Page:Brief sketches of Siam (Smith, 1909).pdf/16

 man was much more diplomatic than Mr. Balestier, but even that did not eu :ible him to secure his ends. He to was adroitly foiles without having been received in audience with the King. The bright and talented young uobleman who successfully achieved these results wis kuown in 1833 as K’unsit subsequently he was kuown as Pranaiwai. For liis recent achievements he wis rewarded with the title Prayahseesurewony. These events occured in 1851. Toward the close of this year H.M. Pranang klau died. In 1835 the Siamese declared war against Combodia, To carry on this war they acquired and built a number vf square- rigged vessels , which were commanded by European captains and mates, thus increasing the At the number of European residents in Bangkok. close of this war, these ships were used as merchant vessels. On the demise of this. Sovereign, H. R. Highness Prince Kromaluany -Wongsaht'eralt- Sanit, H. E. Pra yal Seesurewong and I, E. the Foreign Minister the then leading statesmen of the country entreated His. Royal Highness, the prince priest T’oonkramaun Ong yai to retire from the priesthood and assume the reins of Government which he diil. This prince and his younger brother were crowned the first and Second King, both these kings had been greatly indebted to the few European l'esidents of Bazykok from whom they had acquirell some knowledge of the English auch other European languages. They were consequently, intelli gent, progressive and kindly disposed towards foreigners. Progress and prosperity now dawned in Siam. The First King was knowli its prachaumklau and the Second as P'rapiuklau.