Chakri Dynasty

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This article is part of the History of Thailand series

Early history of Thailand
Sukhothai Kingdom (1238 - 1438)
Ayutthaya Kingdom (1350 - 1767)
* History of Thailand:
1768–1932
1932–1973
1973–
* Regional History:
Dvaravati
Srivijaya (3rd century -1400)
Hariphunchai
Lanna
Nakhon Si Thammarat
History of Isan
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The Chakri dynasty has ruled Thailand since the founding of the Ratthanakosin era in 1782 after king Taksin of Thonburi was declared mad and the capital of Siam shifted to Bangkok. The Chakri which provides both name and emblem to the house of Chakri, is composed of the discus (Chakra) and the trident (Trisula), the celestial weapon of the God Narai (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.

Prior to the founding of the dynasty, King Buddha Yodfa Chulalok the Great (Rama I), held the title of Chao Pharaya Chakri which he inherited from his father Chao Pharaya Chakri of Pitsanuloke for over 10 years. This title was held by the greatest warlords 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.

1 List of Kings of the Chakri Dynasty
2 Naming
3 Vice-Kings
- 3.1 List of Vice-Kings
4 Regents
- 4.1 List of Regents
5 Companies
6 See also
7 References
8 External links

[edit] List of Kings of the Chakri Dynasty

Buddha Yodfa Chulalok the Great (Rama I) พระบาทสมเด็จพระพุทธยอดฟ้าจุฬาโลกมหาราช, 1782-1809
Buddha Loetla Nabhalai (Rama II) พระบาทสมเด็จพระพุทธเลิศหล้านภาลัย, 1809-1824
Nangklao (Rama III) พระบาทสมเด็จพระนั่งเกล้าเจ้าอยู่หัว, 1824-1851
Mongkut (Rama IV) พระบาทสมเด็จพระจอมเกล้าเจ้าอยู่หัว, 1851-1868
Chulalongkorn the Great (Rama V) 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 the Great (Rama IX) พระบาทสมเด็จพระเจ้าอยู่หัวภูมิพลอดุลยเดชมหาราช, 1946-present

[edit] 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)

[edit] 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.

[edit] List of Vice-Kings

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

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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.