Bunnag family

As Chulalongkorn sought to undo the power of the nobility and pursue centralization, the Bunnags gradually withdrew from prominent roles in Siamese politics but continued to fill important official ranks.

There he entered the service of King Songtham (1611–1628) who appointed him as Chao Kromma Tha Khwa (เจ้ากรมท่าขวา; Lord of the Right Pier) to supervise traders from the West, i.e. Persians, Indians and Europeans.

After subjugating a Japanese revolt under Yamada Nagamasa in 1611, Sheikh Ahmad became Samuha Nayok (First Prime Minister).

Bunnag married to Nuan, a daughter of wealthy Mon family from Bang Chan, situated near the mouth of Maeklong River.

Though Thongduang emerged as a powerful noble in Thonburi, Bunnag stayed far from the bureaucracy due to his childhood conflicts with Taksin.

He sent his sons, including Dit and Tat, into the palace as the royal pages of Phutthayotfa Chulalok to gain an entrance into Siamese bureaucracy.

Dit played a key role in the ascension of Mongkut, whether or not Nangklao intended to give the throne to his half-brother.

In 1851, when Mongkut had succeeded the throne, he made Dit Somdet Chao Phraya Borom Maha Prayurawongse and regent in the kingdom.

The Front Palace Crisis of 1874-5 changed the power dynamic in Siam, after which both Bunnag and noble influence waned.

His son Won Bunnag succeeded him as Samuha Kalahom and also held the title Chao Phraya Surawong Waiyawat.