Thai royal and noble titles
Encyclopedia
Thai
royal and noble titles are the royal and noble styles
signifying relationship to the King introduced by King Trailokanat, who reigned 1448 to 1488. The system is rooted in the Thai language
equivalent of feudalism
, (ศักดินา: literally, power over fields).It is somewhat similar to that of peerage
, but is complicated and usually not well understood even by most Thai people. A particular title of honor
may not be confined to just the beginning or the end of the name, but may be split across the name as will be demonstrated. Another point of note about the titles is that the King has the power to bestow any title on anybody, regardless of the rule. However, such promotion is personal and the children of the person will not normally benefit from it (see, for example, Phra Worawong Ther Phra Ong Chao).
There are two titles which can be used for a king (depending on coronation status).
and even then the titles kept changing over the successive reigns.
The rule about commoners also seems to be evolving over time; it appears that there are no more restrictions keeping a commoner from becoming queen.
Most of the titles listed here are taken from the time King Vajiravudh
enacted the Succession Law in 1924.
in the Western sense, although the concept of queen was only introduced first in the reign of King Rama V
. There can be only one "rajini" at a time. The actual title depends on the status of the holder.
or
For example, Ani's mom (born as Phra Ong Chao Sawaphaphongsri, one of King Chulalongkorn's
half-sisters and wives), was given an honorific name of "Phra Sri Patcharindra" when she was invested the queen regent; her name was thus Somdej Phra Sri Patcharindra Phra Boromarajininat. As for the current Queen of Thailand, her name has been retained, thus: Somdej Phra Nangchao Sirikit
Phra Boromarajininat.
, one of the wives of King Vajiravudh
. Ther is a personal pronoun equivalent to she
, and, when used as a second- or third-person personal pronoun, stands in T–V distinction with Khun .
from the Thipjakrathiwong dynasty of Chiang Mai
. Technically, she was a "commoner" from the point of view of the Chakri dynasty, and was thus initially appointed as a Chao Chom. She was later 'ennobled' and given this particular title, which, although higher in status than Chao Chom, was still the most junior among the royal wives who were born princesses.
, the daughter of the current king, who had to give up her title of Chao Fa to marry a commoner (a US citizen). She still retains the style of "Tunkramom Ying", though. However, her sister, Chao Fa Chulabhonwalailak, was granted permission by the King to keep her title when she married Sqn. Ldr. Weerayut Disayasirin, a commoner.
The rules are also slightly complicated for the first two classes Chao Fa and Phra Ong Chao.
Three (3) persons currently hold Chao Fa rank (highest royal rank after the King and Queen):
Phra Chao Boromawongse Ther Phra Ong Chao (พระเจ้าบรมวงศ์เธอ พระองค์เจ้า)"His/Her Royal Highness" These are the princes/princesses who are of Phra Ong Chao rank (instead of higher Chao Fa rank) by birth (i.e., children of a king and a Chao Chom Manda (a consort who was born commoner) or who are specially promoted by a king to this high rank.
Phra Chao Worawongse Ther Phra Ong Chao "His/Her Royal Highness" Generally, these are the princes/princesses who are grandchildren of a king or who are specially promoted by a king to this rank. The categories are as follows:
At least seven persons currently hold Phra Ong Chao rank (mid level royal rank) including:
Phra Worawong Ther Phra Ong Chao "His/Her Highness". These are:
." They are either:
Informally, they are styled Than Chai(m).../Than Ying(f)... (ท่านชาย.../ท่านหญิง...).
There are a few dozen persons living as of 2008 who hold Mom Chao (most junior royal) rank, including:
HSH Prince Bhisadej Rajani
(born 1922) (son of HRH Prince Bidyalongkorn (a grandson of Vice-King Pinklao, who was a brother of King Rama IV) and younger brother of HSH Princess Vibhavadi RANGSIT (wife of HSH Prince Piya Rangsit, a grandson of King Rama V)). HSH Princess Vibhavadi Rangsit was posthumously elevated to the rank of HRH (Phra Ong Chao) following her tragic death in service to the country)
HSH Princess Bhandu Savali YUGALA (born 1933) (daughter of HRH Prince Bhanubandhu YUGALA, a grandson of King Rama V) (sister-in-law to HM Queen Sirikit and mother to HRH Princess Soamsavali)
HSH Prince Bhuribandhu YUGALA (born 1934) (son of HRH Prince Bhanubandhu YUGALA, a grandson of King Rama V)
HSH Princess Rangsi Nobhadol YUGALA (born 1937) (daughter of HRH Prince Bhanubandhu YUGALA, a grandson of King Rama V)
HSH Prince Navabarnsa YUGALA (born 1978) (son of HRH Prince Bhanubandhu YUGALA, a grandson of King Rama V)
HSH Princess Bhanuma YUGALA (born 1981) (daughter of HRH Prince Bhanubandhu YUGALA, a grandson of King Rama V)
HSH Prince Mongolchalerm YUGALA (born 1936) (son of HRH Prince Chalermbala YUGALA, a grandson of King Rama V)
HSH Princess Sri Savangwongse YUGALA (born 1946) (daughter of HRH Prince Chalermbala YUGALA, a grandson of King Rama V)
HSH Prince Bhisadej Buddhasiri YUGALA (born 1944) (son of HRH Prince Chalermbala YUGALA, a grandson of King Rama V)
HSH Prince Chalermsuk YUGALA (born 1950) (son of HRH Prince Chalermbala YUGALA, a grandson of King Rama V)
HSH Prince Dighambara YUGALA (born 1951) (son of HRH Prince Chalermbala YUGALA, a grandson of King Rama V)
HSH Princess Bhumari YUGALA (born 1939) (daughter of HRH Prince Anusara YUGALA, a grandson of King Rama V)
HSH Princess Malini Mongol YUGALA (born 1940) (daughter of HRH Prince Anusara YUGALA, a grandson of King Rama V)
HSH Princess Padamon Rangsi YUGALA (born 1941) (daughter of HRH Prince Anusara YUGALA, a grandson of King Rama V)
HSH Prince Chatrichalerm YUGALA or YUKOL (born 1942) (son of HRH Prince Anusara YUGALA, a grandson of King Rama V) (he is a movie director, e.g. The Legend of Suriyothai and King Naresuan the Great)
HSH Prince Chulcherm Yugala YUGALA (born 1947) (son of HRH Prince Anusara YUGALA, a grandson of King Rama V)
HSH Princess Nobhadol Chalerm Sri YUGALA (born 1953) (daughter of HRH Prince Anusara YUGALA, a grandson of King Rama V)
".
, for example: Mom Srirasmi
Mahidol Na Ayudhya (a wife of Chao Fa Maha Vajiralongkorn
, whose surname is Mahidol).
