Phichaiyaht (พิไชยญาติ)

Thai. Name of a Chao Phraya who was a member of the influential Bunnag family and who served under several Chakri kings, from Rama I to Rama IV. He was born in Rattanakosin in 1791 AD as the tenth son of Chao Phraya Akmahasena (อรรคมหาเสนา). At birth he was named Tat Bunnag. He began his service as the chamberlain of King Rama I and steadily rose through the ranks, almost simultaneously with his older brother Dit Bunnag. After Rama IV ascended the throne, he was appointed regent of the city and was given the title and name Somdet Chao Phraya Borom Maha Phichaiyat, whilst his brother was appointed Somdet Chao Phraya Borom Maha Prayoonwong. Tat and his elder brother Dit were part of the Siamese delegation that negotiated the Bowring Treaty in April 1855. Only eight days after signing the treaty, Dit died at his residence in Thonburi. Tat is acknowledged for being involved in several building projects, either in construction or renovation, including the renovation of an abandoned temple in Thonburi that he in 1829 made into a royal monastery, and which King King Mongkut (fig.) later renamed Wat Phitchaya Yahtikarahm Worawihaan in his honour; the construction of Wat Suthat (fig.); construction at the Golden Mount of Wat Saket (fig.), construction of the Chaichumpon (ไชยชุมพล) Throne Hall and repair of Phra Thihnang Suttaisawan Prasat (fig.) within the compound of the Grand Palace, and he was put in charge of the construction of Wat Pathum Wanaraam Ratchaworawihaan (fig.), which was commissioned by Rama IV in 1857 AD, though Tat Bunnag passed away later that same year at the age of 66. 回