Chao Phraya Bowornrachanayok, Sheikh Ahmad
(Chao Phraya Bowornrachanayok, Sheikh Ahmad)

Chao Phraya Sheikh Ahmad Rattanaratchasethi (Sheikh Ahmad)

Chao Phraya Worraratchanayok (Sheikh Ahmad), the First Chularatchamontri Sheikh Ahmad was born in 1543 in Qom, Iran, and was a follower of the Shia branch of Islam. In 1600, which was the 11th year of King Narai's reign (the 20th monarch of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya), Sheikh Ahmad and his younger brother, Sheikh Ahmad Saeed, traveled to the Tha Kaiy subdistrict near Ayutthaya to engage in trade. Their business prospered steadily, and the two brothers became known as prominent and wealthy merchants in the city of Ayutthaya.

Toward the end of King Songtham's reign, Sheikh Ahmad successfully helped improve the administration of the Department of Harbors. As a result, the King appointed him "Phraya Sheikh Ahmad Rattanaratchasethi", making him the head of the Department of the Right Harbor and the Chularatchamontri. He is thus considered the first Chularatchamontri and the one who introduced the Shia branch of Islam to Thailand.

Later, Sheikh Ahmad and his friends worked together to suppress a group of foreigners who were causing a rebellion and attempted to seize the Grand Palace. For this, the King promoted him to Chao Phraya Sheikh Ahmad Rattanathibodi, Samuhanayok Akkhara Maha Senabodi (Chief Minister of the Northern Provinces).

Towards the end of King Prasat Thong's reign, Sheikh Ahmad, then 87 years old, was appointed Chao Phraya Bowornrachanayok, the head of the Department of the Interior. He passed away in 1631 at the age of 88.

Sheikh Ahmad is considered the ancestor of several prominent Thai Muslim families, including many who later held the title of Chao Phraya. He is also the progenitor of the Bunnag family lineage.