The Chakri Dynasty is the current ruling royal house of the Kingdom of Thailand; the head of the house is the King of Thailand. The dynasty has ruled Thailand since the founding of the Ratthanakosin era and the city of Bangkok in 1782 following the end of King Taksin of Thonburi’s reign, when the capital of Siam shifted to Bangkok. The Royal House was founded by King BaddhaYodfaChulaloke(Rama I), an Ayutthayan military leader. The coined name Chakri thus denotes the transcending force of divine strength and stability upon the physical realm. The current Head of the Dynasty is King BumibolAdulyadej (Rama IX) who has reigned since 1946; the Heir Apparent to the headship is Crown Prince MahaVajiralongkorn. The House’s dynastic seat is the Grand Palace in Bangkok