After the birth of HRH Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti, Mom Srirasmi Mahidol Na Ayudhya was elevated by King Rama IX to "Phra Ong Chao" rank (i.e., Phra Chao Worawong Ther Phra Ong Chao Srirasmi Phraworachaya nai Somdej Phraborom Orasathiraj Siammakut Rajakumari (HRH Princess Srirasmi, the Royal Consort of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn)).
, and for that matter, feudalism
in Thailand. The titles are now obsolete, although on very rare occasions the king may still grant an honorary feudal title to a royal. The latest title granted was "Kromma Luang Narathiwat Rajanakarin" (translated as "Princess of Narathiwat
", literally "Viscountess of Narathiwat, Ruler of the Royal City") to the late Princess Galyani Vadhana
, the King's sister (Somdet Phra Chao Phee Nang Ther Chao Fa Galyani Vadhana).
The full title granted consists of a prefix, which signifies the rank ( - Bandasak), and an honorific name ( - Rachatinnanam), which can well be recycled. Taking the above example, the rank was "Luang" and the honorific name was "Narathiwat Rajanakarin". The appointee would use the full title in place of his names. However, as the honorific name can be repeated, when referring to a previous title holder, his former name may be written in a bracket to avoid confusion, for example: Phraya Kosathibodi (Lek) and Phraya Kosathibodi (Pan).
It is again a bit more complicated with the Chao Fa and Phra Ong Chao. If given a feudal title, they are said to "Song Krom" ( - lit.: "take department", but probably more semantically related to "take office"). The title is prefixed with the word "Krom" (which will be pronounced "Kromma" when forming part of the name), appended to (not replacing) the former princely title. For example, the full title of the King's sister is "Somdej Phra Chao Pheenang Ther Chao Fa Galyani Vadhana Kromma Luang Narathivat Rajanakarin. Nevertheless, it is the princely title which will be more frequently omitted when contracting the title e.g. Somdej Phra Chao Boromawong Ther Kromma Phraya Damrong Rajanubhab
(born Phra Ong Chao Disuankumaan). There are 5 feudal titles for prince/princess
Since the time of King Chulalongkorn, the honorific titles given to the royalties normally incorporate a city name or its modified form, and the holders are known in English as the Prince or Princess of that city.
Feudal titles are not inheritable.
age. European equivalents were also used on diplomatic missions.http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?_r=1&res=9903EFDA1430E633A25752C0A96E9C94669FD7CF&oref=slogin While all are obsolete as feudal titles, note that Phan, Nai, and Phrai have modern word usage
s.
.
There have only been 4 persons in Siam's history to be elevated to this title. The first was granted by King Taksin of Thonburi
to Chao Phraya Chakri who later become King Rama I of Bangkok; two were granted by King Rama IV; and the last was granted by King Rama V. The last three grants being made to members of the Bunnag
family.
. The river that runs through Bangkok, once simply known as Menam, at least since the end of the Rattanakosin era (1782–1932) has been called Maenam Chao Phraya.
or Marquis.
or Earl.
.
.
, Phan Ek is First of 1,000 or Colonel
; Phan Tho Second of 1,000, a Lieutenant Colonel
.
, with Nang Sao the equivalent of Miss
and Nang the equivalent of Mrs.
or Ms.
Related terms: either royalty or boss; or master
(of .)
having no — ostensibly above the seven categories of slave (ทาส) but subject to corvée for three months out of the year. Related terms: , in service to the sovereign; , under a master; , soldier
; making payment in kind
(cattle) in lieu of service.
After the abolition of corvée and slavery in 1905, the term fell into disuse as unmannerly
in favor of commoner; ordinary person of no specified social status
; or normal person
. Compare churl
and the trifunctional hypothesis
of Proto-Indo-European society
.
Phrai reemerged during the 2008–2010 Thai political crisis as an epithet
used for (and by) Redshirt protesters.
created the titles currently in use for women. The present King (Bhumibhol, King Rama IX), usually, grants the titles for women on the coronation day (5 May) every year. These are the only titles for commoners that have survived in modern day usage, since the titles for men are no longer in use. (See also Nai, above, for Miss and Mrs.)
pronounced with a mid tone and should not be confused with the similarly spelled tree
; or with the feudal title Khun that is pronounced in rising tone. The courtesy title is used for children born to a noble mother who gave up her title to marry a man of lesser rank, a well known example being Khun Bhumi Jensen
. Today, this word is used informally to courteously address virtually anyone apart from those who actually hold a title of Mom Rajawongse or higher. It stands in T–V distinction to ther .
origin used as a prefix to designate a government department, bureau, or military regiment. Historically, it was used to designate a prince or princess of the blood appointed as head of the like. There are five classes of such princes in ascending order: krom muen , krom khun , krom luang , krom phra , krom phraya , and krom kritsadika .
Thailand
Thailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...
royal and noble titles are the royal and noble styles
Royal and noble styles
Styles represent the fashion by which monarchs and noblemen are properly addressed. Throughout history, many different styles were used, with little standardization...
signifying relationship to the King introduced by King Trailokanat, who reigned 1448 to 1488. The system is rooted in the Thai language
Thai language
Thai , also known as Central Thai and Siamese, is the national and official language of Thailand and the native language of the Thai people, Thailand's dominant ethnic group. Thai is a member of the Tai group of the Tai–Kadai language family. Historical linguists have been unable to definitively...
equivalent of feudalism
Feudalism
Feudalism was a set of legal and military customs in medieval Europe that flourished between the 9th and 15th centuries, which, broadly defined, was a system for ordering society around relationships derived from the holding of land in exchange for service or labour.Although derived from the...
, (ศักดินา: literally, power over fields).It is somewhat similar to that of peerage
Peerage
The Peerage is a legal system of largely hereditary titles in the United Kingdom, which constitute the ranks of British nobility and is part of the British honours system...
, but is complicated and usually not well understood even by most Thai people. A particular title of honor
Title of honor
An honorary title or title of honor is a title bestowed upon individuals or organizations as an award in recognition of their merits.Sometimes the title bears the same or nearly the same name as a title of authority, but the person bestowed does not have to carry any duties, possibly except for...
may not be confined to just the beginning or the end of the name, but may be split across the name as will be demonstrated. Another point of note about the titles is that the King has the power to bestow any title on anybody, regardless of the rule. However, such promotion is personal and the children of the person will not normally benefit from it (see, for example, Phra Worawong Ther Phra Ong Chao).
The King (Sovereign)
- See also Rama (Kings of Thailand)
There are two titles which can be used for a king (depending on coronation status).
Phrabat Somdej Phra Chao Yu Hua ("Crowned King")
Phrabat Somdej Phra Chao Yu Hua (เจ้า) is the normal title used by the kings of Thailand (Siam) after coronation. There are two ways that this title can be used:- It can precede the name of the king - For example
- Phrabat Somdej Phra Chao Yu Hua Bhumibol AdulyadejBhumibol AdulyadejBhumibol Adulyadej is the current King of Thailand. He is known as Rama IX...
