Somdet Chao Phraya Sri Suriwongse MPCh MWM PC |
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สมเด็จเจ้าพระยาบรมมหาศรีสุริยวงศ์ | |
Regent of Siam | |
In office 1868–1873 |
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Monarch | Chulalongkorn (Rama V) |
Preceded by | Prayurawongse |
Succeeded by | Saovabha Phongsri |
Chancellor of the Defence | |
In office 1855–1869 |
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Monarch | Mongkut (Rama IV) |
Preceded by | Prayurawongse |
Succeeded by | Surawongwaiwat |
Commander of the Royal Palace Navy | |
In office 1851–1869 |
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Monarch | Mongkut (Rama IV) |
Preceded by | Inaugural holder |
Succeeded by | Surawongwaiwat |
Personal details | |
Born |
Siam |
December 23, 1808
Died | January 19, 1883 Ratchaburi, Siam |
(aged 74)
Nationality | Siamese |
Mother | Than Phuying Chan Bunnag |
Father | Prayurawongse |
Somdet Chaophraya Borom Maha Sri Suriwongse (Thai: สมเด็จเจ้าพระยาบรมมหาศรีสุริยวงศ์; rtgs: ... Si Suriwong, also spelled Suriyawong, etc.; December 23, 1808 – January 19, 1883), whose personal name was Chuang Bunnag (Thai: ช่วง บุนนาค; rtgs: Chuang Bunnak), was a prominent 19th century Thai figure and served as the regent during the early years of the reign of King Chulalongkorn.
A member of a family originally of Persian origin, Si Suriyawongse was born the eldest son of Dis Bunnag (Prayurawongse) and Than Phuying Chan. Chuang was well educated for the time. King Mongkut made him Samuha Kalahom (สมุหกลาโหม), one of the two Ministers of old Siam.
Si Suriyawongse, was one of the most important figures in the Mongkut's court. As he was the main supporter of Prince Mongkut to be enthroned, he eventually held the position of the Chancellor, or Samuha Kralahome, or the chief of the armed forces department. He was very well known as a pro-British official, or as a 'new generation' among the court's officials. He was interested in western learning in various fields such as science, engineering and steamship building, He had a very close relation with Prince Mongkut, the future Rama IV, supporting him to welcome British influence, western learning. He also had a positive relationship with early Protestant missionaries, whom he valued for their Western scientific knowledge and ability to teach English. He was also the key figure in promoting the Siam-British relationship, culminating in the Bowring Treaty in 1855, facilitating the economic relationship with Britain.