Chakri Dynasty
Encyclopedia
The Chakri Dynasty ( is the current ruling royal house
of the Kingdom of Thailand, the Head of the house is the King of Thailand. The dynasty has ruled Thailand since the founding of the Ratthanakosin era and the city of Bangkok
in 1782 following the end of King Taksin
of Thonburi
's reign, when the capital of Siam shifted to Bangkok
. The Royal house was founded by King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke
an Ayutthayan military leader.
Prior to the founding of the dynasty
, King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke
(Rama I), held the title of Chao Pharaya Chakri for over ten years. This title
was held by the greatest warlord
s of Ayuthaya
and was meant to reflect the prowess of the holder on the battlefield. In the founding of the dynasty King Rama I himself chose both name and emblem
for the dynasty. The Chakri which provides both name and emblem to the house of Chakri, is composed of the discus (Chakra
) and the trident (Trisula, sometimes shortened to "Tri" in Thai language), the celestial weapon of the God Narayana
(an Avatar
of Vishnu
) of whom the Siamese king is seen as a personification. The coined name Chakri thus denotes the transcending force of divine strength and stability upon the physical realm
. The current Head of the Dynasty is King Bhumibol Adulyadej
since 1946, the Heir Apparent to the headship is Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn
. The House's dynastic seat is the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
The present Royal Family
of Thailand is descended from HRH Prince Mahidol Adulyadej
of Songkla (1898–1929) and Srinagarindra
(later Princess Mother) (1900–1995) forming the House of Mahidol (ราชสกุลมหิดล) ( a cadet branch
of the Dynasty). The Prince was a son of King Chulalongkorn
the Great and his wife Queen Consort Savang Vadhana
. The Prince was also the half-brother of both King Vajiravudh
and King Prajadhipok
. After the death of King Ananda Mahidol
(Prince Mahidol's elder son), the present monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej
(the Prince's younger son) ascended the throne in 1946. In 1949 the King married his first cousin once removed, Mom Rajawongse Sirikit Kitiyakara (a daughter of Mom Chao Nakkhatra Mangkala Kitiyakara
, a grandson of King Chulalongkorn).
(วังหน้า) (a palace complex to the north of the Grand Palace, now the site of the National Museum
). Usually the brother of the monarch, the vice-king was designated heir to the throne, however only Prince Isarasundhorn was able to ascend the throne as King Buddha Loetla Nabhalai
. The office was extremely prestigious and carried with it almost equal status to the king, this can be seen in Prince Chutamani (younger brother of King Mongkut
), who was elevated to King Pinklao
in 1851 (he carried with him the styles and titles of a King). The system was abolished by King Chulalongkorn when his vice-king and cousin Prince Bovorn Vichaicharn died. He then declared his oldest son the Crown Prince
of Siam, but not vice-king.
to the throne and headship of the dynasty. The title was created in 1886 when King Chulalongkorn appointed his eldest son by Princess Consort Savang Vadhana, Prince Vajirunhis
as Sayam Makutrajakuman. The title was copied directly from the Western tradition. Since then, there has only been three crown princes. The present crown prince is HRH Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn who was invested with the title in 1972. The succession is governed by the 1924 Palace Law of Succession
passed by King Vajiravudh.
is appointed either by the monarch himself or by the Privy Council of Thailand, the appointment must be countersigned by the President of the National Assembly of Thailand. The circumstances for appointment of a regent
in the constitution is unclear it states that a regent can be appointed : "Whenever the king is absent from the kingdom or unable to perform His functions for any reason whatsoever" (Chapter 2, Section 18). So far a regent has only been appointed when the monarch has been in minority, when the monarch takes a foreign trip and when the monarch enters the Sangha
as a monk. A regent can be both a commoner or a member of the royal family depending on the circumstances.
During the Seventh Reign (Prajadhipok)
During the Eighth Reign (Ananda Mahidol): While the king was a minor and in Switzerland, a Regency Council of three was established, it was composed of:
During the Ninth Reign (present):Before the King's coronation, a regency council composed entirely of the privy council was appointed as regent:
Dynasty
A dynasty is a sequence of rulers considered members of the same family. Historians traditionally consider many sovereign states' history within a framework of successive dynasties, e.g., China, Ancient Egypt and the Persian Empire...
of the Kingdom of Thailand, the Head of the house is the King of Thailand. The dynasty has ruled Thailand since the founding of the Ratthanakosin era and the city of Bangkok
Bangkok
Bangkok is the capital and largest urban area city in Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or simply Krung Thep , meaning "city of angels." The full name of Bangkok is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom...
in 1782 following the end of King Taksin
Taksin
Taksin ; was the only King of the Thonburi Kingdom...
of Thonburi
Thonburi
Thon Buri is an area of modern Bangkok. It was capital of Thailand from 1767 to 1782, during the reign of King Taksin, after the previous capital Ayutthaya was sacked by the Burmese. It is located on the opposite bank of Chao Phraya River to Bangkok...