, in less formal usage than the next possibility.
- Phrabat Somdej Phra Chao Yu Hua Bhumibol Adulyadej
- It can be split across the name, possibly with omission or modification of the words "Phra Chao Yu Hua".
- Phrabat Somdej Phra Paraminthara Maha Bhumibol Adulyadej
- Phrabat Somdej Phra Paraminthara Maha PrajadhipokPrajadhipokPhra 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...
Phra Pokklao Chaoyuhua.
Somdej Phra Chao Yu Hua ("Uncrowned King")
Somdej Phra Chao Yu Hua (สมเด็จพระเจ้าอยู่หัว) is restricted to a king who has not yet gone through coronation, normally precedes the king's name, but once crowned, he will use the title Phrabat Somdej Phra Chao Yu Hua.Sovereign's Consorts
Traditionally, titles of the royal wives depended both on their birth titles and royal favour, with only the princesses who are of high birth (Chao Fa, Phra Ong Chao, Mom Chao Ying) taking up titles higher than Chao Chom. There were no clear rules about the hierarchy of the titles above Chao Chom until the time of King MongkutMongkut
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...
and even then the titles kept changing over the successive reigns.
The rule about commoners also seems to be evolving over time; it appears that there are no more restrictions keeping a commoner from becoming queen.
Most of the titles listed here are taken from the time 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...
enacted the Succession Law in 1924.
The Queen
Only the holders of the titles listed here—all containing the word "rajini" -- are the queensQueen consort
A queen consort is the wife of a reigning king. A queen consort usually shares her husband's rank and holds the feminine equivalent of the king's monarchical titles. Historically, queens consort do not share the king regnant's political and military powers. Most queens in history were queens consort...
in the Western sense, although the concept of queen was only introduced first in the reign of King Rama V
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...
. There can be only one "rajini" at a time. The actual title depends on the status of the holder.
Somdej Phra Boromarajininat
Somdej Phra Boromarajininat (สมเด็จพระบรมราชินีนาถ—the Queen Regent) is the highest rank among the royal wives. This title shows that its holder is a queen who has also acted as a regent for the sovereign. (The word "nat" at the end of the title means "supporter".) This title is normally used in the form of:- "Somdej + honorificHonorificAn honorific is a word or expression with connotations conveying esteem or respect when used in addressing or referring to a person. Sometimes, the term is used not quite correctly to refer to an honorary title...
name + Phra boromarajininat"
or
- "Somdej Phra Nangchao + [name] + Phra boromarajininat".
For example, Ani's mom (born as Phra Ong Chao Sawaphaphongsri, one of King Chulalongkorn's
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...
half-sisters and wives), was given an honorific name of "Phra Sri Patcharindra" when she was invested the queen regent; her name was thus Somdej Phra Sri Patcharindra Phra Boromarajininat. As for the current Queen of Thailand, her name has been retained, thus: Somdej Phra Nangchao Sirikit
Sirikit
Somdet Phra Nang Chao Sirikit Phra Borommarachininat , is the queen consort of Bhumibol Adulyadej, King of Thailand. She is the second Queen Regent of Thailand...
Phra Boromarajininat.
Somdej Phra Boromarajini
Somdej Phra Boromarajini (สมเด็จพระบรมราชินี) is the title of a queen who has never acted as a regent. The King conferred this title to Queen Sirikit on his coronation. She was then known as Somdej Phra Nangchao Sirikit Phra Boromarajini.Somdej Phra Rajini
Somdej Phra Rajini (สมเด็จพระราชินี) is a somewhat temporary title held by the most prestigious royal wife of a king who has not yet been crowned (see also Somdej Phra Chao Yu Hua, above). This title is appended to the front of the queen's name. Queen Sirikit held this title as "Somdej Phra Rajini Sirikit" for seven days prior to King Bhumibol's coronation.Other Sovereign's consorts who were born princesses (obsolete)
The following titles can traditionally only be held by the royal consorts who were born princesses, that is, holding the title of Chao Fa, Phra Ong Chao, or Mom Chao Ying. Together with the queen, they are known as Phra Panya Chao (พระภรรยาเจ้า -- 'royal wives').Somdej Phra Boromarajathevi
Somdej Phra Boromarajathevi (สมเด็จพระบรมราชเทวี) or HM Queen had been the most prestigious title among the royal wives until King Chulalongkorn created the Rajini (Queen) titles. Only two persons can hold this title at any one time as:-- Somdej Phra Nangchao Sunandakumariratana Phra Boromarajathevi or Her Majestry Queen Sunandakumariratana (born Phra Ong Chao Sunandakumariratana, another half-sister and wife of King Chulalongkorn). The holder of this title is the first royal consort (as compared to being a queen).
- Somdej Phra Nangchao Savang VadhanaSavang VadhanaQueen 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...
Phra Boromarajathevi or Her Majestry Queen Savang VadhanaSavang VadhanaQueen 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...
(born Phra Ong Chao Savang Vadhana, another half-sister and wife of King Chulalongkorn). The holder of this title is the second royal consort.
Phra Nangchao Phra Rajathevi / Phra Nangchao Phra Akra Rajathevi
Phra Nangchao ... Phra Rajathevi / Phra Nangchao ... Phra Akra Rajathevi is a lesser title than Somdej Phra Boromarajathevi. Queen Sri Pacharindra (see above) used to hold this title as Phra Nangchao Saovabhabongsri Phra Akra Rajathevi before she was made queen regent.Phra Nang Ther
Phra Nang Ther is the title of a royal wife of lesser importance than Phra Nangchao Phra Rajathevi. This title usually prefixes an honorific name, for example: Phra Nang Ter LaksamilawanLaksamilawan
Princess Consort Laksamilawan was the royal consort of King Vajiravudh of Siam. Her father was Prince Naradhip Prapanpongse , a well-accepted poet and artist of the day....
, one of the wives of 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...
. Ther is a personal pronoun equivalent to she
She
She is the third person singular, feminine, nominative case pronoun in modern English.She can also may refer to:-Literature and film:* She: A History of Adventure, a novel by H...
, and, when used as a second- or third-person personal pronoun, stands in T–V distinction with Khun .
Phra Akra Chaya Ther
Phra Akra Chaya Ther or Her Highness Princess is the next prestigious title to Phra Nang Ther. In contrast to the previous titles, this title prefixes the previous title of the holder including the royal title from birth, for example:- Phra Akra Chaya Ther Phra Ong Chao Ubolratana Narinag or Her Highness Princess Ubolratana Narinag, the Princess Akrarajsuda,the Princess Consort to HM King ChulalongkornChulalongkornPhra 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...
