Mongkut

A former Buddhist monk and an accomplished scholar who had earlier allowed American missionaries access to the harem, Mongkut was seeking a woman who would teach English without trying to proselytize.

The King and I de Brantigny........................ 2009

In 1861, Mongkut, the king of Siam, asked his agent in Singapore to find his children a governess.

The King and I de Brantigny........................ 2009

Rama IV (King Mongkut), who ruled between 1851 and 1868, started the Thammayut sect.

Bangkok 2009

But more than one Thai critic has pointed out the great irony of this flap: King Mongkut was the first Thai monarch to begin opening up Thailand to the West.

The Royal Treatment 2008

"Mongkut said there's nothing to fear in foreign culture, but his lessons haven't been learned," says Tennant.

The Royal Treatment 2008

"I am the king," he cracks, before disappearing into a makeup trailer, re-emerging minutes later as Mongkut, King of Siam, in a sparkling, gold-threaded kimono-style jacket, silk culottes and a crisp white shirt.

No More Mr. Tough Guy 2008

Thailand's current monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, is a direct descendant of Mongkut, and no one knows what he thinks of the flap over "Anna."

The Royal Treatment 2008

Anxious to protect the image of Mongkut, whose heirs are still in power, the authorities fear the new film will also offend the institution of the monarchy.

The Royal Treatment 2008

And, of course, Mongkut invited a British governess to teach in his court.

The Royal Treatment 2008

The creators of "Anna" hired Thai consultants to ensure that their love story portrays King Mongkut the way Thai historians do: as a visionary who fended off colonialism by launching his country's modernization.

The Royal Treatment 2008