's reign, when the capital of Siam shifted to Bangkok
Bangkok
Bangkok is the capital and largest urban area city in Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or simply Krung Thep , meaning "city of angels." The full name of Bangkok is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom...
. The Royal house was founded by King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke
Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke
Phra Bat Somdet Phra Poramintharamaha Chakri Borommanat Phra Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke , posthumously titled "the Great", or Rama I , was the founder and the first monarch of the reigning House of Chakri of Siam . He ascended the throne in 1782, after defeating a rebellion which had deposed King...
an Ayutthayan military leader.
Prior to the founding of the dynasty
Dynasty
A dynasty is a sequence of rulers considered members of the same family. Historians traditionally consider many sovereign states' history within a framework of successive dynasties, e.g., China, Ancient Egypt and the Persian Empire...
, King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke
Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke
Phra Bat Somdet Phra Poramintharamaha Chakri Borommanat Phra Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke , posthumously titled "the Great", or Rama I , was the founder and the first monarch of the reigning House of Chakri of Siam . He ascended the throne in 1782, after defeating a rebellion which had deposed King...
(Rama I), held the title of Chao Pharaya Chakri for over ten years. This title
Title
A title is a prefix or suffix added to someone's name to signify either veneration, an official position or a professional or academic qualification. In some languages, titles may even be inserted between a first and last name...
was held by the greatest warlord
Warlord
A warlord is a person with power who has both military and civil control over a subnational area due to armed forces loyal to the warlord and not to a central authority. The term can also mean one who espouses the ideal that war is necessary, and has the means and authority to engage in war...
s of Ayuthaya
Ayutthaya kingdom
Ayutthaya was a Siamese kingdom that existed from 1350 to 1767. Ayutthaya was friendly towards foreign traders, including the Chinese, Vietnamese , Indians, Japanese and Persians, and later the Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch and French, permitting them to set up villages outside the walls of the...
and was meant to reflect the prowess of the holder on the battlefield. In the founding of the dynasty King Rama I himself chose both name and emblem
Emblem
An emblem is a pictorial image, abstract or representational, that epitomizes a concept — e.g., a moral truth, or an allegory — or that represents a person, such as a king or saint.-Distinction: emblem and symbol:...
for the dynasty. The Chakri which provides both name and emblem to the house of Chakri, is composed of the discus (Chakra
Sudarshana Chakra
The Sudarshana Chakra is a spinning, disk-like super weapon with 108 serrated edges used by Lord Vishnu. The Sudarshana Chakra is portrayed on the right rear hand of the four hands of Vishnu, who also holds a Shankha in his left rear hand, a Gada in his right fore hand, and a Padma in his left...
) and the trident (Trisula, sometimes shortened to "Tri" in Thai language), the celestial weapon of the God Narayana
Narayana
Narayana or Narayan or Naraina is an important Sanskrit name for Vishnu, and in many contemporary vernaculars a common Indian name. Narayana is also identified as the original man, Purusha. The Puranas present divergent views on Narayana...
(an Avatar
Avatar
In Hinduism, an avatar is a deliberate descent of a deity to earth, or a descent of the Supreme Being and is mostly translated into English as "incarnation," but more accurately as "appearance" or "manifestation"....
of Vishnu
Vishnu
Vishnu is the Supreme god in the Vaishnavite tradition of Hinduism. Smarta followers of Adi Shankara, among others, venerate Vishnu as one of the five primary forms of God....
) of whom the Siamese king is seen as a personification. The coined name Chakri thus denotes the transcending force of divine strength and stability upon the physical realm
Realm
A realm is a dominion of a monarch or other sovereign ruler.The Old French word reaume, modern French royaume, was the word first adopted in English; the fixed modern spelling does not appear until the beginning of the 17th century...