(born Mom Chao Bau Laddawarn) - Phra Akra Chaya Ther Phra Ong Chao Savabhak Nariratana or Her Highness Princess Savabhak Narinratana, the Princess Consort to HM King ChulalongkornChulalongkornPhra 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...
(born Mom Chao Piew Laddawarn) - Phra Akra Chaya Ther Phra Ong Chao Saisavali Biromya or Her Highness Princess Saisavali Biromya, the Princess Sudhasininart Piyamaharaj Padivarattada, the Princess Consort to HM King ChulalongkornChulalongkornPhra 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...
(born Mom Chao Sai Laddawarn)
Phra Racha Chaya
Phra Raja Chaya or Her Highness Princess existed only during the reign of King Chulalongkorn. The only holder of this title was Phra Racha Chaya Chao Dara Rasmi, a princess ( Thai เจ้า) Her Highness Princess Dara Rasmi, the Princess Consort to HM King ChulalongkornChulalongkorn
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...
from the Thipjakrathiwong dynasty of Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai sometimes written as "Chiengmai" or "Chiangmai", is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand. It is the capital of Chiang Mai Province , a former capital of the Kingdom of Lanna and was the tributary Kingdom of Chiang Mai from 1774 until 1939. It is...
. Technically, she was a "commoner" from the point of view of the Chakri dynasty, and was thus initially appointed as a Chao Chom. She was later 'ennobled' and given this particular title, which, although higher in status than Chao Chom, was still the most junior among the royal wives who were born princesses.
Chao Chom
Chao Chom (เจ้า) is the only title held by the royal wives who were born as commoners (Mom Rajawongse and below). If they were successful in producing a child for the king, the title would be changed to Chao Chom Manda . This title also prefixes previous royal titles; for example: Chao Chom Mom Rajawongse Sadab (born Mom Rajawongse Sadab Laddawan).Descendants of a Sovereign
However, the inheritance is on the male line only: a female Mom Rajawongse married to a plain commoner would produce a child with no title. (However, see Khun (courtesy title) below.) Tradition also requires that a princess asks for royal permission and surrenders her title if she wishes to marry a man of lesser title, e.g. if a female Chao Fa wishes to marry a male Mom Rajawongse. This happened in recent time to Chao Fa Ubolratana RajakunyaUbol Ratana
Princess 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 daughter of the current king, who had to give up her title of Chao Fa to marry a commoner (a US citizen). She still retains the style of "Tunkramom Ying", though. However, her sister, Chao Fa Chulabhonwalailak, was granted permission by the King to keep her title when she married Sqn. Ldr. Weerayut Disayasirin, a commoner.
The rules are also slightly complicated for the first two classes Chao Fa and Phra Ong Chao.
Royal Princes and Princesses
Holders of these titles are still considered royal as they are at most two generations down from a king. Collectively, those who are children of a king are called "Luk Luang" (ลูกหลวง -- 'royal children') and those who are grandchildren of a king are called "Laan Luang" (หลาน -- 'royal grandchildren'). In English translation, they are normally called "prince" or princess". Special forms of language are also used when one wishes to speak to them, although the language is less elaborate than when speaking to the king or the queen. A male Luk Luang who does not accede to the throne would also start a new royal surname, which normally reflects his birth name (as opposed to an honorific name given later). The surname can be used by his wife if she is a commoner by birth, possibly with Na Ayudhya added if she has no noble title. It is otherwise not normally used until his children or grandchildren first hold the title of Mom Chao, when the surname will first appear in their names.Chao Fa (HRH Prince) (HRH Princess)
Chao Fa (เจ้าฟ้า) is the most senior class of the royal family after the royal couple, whose mother is traditionally a princess. Holders of this title consist of three classes:- Chao Fa of the First Class (เอก -- Chao Fa Chan Ek). These are the prince/princesses born to the queen or to a royal consort who is also a Luk Luang or royal children. They would traditionally be referred to as "Tunkramom Chai(m)/Tunkramom Ying(f)" (กระหม่อมชาย/หญิง), although nowadays they are more commonly called Chao Fa.
- Chao Fa of the Second Class (โท -- Chao Fa Chan Tho). These are the princes/princesses born to a royal consort who is also a Laan Luang or royal grand children. They would traditionally be referred to as "Somdej Chai(m)/Somdej Ying(f)" .
- Chao Fa of the Third Class (ตรี -- Chao Fa Chan Tri). These are the princes/princesses that are specially appointed or born to Krom Phrarachawangbowon (กรม).
Three (3) persons currently hold Chao Fa rank (highest royal rank after the King and Queen):
- HRH 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...
(born 1952) (only son of King Rama IX)
- HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn (born 1955) (2nd born daughter of King Rama IX)
- HRH Princess ChulabhornChulabhorn 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...
(born 1957) (youngest daughter of King Rama IX)
- [NOTE: Princess Ubol Ratana (eldest child of HM King Rama IX) lost her Chao Fa (HRH) title when she married commoner Peter Ladd Jensen.]
- [NOTE: 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...
(born 1923) (elder sister of HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX)) passed away January 2, 2008.] - [NOTE: HRH Princess BejaratanaBejaratanaPrincess Bejaratana Rajasuda Sirisobhabannavadi of Thailand was the only daughter of the late King Vajiravudh of Thailand...
(born 1925) (daughter of the late King Rama VI) passed away July 27, 2011.]
Phra Ong Chao (HRH Prince) (HRH Princess) /// (HH Prince) (HH Princess)
Phra Ong Chao (พระองค์เจ้า) is a lesser class of the princes/princesses than Chao Fa. They could be either:Phra Chao Boromawongse Ther Phra Ong Chao (พระเจ้าบรมวงศ์เธอ พระองค์เจ้า)"His/Her Royal Highness" These are the princes/princesses who are of Phra Ong Chao rank (instead of higher Chao Fa rank) by birth (i.e., children of a king and a Chao Chom Manda (a consort who was born commoner) or who are specially promoted by a king to this high rank.
Phra Chao Worawongse Ther Phra Ong Chao "His/Her Royal Highness" Generally, these are the princes/princesses who are grandchildren of a king or who are specially promoted by a king to this rank. The categories are as follows:
- Children of a Chao Fa and a royal princess (Phra Ong Chao, or Mom Chao Ying). In turn, the children of this rank may hold the title of Mom Chao if royal permission is granted.
- Children of a Phra Chao Boromawongse Ther Phra Ong Chao and a royal princess whose rank is Phra Ong Chao.
- Mom Chao to whom the king granted a special promotion to become a Pra Chao Worawongse Ther Pra Ong Chao (e.g. Mom Chao Chula-Chakrabongse's appointment to Phra Chao Worawongse Ther Phra Ong Chao rank by H.M. King Rama VI). However, the children of this category of Phra Ong Chao will be treated as in the normal course as children of a Mom Chao and will hold the title of Mom Rajawongse.
