Rama II

Rama II (born Feb. 24, 1768, Rat Buri—died July 21, 1824, Bangkok) was the second ruler (1809–24) of the present Chakkri dynasty, under whose rule relations were reopened with the West and Siam began a forward policy on the Malay peninsula. A gifted poet and dramatist, Rama II wrote a famous version of Inao, a dramatic version of a popular traditional story, as well as episodes of the Ramakien and popular dance dramas such as Sang Thong.