Inthraphithak


Chao Fa Krom Khun Inthra Phithak, born Chui, was a prince of Thonburi dynasty, Siam.
He was a son of Taksin and his spouse Princess Batboricha. He was appointed the Front Palace or Maha Uparaj, the title of the heir. He had military ability and was sent to Cambodia to fight against Vietnamese by Taksin.
In 1780, the Cambodian regent Talaha turned to pro-Vietnamese. Taksin decided to annex Cambodia. A Thai army of 20,000 under Chao Phraya Chakri and Chao Phraya Surasi moved into Cambodia, to crown Inthraphithak the new king of Cambodia. A Vietnamese army of 3000 men led by Nguyễn Hữu Thoại and Hồ Văn Lân was also sent to help Talaha.
It was reported by Western missionaries that King Taksin became half-mad in final years. He became more and more caprice, imprisoned, tortured, and flogged his wife, his sons — even Inthraphithak, whom was his heir-presumptive. Vietnamese sources reported that Taksin imprisoned Chakri and Surasi's families, which made them resentful. So Chakri and Surasi made friends with these two Vietnamese generals. Four generals swore to help with each other in need.
In 1782, Taksin was usurped and imprisoned by Phraya San. Having made sure Vietnamese army would not attack Siamese with this chance, Chakri quickly returned to Thonburi, put down the rebellion, and had Taksin executed.
After Taksin's execution, Inthraphithak headed to Siam, aiming to seize the throne. However, few people supported him. In the mid-way, many of his soldiers change sides, Inthraphithak had to surrender. He was captured by Chaophraya Surasi, and was sentenced to death in Thonburi.