. The current Head of the Dynasty is King Bhumibol Adulyadej
Bhumibol Adulyadej
Bhumibol Adulyadej is the current King of Thailand. He is known as Rama IX...
since 1946, the Heir Apparent to the headship is Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn
Maha Vajiralongkorn
Somdet Phra Boromma-orasathirat Chao Fa Maha Vajiralongkorn Sayammakutratchakuman is the only son of Bhumibol Adulyadej, the King of Thailand, and Queen Sirikit...
. The House's dynastic seat is the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
Royal Family of Thailand
Royal family
A royal family is the extended family of a king or queen regnant. The term imperial family appropriately describes the extended family of an emperor or empress, while the terms "ducal family", "grand ducal family" or "princely family" are more appropriate to describe the relatives of a reigning...
of Thailand is descended from HRH Prince Mahidol Adulyadej
Mahidol Adulyadej
Mahitaladhibes Adulyadejvikrom, the Prince Father , or officially styled Mahidol Adulyadej, Prince of Songkla was the father of King Ananda Mahidol and King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand. He was also regarded as the father of modern medicine and public health of Thailand...
of Songkla (1898–1929) and Srinagarindra
Srinagarindra
Srinagarindra was a member of the Thai Royal Family and was a member of House of Mahidol, which is descended from Chakri Dynasty, originated by Prince Mahidol Adulyadej, the Prince of Songkla, son of King Chulalongkorn...
(later Princess Mother) (1900–1995) forming the House of Mahidol (ราชสกุลมหิดล) ( a cadet branch
Cadet branch
Cadet branch is a term in genealogy to describe the lineage of the descendants of the younger sons of a monarch or patriarch. In the ruling dynasties and noble families of much of Europe and Asia, the family's major assets – titles, realms, fiefs, property and income – have...
of the Dynasty). The Prince was a son of King Chulalongkorn
Chulalongkorn
Phra Bat Somdet Phra Poramintharamaha Chulalongkorn Phra Chunla Chom Klao Chao Yu Hua , or Rama V was the fifth monarch of Siam under the House of Chakri. He was known to the Siamese of his time as Phra Phuttha Chao Luang . He is considered one of the greatest kings of Siam...
the Great and his wife Queen Consort Savang Vadhana
Savang Vadhana
Queen Savang Vadhana of Siam was a consort of King Chulalongkorn or Rama V. Her full name and title was Queen Sri Savarindira - thus she was not the Rajini , but just was a highest consort...
. The Prince was also the half-brother of both King Vajiravudh
Vajiravudh
Phra Bat Somdet Phra Poramentharamaha Vajiravudh Phra Mongkut Klao Chao Yu Hua , or Phra Bat Somdet Phra Ramathibodi Si Sintharamaha Vajiravudh Phra Mongkut Klao Chao Yu Hua , or Rama VI was the sixth monarch of Siam under the House of Chakri, ruling from 1910 until his death...
and King Prajadhipok
Prajadhipok
Phra Bat Somdet Phra Poramintharamaha Prajadhipok Phra Pok Klao Chao Yu Hua , or Rama VII was the seventh monarch of Siam under the House of Chakri. He was the last absolute monarch and the first constitutional monarch of the country. His reign was a turbulent time for Siam due to huge political...
. After the death of King Ananda Mahidol
Ananda Mahidol
Ananda Mahidol was the eighth monarch of Thailand under the House of Chakri. At the time he was recognized as king by the National Assembly, in March 1935, he was a nine-year-old boy living in Switzerland. He returned to Thailand in December 1945. Six months later, in June 1946, he was found shot...
(Prince Mahidol's elder son), the present monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej
Bhumibol Adulyadej
Bhumibol Adulyadej is the current King of Thailand. He is known as Rama IX...
(the Prince's younger son) ascended the throne in 1946. In 1949 the King married his first cousin once removed, Mom Rajawongse Sirikit Kitiyakara (a daughter of Mom Chao Nakkhatra Mangkala Kitiyakara
Nakkhatra Mangkala Kitiyakara
|align=right|Nakkhatra Mangkala Kitiyakara , was the eldest son of Prince Kitiyakara Voralaksana, Prince of Chanthaburi and Princess Apsarasaman Kitiyakara...
, a grandson of King Chulalongkorn).
Members
This is a list of current members of the Royal Family:- HM The KingBhumibol AdulyadejBhumibol Adulyadej is the current King of Thailand. He is known as Rama IX...