At least seven persons currently hold Phra Ong Chao rank (mid level royal rank) including:
- HRH 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...
(born 1971) (wife of The Crown Prince) - HRH Princess Soamsavali (born 1957) (previous wife of The Crown Prince)
- 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....
(born 1978) (daughter of The Crown Prince and HRH Princess Soamsavali) - HRH Princess Siriwannawari (born 1987) (daughter of The Crown Prince and Mom Yuvadhida)
- 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...
(born 2005) (son of The Crown Prince and HRH Princess Srirasmi) - 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:...
(born 1982) (daughter of HRH Princess Chulabhorn and Air Vice Marshall Virayudh) - 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:...
(born 1984) (daughter of HRH Princess Chulabhorn and Air Vice Marshall Virayudh)
Phra Worawong Ther Phra Ong Chao "His/Her Highness". These are:
- Mom Chao whom the king granted this higher title, either as recognition of merit, or as a special favour. An example of this is Phra Worawong Ther Phra Ong Chao Nakkatra Mongkol Kromma Mhun Chandaburi Suranat, father of Queen Sirikit, who was born Mom Chao Nakkatra Mongkol Kitiyakorn (note that his surname is omitted now that he has become a Phra Ong Chao). This title is however personal to the recipient, and his children would still be treated as children of a Mom Chao as usual (i.e. inherit the title of Mom Rajawongse rather than Mom Chao).
- Children of a Somdej Chao Fa whose grandmothers were queens of Rama V received the royal permission of H.M. King Rama VII to hold the title of Phra Worawongse Ther Pra Ong Chao even though their mothers were commoners. An example of this is Phra Worawongse Ther Pra Ong Chao Bhumibhol Adulyadej, currently H.M. King Rama IX who is the son of Somdej Phra Boromawongse Ther Chao Fa Kroma Luang Songkhlanakarin and Mom Sangwal who was a commoner.
Mom Chao (His/Her Serene Highness Prince/Princess)
Mom Chao(m)/Mom Chao Ying(f) is the most junior class still considered royalty. This is normally when surnames first appear among royal lineages. In English this rank is translated as "His or Her Serene HighnessSerene Highness
His/Her Serene Highness is a style used today by the reigning families of Liechtenstein and Monaco. It also preceded the princely titles of members of some German ruling and mediatised dynasties as well as some non-ruling but princely German noble families until 1918...
." They are either:
- Children of a male Chao Fa and a commoner.
- Children of a male Phra Ong Chao.
Informally, they are styled Than Chai(m).../Than Ying(f)... (ท่านชาย.../ท่านหญิง...).
There are a few dozen persons living as of 2008 who hold Mom Chao (most junior royal) rank, including:
HSH Prince Bhisadej Rajani
Bhisadej Rajani
Bhisadej Rajani , is the Prince of Thailand, a member of Thai Royal Family, and member of the House of Rajani , the Royal house descended from Chakri Dynasty, which is originated by his father...
(born 1922) (son of HRH Prince Bidyalongkorn (a grandson of Vice-King Pinklao, who was a brother of King Rama IV) and younger brother of HSH Princess Vibhavadi RANGSIT (wife of HSH Prince Piya Rangsit, a grandson of King Rama V)). HSH Princess Vibhavadi Rangsit was posthumously elevated to the rank of HRH (Phra Ong Chao) following her tragic death in service to the country)
HSH Princess Bhandu Savali YUGALA (born 1933) (daughter of HRH Prince Bhanubandhu YUGALA, a grandson of King Rama V) (sister-in-law to HM Queen Sirikit and mother to HRH Princess Soamsavali)
HSH Prince Bhuribandhu YUGALA (born 1934) (son of HRH Prince Bhanubandhu YUGALA, a grandson of King Rama V)
HSH Princess Rangsi Nobhadol YUGALA (born 1937) (daughter of HRH Prince Bhanubandhu YUGALA, a grandson of King Rama V)
HSH Prince Navabarnsa YUGALA (born 1978) (son of HRH Prince Bhanubandhu YUGALA, a grandson of King Rama V)
HSH Princess Bhanuma YUGALA (born 1981) (daughter of HRH Prince Bhanubandhu YUGALA, a grandson of King Rama V)
HSH Prince Mongolchalerm YUGALA (born 1936) (son of HRH Prince Chalermbala YUGALA, a grandson of King Rama V)
HSH Princess Sri Savangwongse YUGALA (born 1946) (daughter of HRH Prince Chalermbala YUGALA, a grandson of King Rama V)
HSH Prince Bhisadej Buddhasiri YUGALA (born 1944) (son of HRH Prince Chalermbala YUGALA, a grandson of King Rama V)
HSH Prince Chalermsuk YUGALA (born 1950) (son of HRH Prince Chalermbala YUGALA, a grandson of King Rama V)
HSH Prince Dighambara YUGALA (born 1951) (son of HRH Prince Chalermbala YUGALA, a grandson of King Rama V)
HSH Princess Bhumari YUGALA (born 1939) (daughter of HRH Prince Anusara YUGALA, a grandson of King Rama V)
HSH Princess Malini Mongol YUGALA (born 1940) (daughter of HRH Prince Anusara YUGALA, a grandson of King Rama V)
HSH Princess Padamon Rangsi YUGALA (born 1941) (daughter of HRH Prince Anusara YUGALA, a grandson of King Rama V)
HSH Prince Chatrichalerm YUGALA or YUKOL (born 1942) (son of HRH Prince Anusara YUGALA, a grandson of King Rama V) (he is a movie director, e.g. The Legend of Suriyothai and King Naresuan the Great)
HSH Prince Chulcherm Yugala YUGALA (born 1947) (son of HRH Prince Anusara YUGALA, a grandson of King Rama V)
HSH Princess Nobhadol Chalerm Sri YUGALA (born 1953) (daughter of HRH Prince Anusara YUGALA, a grandson of King Rama V)
The 'titled commoners'
More distant royal progeny, starting from the children of male Mom Chao, are considered commoners. However, these commoners have titles (or a surname suffix) to indicate that their ancestry can be traced back to a king.Mom Rajawongse
Mom Rajawongse (หม่อมราชวงศ์, abbreviated in Thai as ม.ร.ว. and in English as M.R. and translated into English as The Honourable) is the title assumed by children of male Mom Chao. The title is pronounced "Mom Rajawong". Informally, they may be styled as Khun Chai(m).../Khunying(f)... . (Khunying is also a formal title given to commoner married ladies who have been granted at least the Order of Chulachomklao, Fourth Class.) Holders of this title are occasionally erroneously referred to as princes/princesses in older English translated older documents; it is more common these days to use the correct title of "Mom Rajawongse".Mom Luang
Mom Luang (หม่อมหลวง, abbreviated in Thai as ม.ล. and sometimes in English as M.L. and translated into English as The Honourable) are the last royal descendants still retaining a title. Mom Luang titles are conferred on children of male Mom Rajawongse. Colloquially, though incorrectly, they are sometimes addressed as "Mom"; the correct informal address is "KhunKhun
Khun may refer to various Thai language words:*Khun is the colloquial Thai name for the Golden Shower Tree.*Khun is a common Thai honorific and also a title equivalent to Khunying.*Khun is a dated Thai noble title equivalent to baron....
