britain, and the Netherlands.
He has roads built and canals dug.
Apart from restoring and renovating temples, the king attempts to revive literature, and various branches of the arts such as drama, painting, architecture and handicrafts.
He also issues regulations for the collection and arrangement of various texts to promote education and religious studies.
In recognition for what he did for the Thais, he was later awarded the title of Maharaj (The Great).
