Phiriya Theppawong: Biography, Facts and Career

Chao Phiriya Thepphawong (Thai: เจ้าพิริยเทพวงษ์; born Noi Thepphawong Thai: น้อยเทพวงศ์; 17 February 1836 - 1912) was the 5th and last ruler of the mueang of Phrae from 5 April 1889 until the title's abolishment on 25 September 1902, which marked the end of Phrae as a vassal state of Siam from the Saen Sai dynasty. Born during the reign of his grandfather Phraya Intawichai to future ruler Pimpisarn Raja, he would ascend to the throne in 1890. Phiriya ruled over Phrae during a period of time where the powers of local rulers were diminishing and when Siam became more centralized around Bangkok as a result of reforms undertakened by Siamese King Chulalongkorn. Anger and resentment towards the Siamese would result in the Shan-led Ngiao rebellion of 1902. The Shans, led by Phaka Mong and Sala Po Chai, took over Mueang Phrae and forced Phiriya to join and provide food and weapons to the rebel. After the Shans were defeated by the Siamese at the Battle of Lampang and another battle with the governor of former Phichai province resulted in mass disorganisation and the recapture of Phrae. Following this, under the pressure of Surasak Montri and a possible arrest, Phiriya fled Phrae where he went into exile in Luang Prabang, French Indochina. In Luang Prabang, he remarried and had children before dying in 1912. In Thai literature, he is often branded as a traitor but revered in Phrae who view him as being 'innocent' in the Ngiao rebellion and a 'hero' for protecting Phrae from suffering from destruction. In Phrae, the Tam Roi Chao Luang celebration is held in memory of Phiriya.

Quick facts about Phiriya Theppawong

• Full name: Phiriya Theppawong
• Born: 1836-02-17
• Known as: Royal
• Wikidata ID: Q16438824

Profile compiled from public Wikipedia and Wikidata data. Details can change over time.