Songtham's reign marked the prosperity of the Ayutthaya kingdom after it regained independence from Toungoo Dynasty, and saw the commencement of trade with foreign nations, especially the Dutch and the Japanese.
12 Facts About Songtham
2.
Songtham filled his guards with foreign mercenaries, most notably the Japanese, Yamada Nagamasa.
3.
Songtham was in the priesthood for 8 years before government servants asked him to leave and ascend the throne with the title Phrachao Songtham at the age of 29.
4.
Songtham was released only after promising not to harm any of the Japanese.
5.
Songtham was said to be very religious - both by the Siamese and van Vliet - as for his religious youth.
6.
Songtham's name Songtham was a posthumous reverence that means "maintaining the virtues".
7.
Songtham's reign was the glamorous time for Siamese peasants who were free from wars and suppression.
8.
Songtham ordered the construction of a temple, Wat Phra Phutthabat, over the footprint - the footprint itself can still be seen today.
9.
Songtham sent his brother Uparaja Si Sin to invade again in 1622 and failed.
10.
Songtham sent four embassies to the Japanese shogun in 1621,1623,1626,1629, to Shogun Tokugawa Hidetada and Iemitsu.
11.
Songtham wanted his son, Chettha, to succeed him, though he was young.
12.
Songtham therefore asked Phraya Siworawong, or Prasat Thong, to protect him from danger.