".
After Mom Luang
The children and subsequent descendants of a male Mom Luang do not hold any title. However, they append the words "Na Ayudhya" (ณ อยุธยา) to their surname, signifying they are descended from a royal blood line.Mom (royalty)
Mom has a rather ill-defined status among the hierarchy of the royal titles. A holder of this title may be either:- a person of Mom Rajawongse rank, who has been granted this "Mom" title by the king in recognition of his merit. Technically, this is a feudal lifetime title, equivalent to the title Phraya granted to commoners; it is thus written without a space. The title is granted together with an honorific name, and is used without a surname, for example: Mom Anuwatworapong (หม่อมอนุวัตรวรพงษ์), who was born as Mom Rajawongse Singhanad Pramoj (หม่อมราชวงศ์ สิงหนัด ปราโมช).
- a former prince whose title has been stripped off as a punishment. He would still be known as Mom [name].
Prince's wife's title (unless otherwise elevated by the Sovereign)
Wives of the princes also have titles. Again, this depends on the titles of both sides.Phra Chaya
Phra Chaya is a princess in her own right who is married to either Chao Fa or a Phra Ong Chao ranked royal prince (HRH Prince). She retains her own title. When referring to her as a wife of the prince, she may be called "Phra Chaya Nai [Husband's name]".Chaya
Chaya (ชายา) is a princess in her own right who is married to a Mom Chao (HSH Prince). Again, she would retain her own title. When referring to her as a wife of the prince, she may be called "Chaya Nai [Husband's name]".Mom (wife)
Mom (หม่อม) in this context is a commoner married to a prince. She will use this title to prefix her name and add the word Na Ayudhya to her new surnameSurname
A surname is a name added to a given name and is part of a personal name. In many cases, a surname is a family name. Many dictionaries define "surname" as a synonym of "family name"...
, for example: Mom Srirasmi
Srirasmi
Princess 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...
Mahidol Na Ayudhya (a wife of Chao Fa 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...
, whose surname is Mahidol).
After the birth of HRH Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti, Mom Srirasmi Mahidol Na Ayudhya was elevated by King Rama IX to "Phra Ong Chao" rank (i.e., Phra Chao Worawong Ther Phra Ong Chao Srirasmi Phraworachaya nai Somdej Phraborom Orasathiraj Siammakut Rajakumari (HRH Princess Srirasmi, the Royal Consort of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn)).
Feudal lifetime titles
Feudal titles were granted until just after the 1932 Revolution brought an end to absolute monarchyAbsolute monarchy
Absolute monarchy is a monarchical form of government in which the monarch exercises ultimate governing authority as head of state and head of government, his or her power not being limited by a constitution or by the law. An absolute monarch thus wields unrestricted political power over the...
, and for that matter, feudalism
Feudalism
Feudalism was a set of legal and military customs in medieval Europe that flourished between the 9th and 15th centuries, which, broadly defined, was a system for ordering society around relationships derived from the holding of land in exchange for service or labour.Although derived from the...
in Thailand. The titles are now obsolete, although on very rare occasions the king may still grant an honorary feudal title to a royal. The latest title granted was "Kromma Luang Narathiwat Rajanakarin" (translated as "Princess of Narathiwat
Narathiwat Province
Narathiwat is one of the southern provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Yala and Pattani. To the south it borders the Malaysian state of Kelantan. The southern railway line ends in this province that is one of the nation’s five provinces that borders Malaysia. The name of this...
", literally "Viscountess of Narathiwat, Ruler of the Royal City") to the late Princess Galyani Vadhana
Galyani Vadhana
Her 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...
, the King's sister (Somdet Phra Chao Phee Nang Ther Chao Fa Galyani Vadhana).
The full title granted consists of a prefix, which signifies the rank ( - Bandasak), and an honorific name ( - Rachatinnanam), which can well be recycled. Taking the above example, the rank was "Luang" and the honorific name was "Narathiwat Rajanakarin". The appointee would use the full title in place of his names. However, as the honorific name can be repeated, when referring to a previous title holder, his former name may be written in a bracket to avoid confusion, for example: Phraya Kosathibodi (Lek) and Phraya Kosathibodi (Pan).
It is again a bit more complicated with the Chao Fa and Phra Ong Chao. If given a feudal title, they are said to "Song Krom" ( - lit.: "take department", but probably more semantically related to "take office"). The title is prefixed with the word "Krom" (which will be pronounced "Kromma" when forming part of the name), appended to (not replacing) the former princely title. For example, the full title of the King's sister is "Somdej Phra Chao Pheenang Ther Chao Fa Galyani Vadhana Kromma Luang Narathivat Rajanakarin. Nevertheless, it is the princely title which will be more frequently omitted when contracting the title e.g. Somdej Phra Chao Boromawong Ther Kromma Phraya Damrong Rajanubhab
Damrong Rajanubhab
Ditsawarakuman Damrong Rajanubhab was the founder of the modern Thai education system as well as the modern provincial administration...
(born Phra Ong Chao Disuankumaan). There are 5 feudal titles for prince/princess
- Somdej Krom Phraya (from Rama VI) or Krom Somdej Phra (Rama IV - Rama V) . in case of the female this title will be "Somdej Phra" . The title "Somdej Phra" is usually grant to the queen mother or princess mother of the king, except two person : HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn (Somdet Phra Theprat Ratsuda Chao Fa Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Ratthasima Khunakon Piyachat Sayam Borommaratchakumari) (HM The King Rama IX 's daughter) and HRH Mahidol AdulyadejMahidol AdulyadejMahitaladhibes 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...
, Prince of Songkhla (Somdej Pramahitathibej Adulyadejvikrom Prabarommarajajanok) (Prince Father of HM The King Rama IX, his rank equivalent to the "Somdet Phra Bawornrajchao" (Vice King or Front PalaceFront PalaceKrom 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...
)) - Krom Phra
- Kromma Luang
- Kromma Khun Chao Fa starts from this title
- Kromma Muen Phra Ong Chao starts from this title
Since the time of King Chulalongkorn, the honorific titles given to the royalties normally incorporate a city name or its modified form, and the holders are known in English as the Prince or Princess of that city.
Feudal titles are not inheritable.
