Phetracha
king of Ayutthaya
Also known as: Bedraja, P’ra P’etraja, Petracha
Phetracha (born 1633?—died 1703, Ayutthaya [Thailand]) was the king of the Tai kingdom of Ayutthaya, or Siam (ruled 1688–1703), whose policies reduced European trade and influence in the country and helped preserve its independence. Phetracha was the foster brother of King Narai, whose patronage helped him rise to become head of the Elephant Department and a leading general in the kingdom. He led the coup that toppled the Greek adventurer Constantine Phaulkon from ministerial office...