Pinklao

Chaufat Krommakhun Izaret, Prince Chudamani (September 4 1808 – January 7 1866) was a younger brother and the vice-king of King Mongkut. He took the title Phra Pinklao on their accession in 1851. Wyatt (p. 167) considers his appointment a device of Mongkut’s to prevent Pinklao from challenging his own position. Both before and after his elevation, Pinklao controlled his own private army. He was interested in both western and Lao culture, speaking English, drilling his troops in European fashion and singing and dancing to mor lam music.

Reference

• Wyatt, David. Thailand: A Short History. Yale University Press, 1984.
• Website of the Phra Racha Wang Derm Restoration Foundation