- HM The QueenSirikitSomdet Phra Nang Chao Sirikit Phra Borommarachininat , is the queen consort of Bhumibol Adulyadej, King of Thailand. She is the second Queen Regent of Thailand...
(his consort)
- Princess Ubolratana RajakanyaUbol RatanaPrincess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Barnavadi , or Ubolratana in brief , is a princess of Thailand and the eldest child of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Regent Sirikit...
(the King's eldest daughter) - TRH The Crown Prince Maha VajiralongkornMaha VajiralongkornSomdet Phra Boromma-orasathirat Chao Fa Maha Vajiralongkorn Sayammakutratchakuman is the only son of Bhumibol Adulyadej, the King of Thailand, and Queen Sirikit...
and Princess SrirasmiSrirasmiPrincess Srirasmi of Thailand , or Srirasmi, Princess of Thailand, is the consort of Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn. Born to a family of modest means, she entered the service of the Crown Prince at the age of 22...
(the King's eldest son and his consort)- HRH Princess BajrakitiyabhaBajrakitiyabhaPrincess Bajrakitiyabha of Thailand , or known as Princess Pa or Patty, was born on 7 December 1978. She is the first grandchild of King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit of Thailand, and the only child of Crown Prince Maha Vajralongkorn with Princess Soamsavali....
(the Crown Prince's eldest daughter) - HRH Princess Siriwannawari NariratanaSiriwannawari NariratanaPrincess Sirivannavari Nariratana of Thailand , or Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana is a princess of Thailand and the only daughter of Crown Prince Maha Vajralongkorn and Sucharini Vivacharawongse, who is commonly known as Yuvadhida Polpraserth.She was born Mom Chao Busyanambejira Mahidol , but...
(the Crown Prince's younger daughter) - HRH Prince Dipangkorn RasmijotiDipangkorn RasmijotiPrince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti , a member of the Royal Family of Thailand, is a grandson of King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, and is the fifth son of Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn. His mother is Princess Srirasmi, the Crown Prince's third legal wife...
(the Crown Prince's youngest son)
- HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha
- HRH Crown Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn (the King's second eldest daughter)
- HRH Princess Chulabhorn WalailakChulabhorn WalailakPrincess Chulabhorn of Thailand or Chulabhorn Walailak , born 4 July 1957 in Bangkok, is a Princess of Thailand, the youngest daughter of HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej and HM Queen Sirikit of Thailand...
(the King's youngest daughter)- HRH Princess SiribhachudhabhornSiribhachudhabhornPrincess Siribhachudhabhorn or commonly known as 'Ong Rhi pa' , is the eldest daughter of HRH Princess Chulabhorn and Royal Thai Air Force Flight Lieutenant Virayudh Tishyasarin .-Education:...
(Princess Chulabhorn's eldest daughter) - HRH Princess AdityadhornkitikhunAdityadhornkitikhunPrincess Adityadhornkitikhun or commonly known as Princess Dita , is the second daughter of Princess Chulabhorn and Royal Thai Air Force Flight Lieutenant Virayudh Tishyasarin .-Education:...
(Princess Chulabhorn's younger daughter)
- HRH Princess Siribhachudhabhorn
Other Members
- HRH Princess SoamsavaliSoamsavali KitiyakaraPrincess Soamsawali of Thailand , née Mom Luang Soamsawali Kitiyakara is a member of Thai Royal Family, and is the former wife of her first cousin, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn. She was titled "the Princess Mother of the King's First Grandchild" after her divorce with the Crown Prince in 1991...
(the Crown Prince's former consort and mother of Princess Bajrakitiyabha) - Khun Ploypailin Jensen (Princess Ubolratana's elder daughter)
- Khun Sirikitiya Jensen (Princess Ubolratana's younger daughter)
- Thanpuying Dhasanawalaya Sornsongkram (the King's niece, daughter of the late Princess Galyani VadhanaGalyani VadhanaHer Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana, the Princess of Naradhiwas , was a princess of Thailand and the elder sister of King Ananda Mahidol and King Bhumibol Adulyadej...
)
Recently deceased members
- HRH Princess Bejaratana Rajasuda (the King's cousin, the only daughter of King VajiravudhVajiravudhPhra Bat Somdet Phra Poramentharamaha Vajiravudh Phra Mongkut Klao Chao Yu Hua , or Phra Bat Somdet Phra Ramathibodi Si Sintharamaha Vajiravudh Phra Mongkut Klao Chao Yu Hua , or Rama VI was the sixth monarch of Siam under the House of Chakri, ruling from 1910 until his death...
