The financial situation at the beginning of the reign of King Rama III was poor. Funds were inadequate for state expenditure, therefore the king reorganised the Port Department which was responsible for the collection of port fees, an appreciable portion of state income. One of the most significant achievements was to revive the nation’s economy by trading with foreign countries. He constructed ships patterned after Chinese Junks and traded directly with foreign countries, especially China This brought a large income to the country.