Feudal lifetime titles for male commoners (all obsolete)
These titles were given only to males and not inheritable much like a life peerLife peer
In the United Kingdom, life peers are appointed members of the Peerage whose titles cannot be inherited. Nowadays life peerages, always of baronial rank, are created under the Life Peerages Act 1958 and entitle the holders to seats in the House of Lords, presuming they meet qualifications such as...
age. European equivalents were also used on diplomatic missions.http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?_r=1&res=9903EFDA1430E633A25752C0A96E9C94669FD7CF&oref=slogin While all are obsolete as feudal titles, note that Phan, Nai, and Phrai have modern word usage
Word usage
Word usage is how a word, phrase, or concept is used in a language. Lexicographers gather samples of written or spoken instances where a word is used and analyze them to determine patterns of regional or social usage as well as meaning...
s.
Somdej Chao Phraya
Somdej Chao Phraya is the most senior among the ranks. It is awarded under extraordinary circumstances only to those with great achievements. This title is equivalent to that of a prince or Grand DukeGrand Duke
The title grand duke is used in Western Europe and particularly in Germanic countries for provincial sovereigns. Grand duke is of a protocolary rank below a king but higher than a sovereign duke. Grand duke is also the usual and established translation of grand prince in languages which do not...
.
There have only been 4 persons in Siam's history to be elevated to this title. The first was granted by King Taksin of Thonburi
Taksin
Taksin ; was the only King of the Thonburi Kingdom...
to Chao Phraya Chakri who later become King Rama I of Bangkok; two were granted by King Rama IV; and the last was granted by King Rama V. The last three grants being made to members of the Bunnag
Bunnag
The House of Bunnag was a powerful Siamese noble family of the Persian descent of the early Rattanakosin. By the nineteenth century, its power and influence reached its zenith. The family was favored by Chakri monarchs and monopolized high-ranking titles. Three Somdet Chao Phrayas came from the...
family.
Chao Phraya
Chao Phraya (เจ้าพระยา) is the most senior rank commonly granted. It is normally bestowed upon commners who served as Ministers of State. Holders of this title are informally addressed and referred to as "Chao Khun" (2nd person: Chao Khun; 3rd person: Chao Khun + [honorific name]). This title is equivalent to DukeDuke
A duke or duchess is a member of the nobility, historically of highest rank below the monarch, and historically controlling a duchy...
. The river that runs through Bangkok, once simply known as Menam, at least since the end of the Rattanakosin era (1782–1932) has been called Maenam Chao Phraya.
Phraya
Phraya is next in term of seniority. Similar to Chao Phraya, holders of this title are also informally addressed and referred to as "Chao Khun" . This title is equivalent to MarquessMarquess
A marquess or marquis is a nobleman of hereditary rank in various European peerages and in those of some of their former colonies. The term is also used to translate equivalent oriental styles, as in imperial China, Japan, and Vietnam...
or Marquis.
Phra and Jamuen (or Phranai)
Phra is further down the line. Holders of this title are informally addressed and referred to as "Khun Phra" (2nd person: Khun Phra; 3rd person: Khun Phra + [honorific name]). Jamuen is a senior title equivalent to Phra, given only to the Head of the king's servants . The European equivalent to this title is CountCount
A count or countess is an aristocratic nobleman in European countries. The word count came into English from the French comte, itself from Latin comes—in its accusative comitem—meaning "companion", and later "companion of the emperor, delegate of the emperor". The adjective form of the word is...
or Earl.
Luang
Luang . Still further down the line, holders of this title are informally addressed and referred to as "Khun Luang" (2nd person: Khun Luang; 3rd person: Khun Luang + [honorific name]). Equivalent to viscountViscount
A viscount or viscountess is a member of the European nobility whose comital title ranks usually, as in the British peerage, above a baron, below an earl or a count .-Etymology:...
.
Khun
Khun . Pronounced with rising tone, as opposed to mid-tone courtesy title Khun . Holders of this title are informally addressed as "Than Khun" . The last living holder was believed to be Pol Maj-Gen Khun Phantharak Rajadej (Butr Phantharak) who died in 2006, age 103. Equivalent to BaronBaron
Baron is a title of nobility. The word baron comes from Old French baron, itself from Old High German and Latin baro meaning " man, warrior"; it merged with cognate Old English beorn meaning "nobleman"...
.
Muen
Muen is one of the lower ranks, usually held by relatively junior officers; muen is also Thai numeral 10,000 – see Phan, below.Phan
Phan (พัน), a yet lower rank, and not considered very noble. This title was formerly held by junior officials, especially those in rural areas. Phan is also the Thai numeral thousand. In the current military ranks of the Thai armed forcesMilitary ranks of the Thai armed forces
-Royal Thai Army:The Royal Thai Army is the land based part of the Thai military.-Officers:-Other Ranks:Private 1st Class is a rank assigned to conscripts after they have finished specialist training...
, Phan Ek is First of 1,000 or Colonel
Colonel
Colonel , abbreviated Col or COL, is a military rank of a senior commissioned officer. It or a corresponding rank exists in most armies and in many air forces; the naval equivalent rank is generally "Captain". It is also used in some police forces and other paramilitary rank structures...
; Phan Tho Second of 1,000, a Lieutenant Colonel
Lieutenant colonel
Lieutenant colonel is a rank of commissioned officer in the armies and most marine forces and some air forces of the world, typically ranking above a major and below a colonel. The rank of lieutenant colonel is often shortened to simply "colonel" in conversation and in unofficial correspondence...
.
Nai
Nai – one step up from Phrai plain commoner – is the most junior of the ranks, and not normally considered noble. Nowadays used as an equivalent for MisterMr.
Mister, usually written in its abbreviated form Mr or Mr. , is a commonly used English honorific for men under the rank of knighthood. The title derived from master, as the equivalent female titles, Mrs., Miss, and Ms, all derived from the archaic mistress...
, with Nang Sao the equivalent of Miss
Miss
Miss is an English language honorific traditionally used only for an unmarried woman . Originating in the 17th century, it is a contraction of mistress, which was used for all women. A period is not used to signify the contraction...
and Nang the equivalent of Mrs.
Mrs.
Mrs or Mrs. is a honorific used for women, usually for those who are married and who do not instead use another title, such as Dr, Lady, or Dame. In most Commonwealth countries, a full stop is not used with the title...
or Ms.
Ms.
Ms. or Ms is an English honorific used with the last name or full name of a woman. According to The Emily Post Institute, Ms...
Related terms: either royalty or boss; or master
Master (form of address)
Master is an archaic masculine title or form of address in English.- In English and Welsh society :Master was used in England for men of some rank, especially "free masters" of a trade guild and by any manual worker or servant employee to his employer , but also generally by those lower in status...
(of .)
Phrai
(ไพร่) — Common peopleCommon People
"Common People" is a song by English alternative rock band Pulp. It was released as a single in 1995, reaching number two on the UK singles chart. It also appears on the band's 1995 album Different Class. The song is about those who were perceived by the songwriter as wanting to be "like common...
having no — ostensibly above the seven categories of slave (ทาส) but subject to corvée for three months out of the year. Related terms: , in service to the sovereign; , under a master; , soldier
Soldier
A soldier is a member of the land component of national armed forces; whereas a soldier hired for service in a foreign army would be termed a mercenary...
