Chakri Dynasty

The Chakri dynasty have ruled Thailand since king Taksin was declared mad in 1782. The name Chakri (Thai จักรี) derives from the title Phya Chakri, given to Rama I while he was a general in Taksin's army. In actuality, Thai people refer to this era as "Rattanakosin."

List of Kings of the Chakri Dynasty

Buddha Yodfa Chulalok (Rama I) the Great พระบาทสมเด็จพระพุทธยอดฟ้าจุฬาโลกมหาราช, 1782-1809
Buddha Loetla Nabhalai (Rama II) พระบาทสมเด็จพระพุทธเลิศหล้านภาลัย, 1809-1824
Nangklao (Rama III) พระบาทสมเด็จพระนั่งเกล้าเจ้าอยู่หัว, 1824-1851
Mongkut (Rama IV) พระบาทสมเด็จพระจอมเกล้าเจ้าอยู่หัว, 1851-1868
Chulalongkorn (Rama V) the Great พระบาทสมเด็จพระจุลจอมเกล้าเจ้าอยู่หัว "พระปิยมหาราช" 1868-1910
Vajiravudh (Rama VI) พระบาทสมเด็จพระมงกุฎเกล้าเจ้าอยู่หัว, 1910-1925
Prajadhipok (Rama VII) พระบาทสมเด็จพระปกเกล้าเจ้าอยู่หัว, 1925-1935
Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII) พระบาทสมเด็จพระเจ้าอยู่หัวอานันทมหิดล, 1935-1946
Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) the Great พระบาทสมเด็จพระเจ้าอยู่หัวภูมิพลอดุลยเดชมหาราช, 1946-present

Naming

During the reign of King Rama III, his predecessors were usually referred as "the first king" and "the middle king". However in this naming he would have been called "the last king", which was considered a bad omen and thus not used. Instead he posthumously gave them the above names, and himself the name "Nangklao". The name "Rama" was introduced by King Vajiravudh, but his successor rejected it. Even though never readopted officially, it is the common naming in Thailand. The name Mongkut in English texts usually refers to Rama IV, but in Thailand it is usually understood as the reigning title of Rama VI, Phra Mongkut Klao Chaoyuhua.

See also: Rama (King of Thailand)

Vice-Kings

Until 1885 every king had a vice-king (Maha Uparaja, also often translated as second king), usually the brother of the king and the designated heir to the throne - however Rama II was the only former vice-king who actually ascended to the throne. When the vice-king died before the king, the title often remained vacant for several years. The system was abolished by King Chulalongkorn when his vice-king Bovorn Vichaicharn died. He then declared his oldest son the crown prince, but not vice-king.

List of Vice-Kings

Boworn Maha Surasinghanat สมเด็จพระบวรราชเจ้า กรมพระราชวังบวรมหาสุรสิงหนาท (1782-1802)
Isarasundhorn (later Rama II) (1806-1809)
Boworn Senanurak สมเด็จพระบวรราชเจ้า กรมพระราชวังบวรมหาเสนานุรักษ์ (1809-1817)
Boworn Maha Sakpolsep สมเด็จพระบวรราชเจ้า กรมพระราชวังบวรมหาศักดิ์พลเสพ (1824-1832)
Pinklao พระบาทสมเด็จพระปิ่นเกล้าเจ้าอยู่หัว (1851-1866)
Boworn Vichaicharn สมเด็จพระบวรราชเจ้า กรมพระราชวังบวรวิไชยชาญ (1868-1885)

Regents

When the King is unable to perform his royal duties - because of being underaged, he is sent out of the country for a prolonged time or staying in a monastery as a monk - a regent takes over his duties.

List of Regents

Somdet Chao Phraya Si Suriyawongse (1868-1873), until King Chulalongkorn became 20 years old
Queen Sripatcharinthara or Queen Saovabha (1897), while King Chulalongkorn travelled to Europe in 1897
Prince Narisaranuwadtiwongse (1934-1935)
Prince Oscar Anuvatana (1935)
Prince Aditya Dibabha (1935-1944)
Pridi Banomyong (1944-1946)
Rangsit, Prince of Chainat (1946)
Prince Dhanivat Bidyalabh Bridhyakon (1946-1950), until King Bhumibol Adulyadej finished his studies in Switzerland
Queen Sirikit Kitiyakara (1956), while King Bhumibol Adulyadej was a Buddhist monk
Princess Mother Srinagarindra (1960), while King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit travelled to Europe.

External links

History of Thailand | Thai monarchy | Chakri Dynasty