) (2011) - HRH Princess Galyani VadhanaGalyani VadhanaHer Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana, the Princess of Naradhiwas , was a princess of Thailand and the elder sister of King Ananda Mahidol and King Bhumibol Adulyadej...
, Princess of Naradhiwas (the King's elder sister) (2008) - Khun Bhumi JensenBhumi JensenBhumi Jensen , was a grandson of King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, after whom he was named. He was the son of the king's eldest daughter, Princess Ubol Ratana Rajakanya, and her American husband Peter Ladd Jensen. Bhumi Jensen, who was commonly known as Khun Poom, had autism...
(Princess Ubolratana's son) (2004) - HRH Princess SrinagarindraSrinagarindraSrinagarindra was a member of the Thai Royal Family and was a member of House of Mahidol, which is descended from Chakri Dynasty, originated by Prince Mahidol Adulyadej, the Prince of Songkla, son of King Chulalongkorn...
, Princess Mother (the King's mother, also mother of King Rama VIII) (1995)
List of Chakri Kings
| Reign | Monarch | Reign Starts | Reign ends |
| Buddha Yodfa Chulalok the Great (Rama I) |
|||
| Buddha Loetla Nabhalai Buddha Loetla Nabhalai Phra Bat Somdet Phra Poramenthramaha Isarasundhorn Phra Buddha Loetla Nabhalai , or Rama II , was the second monarch of Siam under the House of Chakri, ruling from 1809-1824. In 1809, Isarasundhorn succeeded his father Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke, the founder of Chakri dynasty, as Buddha Loetla Nabhalai... (Rama II) |
|||
| Jessadabodindra Jessadabodindra Phra Bat Somdet Phra Poramintharamaha Jessadabodindra Phra Nangklao Chao Yu Hua , or Rama III , was the third monarch of Siam under the House of Chakri, ruling from 21 July 1824 to 2 April 1851. He succeeded his father, Buddha Loetla Nabhalai, as the King of Siam... (Rama III) |
|||
| Mongkut Mongkut Phra Bat Somdet Phra Poramenthramaha Mongkut Phra Chom Klao Chao Yu Hua , or Rama IV, known in foreign countries as King Mongkut , was the fourth monarch of Siam under the House of Chakri, ruling from 1851-1868... (Rama IV) |
|
||
| Chulalongkorn the Great Chulalongkorn Phra Bat Somdet Phra Poramintharamaha Chulalongkorn Phra Chunla Chom Klao Chao Yu Hua , or Rama V was the fifth monarch of Siam under the House of Chakri. He was known to the Siamese of his time as Phra Phuttha Chao Luang . He is considered one of the greatest kings of Siam... (Rama V) |
|
||
| Vajiravudh Vajiravudh Phra Bat Somdet Phra Poramentharamaha Vajiravudh Phra Mongkut Klao Chao Yu Hua , or Phra Bat Somdet Phra Ramathibodi Si Sintharamaha Vajiravudh Phra Mongkut Klao Chao Yu Hua , or Rama VI was the sixth monarch of Siam under the House of Chakri, ruling from 1910 until his death... (Rama VI) |
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| Prajadhipok Prajadhipok Phra Bat Somdet Phra Poramintharamaha Prajadhipok Phra Pok Klao Chao Yu Hua , or Rama VII was the seventh monarch of Siam under the House of Chakri. He was the last absolute monarch and the first constitutional monarch of the country. His reign was a turbulent time for Siam due to huge political... (Rama VII) |
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| Ananda Mahidol Ananda Mahidol Ananda Mahidol was the eighth monarch of Thailand under the House of Chakri. At the time he was recognized as king by the National Assembly, in March 1935, he was a nine-year-old boy living in Switzerland. He returned to Thailand in December 1945. Six months later, in June 1946, he was found shot... (Rama VIII) |
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| Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great Bhumibol Adulyadej Bhumibol Adulyadej is the current King of Thailand. He is known as Rama IX... (Rama IX) |
|
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Vice-Kings
The Vice-King of Siam or the Krom Phrarajawang Bavorn Sathan Mongkol (กรมพระราชวังบวรสถานมงคล) was an office created during the Ayutthaya period. Until 1885 every Chakri king had a vice-king or (Maha Uparaja (มหาอุปราช), also often translated as Second King) who lived in the Front PalaceFront Palace
Krom Phra Rajawang Bovorn Sathan Mongkol ) or the Front Palace was a royal title granted by the Siamese monarchy until the nineteenth century. The holder of the title of Front Palace was considered the heir to the throne and second only to the King. The title originated in the Ayutthaya period and...
