Thai royal and noble titles

The Thai royal and noble titles signify distance of the bearers to the King. The system is somewhat complicated and usually not well understood even by most Thai people. A particular title 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).

Feudal titles

The feudal titles had been granted until just after the 1932 Revolution brought an end to absolute monarchy, and for that matter, feudalism in Thailand. It is now largely obsoleted, although on a rare occasion, the king may still grant an (honorary) feudal title to the royalties. The latest title granted was "Kromma Luang Narathiwat Rajanakarin" (translated as "Princess of Narathiwat", literally "Viscountess of Narathiwat, Ruler of the Royal City") to Princess Galyani Vadhana, the King's sister.

Related Topics:
Absolute monarchy - Feudalism - Luang - Narathiwat - Galyani Vadhana

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The full title granted consists of a prefix, which signifies the rank (บรรดาศักดิ์ - Bandasak), and an honorific name (ราชทินนาม - 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).

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It is again a bit more complicated with the Chao Fa and Phra Ong Chao. If given a feudal title, the are said to "Song Krom" (ทรงกรม - lit.: "take department", but probably more semantically related to "take office"). The title would be prefixed with the word "Krom" (which will be pronounced "Kromma" when forming part of the name), and would be appended to (not replace) 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).

Related Topics:
Chao Fa - Phra Ong Chao - Damrong Rajanubhab

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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/Princess of that city.

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Feudal titles are not inheritable.

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Somdej Chao Phraya

Somdej Chao Phraya (สมเด็จเจ้าพระยา) is the most senior among the rank. Normally awarded only to those with great achievement.

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Chao Phraya

Chao Phraya (เจ้าพระยา) is the most senior rank commonly granted. Holders of this title are informally addressed and referred to as "Chao Khun" (เจ้าคุณ) (2nd person: Chao Khun; 3rd person: Chao Khun + ).

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Phraya

Phraya (พระยา) is next in term of seniority. Similar to Chao Phraya, holders of this title are also informally addressed and referred to as "Chao Khun" (เจ้าคุณ).

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Phra

Phra (พระ) is further down the line. Holders of this title are informally addressed and referred to as "Khun Phra" (คุณพระ) (2nd person: Khun Phra; 3rd person: Khun Phra + ).

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Luang

Luang (หลวง). Still further down the line, holders of this title are informally addressed and referred to as "Khun Luang" (คุณหลวง) (2nd person: Khun Luang; 3rd person: Khun Luang + ).

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Khun

Khun (ขุน). This is pronounced with higher tone (as oppose to Khun (คุณ) in lower tone). Informally, they are addressed as "Than Khun" (ท่านขุน).

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Mhun

Mhun (หมื่น) or Jamhun (จมื่น) is one of the lower ranks, usually held by relatively junior officers.

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Pan

Pan (พัน), a yet lower rank, and not considered much noble. This title is held by junior officers especially those in rural area.

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Thanai

Thanai (ทนาย), one step up from being a Prai (ไพร่ -- plain commoner), this is the most junior among the ranks and not normally considered noble.

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