; making payment in kind
Payment in kind
Payment in kind refers to payment for goods or services with a medium other than legal tender ....
(cattle) in lieu of service.
After the abolition of corvée and slavery in 1905, the term fell into disuse as unmannerly
Manners
In sociology, manners are the unenforced standards of conduct which demonstrate that a person is proper, polite, and refined. They are like laws in that they codify or set a standard for human behavior, but they are unlike laws in that there is no formal system for punishing transgressions, the...
in favor of commoner; ordinary person of no specified social status
Social status
In sociology or anthropology, social status is the honor or prestige attached to one's position in society . It may also refer to a rank or position that one holds in a group, for example son or daughter, playmate, pupil, etc....
; or normal person
Normality (behavior)
In behavior, normal refers to a lack of significant deviation from the average. The phrase "not normal" is often applied in a negative sense Abnormality varies greatly in how pleasant or unpleasant this is for other people.The Oxford English Dictionary defines "normal" as "conforming to a standard"...
. Compare churl
Churl
A churl , in its earliest Old English meaning, was simply "a man", but the word soon came to mean "a non-servile peasant", still spelt ċeorl, and denoting the lowest rank of freemen...
and the trifunctional hypothesis
Trifunctional hypothesis
The trifunctional hypothesis of prehistoric Proto-Indo-European society postulates a tripartite ideology reflected in the existence of three classes or castes—priests, warriors, and commoners —corresponding to the three functions of the sacral, the martial and the economic, respectively...
of Proto-Indo-European society
Proto-Indo-European society
Proto-Indo-European refers to the single ancestor language common to all Indo-European languages. It is therefore a linguistic concept, not an ethnic, social or cultural one, so there is no direct evidence of the nature of Proto-Indo-European 'society'. Much depends on the unsettled Indo-European...
.
Phrai reemerged during the 2008–2010 Thai political crisis as an epithet
Epithet
An epithet or byname is a descriptive term accompanying or occurring in place of a name and having entered common usage. It has various shades of meaning when applied to seemingly real or fictitious people, divinities, objects, and binomial nomenclature. It is also a descriptive title...
used for (and by) Redshirt protesters.
Lifetime conferred titles for female commoners (still in use)
King Rama VChulalongkorn
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...
created the titles currently in use for women. The present King (Bhumibhol, King Rama IX), usually, grants the titles for women on the coronation day (5 May) every year. These are the only titles for commoners that have survived in modern day usage, since the titles for men are no longer in use. (See also Nai, above, for Miss and Mrs.)
Than Phuying
Than Phuying (ท่านผู้หญิง) is the highest conferred non-inheritable lifetime title for a non-royal woman and ranks higher than the non-royal titles of "Mom Rajawong" or "Mom Luang" obtained by birth. Such title is sometimes roughly translated as Dame or Lady.Khunying
Khunying is a conferred non-inheritable lifetime title for a married non-royal woman ranking lower than a conferred title of "Than Phuying" or a birth non-royal title of "Mom Rajawong", but ranking higher than a birth non-royal title of "Mom Luang". Such title of "Khunying" is sometimes roughly translated as Dame or Lady. An unmarried woman with a conferred title is styled Khun (courtesy title) .Khun (courtesy title)
Khun is a courtesy titleCourtesy title
A courtesy title is a form of address in systems of nobility used for children, former wives and other close relatives of a peer. These styles are used 'by courtesy' in the sense that the relatives do not themselves hold substantive titles...
pronounced with a mid tone and should not be confused with the similarly spelled tree
Khun
Khun may refer to various Thai language words:*Khun is the colloquial Thai name for the Golden Shower Tree.*Khun is a common Thai honorific and also a title equivalent to Khunying.*Khun is a dated Thai noble title equivalent to baron....
; or with the feudal title Khun that is pronounced in rising tone. The courtesy title is used for children born to a noble mother who gave up her title to marry a man of lesser rank, a well known example being Khun Bhumi Jensen
Bhumi Jensen
Bhumi 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...
. Today, this word is used informally to courteously address virtually anyone apart from those who actually hold a title of Mom Rajawongse or higher. It stands in T–V distinction to ther .
Krom
Krom is a term of Khmer languageKhmer language
Khmer , or Cambodian, is the language of the Khmer people and the official language of Cambodia. It is the second most widely spoken Austroasiatic language , with speakers in the tens of millions. Khmer has been considerably influenced by Sanskrit and Pali, especially in the royal and religious...
origin used as a prefix to designate a government department, bureau, or military regiment. Historically, it was used to designate a prince or princess of the blood appointed as head of the like. There are five classes of such princes in ascending order: krom muen , krom khun , krom luang , krom phra , krom phraya , and krom kritsadika .
See also
- Thai honorificsThai honorificsHonorifics are a class of words or grammatical morphemes that encode a wide variety of social relationships between interlocutors or between interlocutors and referents. Honorific phenomena in Thai include honorific registers, honorific pronominals, and honorific particles.-Historical...
- Thai military ranks
- Hereditary titles
- HonorificHonorificAn honorific is a word or expression with connotations conveying esteem or respect when used in addressing or referring to a person. Sometimes, the term is used not quite correctly to refer to an honorary title...
- Mandala (Southeast Asian history)Mandala (Southeast Asian history)Mandala is a Sanskrit word that means "circle". The mandala is a model for describing the patterns of diffuse political power in early Southeast Asian history when local power was more important...
- Rama (Kings of Thailand)
- Regnal name
- Royal and noble ranksRoyal and noble ranksTraditional rank amongst European royalty, peers, and nobility is rooted in Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages. Although they vary over time and between geographic regions , the following is a reasonably comprehensive list that provides information on both general ranks and specific differences.-...
- Royal and noble stylesRoyal and noble stylesStyles represent the fashion by which monarchs and noblemen are properly addressed. Throughout history, many different styles were used, with little standardization...
(European) - Style (manner of address)Style (manner of address)A style of office, or honorific, is a legal, official, or recognized title. A style, by tradition or law, precedes a reference to a person who holds a post or political office, and is sometimes used to refer to the office itself. An honorific can also be awarded to an individual in a personal...
- Title of honorTitle of honorAn honorary title or title of honor is a title bestowed upon individuals or organizations as an award in recognition of their merits.Sometimes the title bears the same or nearly the same name as a title of authority, but the person bestowed does not have to carry any duties, possibly except for...
- UK: PeeragePeerageThe Peerage is a legal system of largely hereditary titles in the United Kingdom, which constitute the ranks of British nobility and is part of the British honours system...
of Great Britain - UK: Commoners in Great Britain