(วังหน้า) (a palace complex to the north of the Grand Palace, now the site of the National Museum
National Museum (Thailand)
The National Museum in Thailand is the main museum on the history of the Thai culture. The main museum is located in Bangkok on Na Phrathat Road next to the Sanam Luang, not far from Wat Phra Kaew....
). Usually the brother of the monarch, the vice-king was designated heir to the throne, however only Prince Isarasundhorn was able to ascend the throne as King Buddha Loetla Nabhalai
Buddha Loetla Nabhalai
Phra Bat Somdet Phra Poramenthramaha Isarasundhorn Phra Buddha Loetla Nabhalai , or Rama II , was the second monarch of Siam under the House of Chakri, ruling from 1809-1824. In 1809, Isarasundhorn succeeded his father Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke, the founder of Chakri dynasty, as Buddha Loetla Nabhalai...
. The office was extremely prestigious and carried with it almost equal status to the king, this can be seen in Prince Chutamani (younger brother of King Mongkut
Mongkut
Phra Bat Somdet Phra Poramenthramaha Mongkut Phra Chom Klao Chao Yu Hua , or Rama IV, known in foreign countries as King Mongkut , was the fourth monarch of Siam under the House of Chakri, ruling from 1851-1868...
), who was elevated to King Pinklao
Pinklao
Phrabat Somdet Phra Pinklao Chaoyuhua was the younger brother of King Mongkut and the Second King of Siam, who crowned him as a monarch with equal honor to himself.-Early life:...
in 1851 (he carried with him the styles and titles of a King). The system was abolished by King Chulalongkorn when his vice-king and cousin Prince Bovorn Vichaicharn died. He then declared his oldest son the Crown Prince
Crown Prince
A crown prince or crown princess is the heir or heiress apparent to the throne in a royal or imperial monarchy. The wife of a crown prince is also titled crown princess....
of Siam, but not vice-king.
List of Chakri Vice-Kings
| Monarch | Vice King | Reign Starts | Reign ends |
| Prince Maha Sura Singhanat Maha Sura Singhanat Somdet Phra Bawornrajchao Maha Sura Singhanat was the younger brother of Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke, the first monarch of the Chakri dynasty of Siam. As an Ayutthayan general, he fought alongside his brother in various campaigns against Burmese invaders and the local warlords... สมเด็จพระบวรราชเจ้ามหาสุรสิงหนาท |
|||
| Prince Isarasundhorn Buddha Loetla Nabhalai Phra Bat Somdet Phra Poramenthramaha Isarasundhorn Phra Buddha Loetla Nabhalai , or Rama II , was the second monarch of Siam under the House of Chakri, ruling from 1809-1824. In 1809, Isarasundhorn succeeded his father Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke, the founder of Chakri dynasty, as Buddha Loetla Nabhalai... (Rama II Buddha Loetla Nabhalai Phra Bat Somdet Phra Poramenthramaha Isarasundhorn Phra Buddha Loetla Nabhalai , or Rama II , was the second monarch of Siam under the House of Chakri, ruling from 1809-1824. In 1809, Isarasundhorn succeeded his father Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke, the founder of Chakri dynasty, as Buddha Loetla Nabhalai... ) |
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| Prince Maha Senanurak สมเด็จพระบวรราชเจ้ามหาเสนานุรักษ์ |
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| Prince Maha Sakdi Polsep Maha Sakdi Polsep Somdet Phra Bawornrajchao Maha Sakdi Polsep was the Front Palace appointed by Jessadabodindra as the titular heir to the throne as he was the uncle to the king.Prince Arunotai was the son of King Buddha Loetla Nabhalai and his concubine Nuiyai... สมเด็จพระบวรราชเจ้ามหาศักดิ์พลเสพ |
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| King Pinklao Pinklao Phrabat Somdet Phra Pinklao Chaoyuhua was the younger brother of King Mongkut and the Second King of Siam, who crowned him as a monarch with equal honor to himself.-Early life:... พระบาทสมเด็จพระปิ่นเกล้าเจ้าอยู่หัว |
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| Prince Bovorn Vichaichan กรมพระราชวังบวรวิไชยชาญ |
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Deputy vice king
Krom Phrarajawang Boworn Sathan Phimuk (กรมพระราชวังบวรสถานพิมุข) or the Rear Palace, was another office inherited from the Kingdom of Ayutthaya. However since the founding of the dynasty there has only been one rear palace. Prince Anurak Devesh was the nephew of King Buddha Yodfa Chualoke (his mother Princess Thepsuthavadi was the king's elder sister) was appointed to the office in 1785.| Monarch | Deputy Vice King | Reign Starts | Reign ends |
| Prince Anurak Devesh Anurak Devesh Chaofa Krom Phra Anurak Devesh Krom Phra Rajawang Boworn Sathan Phimuk was a Siamese Prince and military leader. A nephew of King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke the founder of the Chakri Dynasty, he was appointed Rear Palace or the Deputy Vice King of Siam... สมเด็จเจ้าฟ้ากรมพระอนุรักษ์เทเวศร์ กรมพระราชวังบวรสถานพิมุข |
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Crown Princes
The Crown Prince of Thailand or Sayam Makutrajakuman (สยามมกุฎราชกุมาร) is the designated and heir apparentHeir apparent
An heir apparent or heiress apparent is a person who is first in line of succession and cannot be displaced from inheriting, except by a change in the rules of succession....
