[2]: 277 Born in Phichit Province, Ayutthaya Kingdom in 1661, Prince Ma Duea was the secret son of King Narai and his concubine Princess Kusawadi of Chiang Mai.

At a young age, he showed great interest in learning the art of the eight limbs, the forerunner to modern Muay Thai, under the tutelage of Ajahn Saeng, the son of the abbot of Mahathat, and continually became involved in flight and brawls.

"[4]: 67  The Chronicle of Ayutthaya, Phan Chanthanumat (Choem)'s Edition, described his behaviour as follows:[3] "His Majesty habitually pleased himself with liquor and intercourse with female children under 11-12 years of age.

"Furthermore, when His Majesty took a trip to any canal, sea, island or any other place full of sharks, sawfish and other aquatic beings, he always drank liquor.

"The Chronicle of Ayutthaya, British Museum's Version, also contained the like:[5] "At that time, the king was of vulgar mind, uncivil behaviour, savage conduct, cruel habit.

"There was a folktale that Suriyenthrathibodi’s desire to save the life of his wheelsman Phan Thai Norasing showed his compassionate side.

[6] It should be considered that the wilderness surrounding the temple complex was infamous for causing steep fatality rates amongst its local officials, as a result of malaria which is referred traditionally by Thais as “Forest disease” (ไข้ป่า).