Chakri dynasty
| History of Thailand |
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Early history |
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.
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List of Kings of the Chakri Dynasty
- Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke (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 Mahasura Singhanat กรมพระราชวังบวรมหาสุรสิงหนาท (1782-1802)
- Isarasuntorn (later Rama II) (1806-1809)
- Bowornsenanurak กรมพระราชวังบวรเสนานุรักษ์ (1809-1817)
- Mahasakpolsep กรมพระราชวังบวรมหาศักดิพลเสพย์ (1824-1832)
- Pinklao พระบาทสมเด็จพระปิ่นเกล้าเจ้าอยู่หัว (1851-1866)
- Boworn Vichaicharn กรมพระราชวังบวรวิไชยชาญ (1868-1885)
Regents
When the King is unable to perform his royal duties - because of being underaged, 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
- Prince Narisaranuwadtiwongs (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 study in Switzerland
- Queen Sirikit Kitiyakara (1956), while King Bhumibol Adulyadej was monk