to the throne and headship of the dynasty. The title was created in 1886 when King Chulalongkorn appointed his eldest son by Princess Consort Savang Vadhana, Prince Vajirunhis
Vajirunhis
Crown Prince Maha Vajirunhis was the first Crown Prince of the Chakri Dynasty. He was the first son of King Chulalongkorn and Queen Savang Vadhana....
as Sayam Makutrajakuman. The title was copied directly from the Western tradition. Since then, there has only been three crown princes. The present crown prince is HRH Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn who was invested with the title in 1972. The succession is governed by the 1924 Palace Law of Succession
1924 Palace Law of Succession
The Palace Law on Succession, BE 2467 governs succession to the Throne of the Kingdom of Thailand, under the ruling House of Chakri. The law was established during the reign of King Vajiravudh to systematically resolve previous succession controversies...
passed by King Vajiravudh.
List of Crown Princes
| Monarch | Crown Prince | Tenure Starts | Tenure ends |
| Crown Prince Maha Vajirunhis Vajirunhis Crown Prince Maha Vajirunhis was the first Crown Prince of the Chakri Dynasty. He was the first son of King Chulalongkorn and Queen Savang Vadhana.... สมเด็จพระบรมโอรสาธิราช เจ้าฟ้ามหาวชิรุณหิศ สยามมกุฎราชกุมาร |
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| Crown Prince Maha Vajiravudh Vajiravudh Phra Bat Somdet Phra Poramentharamaha Vajiravudh Phra Mongkut Klao Chao Yu Hua , or Phra Bat Somdet Phra Ramathibodi Si Sintharamaha Vajiravudh Phra Mongkut Klao Chao Yu Hua , or Rama VI was the sixth monarch of Siam under the House of Chakri, ruling from 1910 until his death... (later King Rama VI) สมเด็จพระบรมโอรสาธิราช เจ้าฟ้ามหาวชิราวุธ สยามมกุฎราชกุมาร (รัชกาลที่ 6) |
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| Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn Maha Vajiralongkorn Somdet Phra Boromma-orasathirat Chao Fa Maha Vajiralongkorn Sayammakutratchakuman is the only son of Bhumibol Adulyadej, the King of Thailand, and Queen Sirikit... สมเด็จพระบรมโอรสาธิราช เจ้าฟ้ามหาวชิราลงกรณ สยามมกุฎราชกุมาร |
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Regents
The Regent of Thailand (ผู้สำเร็จราชการแทนพระองค์) as stated in the Constitution of ThailandConstitution of Thailand
The Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand is the supreme law of Thailand. Since the change from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional democracy in 1932, Thailand has had 17 charters and constitutions, reflecting the high degree of political instability and frequency of military coups faced...
is appointed either by the monarch himself or by the Privy Council of Thailand, the appointment must be countersigned by the President of the National Assembly of Thailand. The circumstances for appointment of a regent
Regent
A regent, from the Latin regens "one who reigns", is a person selected to act as head of state because the ruler is a minor, not present, or debilitated. Currently there are only two ruling Regencies in the world, sovereign Liechtenstein and the Malaysian constitutive state of Terengganu...
in the constitution is unclear it states that a regent can be appointed : "Whenever the king is absent from the kingdom or unable to perform His functions for any reason whatsoever" (Chapter 2, Section 18). So far a regent has only been appointed when the monarch has been in minority, when the monarch takes a foreign trip and when the monarch enters the Sangha
Sangha
Sangha is a word in Pali or Sanskrit that can be translated roughly as "association" or "assembly," "company" or "community" with common goal, vision or purpose...
as a monk. A regent can be both a commoner or a member of the royal family depending on the circumstances.
List of Regents
During the Fifith Reign (Chulalongkorn)- Somdet Chao Phraya Si SuriyawongseSi SuriyawongseSomdet Chao Phraya Borom Maha Si Suriyawongse December 23, 1808 – January 19, 1883) was a prominent 19th century Thai figure and served as the regent during the early years of the reign of King Chulalongkorn....
(1868–1873): until King Chulalongkorn reached his majority (20 years old) - Queen Regent SaovabhaSaovabhaQueen Saovabha Bongsri was a half-sister and queen of King Chulalongkorn of Thailand, and mother of both King Vajiravudh and King Prajadhipok...
(1897): while King Chulalongkorn traveled to Europe in his First Grand Tour in 1897 - Crown Prince Maha VajiravudhVajiravudhPhra Bat Somdet Phra Poramentharamaha Vajiravudh Phra Mongkut Klao Chao Yu Hua , or Phra Bat Somdet Phra Ramathibodi Si Sintharamaha Vajiravudh Phra Mongkut Klao Chao Yu Hua , or Rama VI was the sixth monarch of Siam under the House of Chakri, ruling from 1910 until his death...
(1907): while King Chulalongkorn traveled to Europe in his Second Grand Tour in 1907
During the Seventh Reign (Prajadhipok)
- Prince Narisaranuwadtiwongse (1934–1935): When the king left Siam for medical treatment in Europe
During the Eighth Reign (Ananda Mahidol): While the king was a minor and in Switzerland, a Regency Council of three was established, it was composed of:
- Prince Oscar Anuvatana (1935)
- Prince Athitaya Dibhabha (1935–1944)
- Chao Phraya Yomarath (Pan Sukhum) (1935–1938)
- General Chao Phraya Phit Yenthornyothin (Um Inthornyothin) (August 1935- 1942): appointed to replace Prince Oscar after his death, he himself later died in office (was then not replaced).
- Dr. Pridi Banomyong (1941–1946): appointed to replace Chao Phraya Yomarath, after the resignation of Prince Athitaya became the sole regent, until the return of the king in 1946.
During the Ninth Reign (present):Before the King's coronation, a regency council composed entirely of the privy council was appointed as regent:
- Prince Rangsit Prayurasakdi, Prince of Chainat, President of the Council (1946)
- Prince Dhanivat Bidyalabh Bridhyakon (1946)
- Prince Alongkorn Adireksorn Udomsakdi (1946)
- Phraya Manovaratsevi (Phlod na Songkhla) (1946)
- Police General Adul Adulyadejchrat (1946)
- Prince Dhanivat Bidyalabh Bridhyakon (1946–1950): until King Bhumibol Adulyadej finished his studies in Switzerland.
- Queen Regent Sirikit KitiyakaraSirikitSomdet Phra Nang Chao Sirikit Phra Borommarachininat , is the queen consort of Bhumibol Adulyadej, King of Thailand. She is the second Queen Regent of Thailand...
(1956): while the king was a Buddhist monk. - Princess Mother SrinagarindraSrinagarindraSrinagarindra was a member of the Thai Royal Family and was a member of House of Mahidol, which is descended from Chakri Dynasty, originated by Prince Mahidol Adulyadej, the Prince of Songkla, son of King Chulalongkorn...
(1960): while King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit traveled on a world tour.
See also
- Monarchy of Thailand
- List of Kings of Thailand
- List of Thai consorts
- Rattanakosin era
- 1924 Palace Law on Succession
- Rama (King of Thailand)Rama (King of Thailand)The kings in the current Chakri dynasty of Thailand are often referred to as Rama followed by Roman ordinal in English translation. The name Rama was adopted from the name of the Hindu god Rama, a reincarnation of Vishnu....
- Order of the Royal House of ChakriOrder of the Royal House of ChakriThe Most Illustrious Order of the Royal House of Chakri was established in 1882 by King Rama V of The Kingdom of Siam to commemorate the Bangkok Centennial...
- Privy Council of Thailand