Thai royal and noble titles

Thai noble titles show the position of a person within the Thai society.

In the presence of the king of any title does have no meaning, but arose in the course of time, a fine-grained social organization, so that the ingrained habit of fear and obedience has become a reverence for all forms of authority. This is reflected today in the Thai language is contrary, in it are five different levels, depending on the social group is communicating with the.

As the royal family is extremely spacious - there should be about 130 side branches - there are even among the Thais many who do not understand the complex nuances. A specific title of nobility can not only be positioned just before or after the name, it can also be divided so that the name is somewhere in the middle. The King has the right to award any track any subjects, without having to take rules into consideration.

The system of the Thai title of nobility can represent subtle gradations of ranks within the royal family exactly. Since it is much more complex than the systems in European countries, it is often difficult to find an appropriate translation into European languages. Since the reign of King Mongkut (Rama IV ) there are efforts to correct English words for Thai title to find. However, these can not reproduce the subtle nuances of the relationship of that person to the king.

The King

The names of the Thai kings are usually very long and may take various forms. In principle, the king's name must be longer than the name of any subjects in the kingdom. There are two tracks for a king are used:

• Somdet Phra Chao Yu Hua Phrabat ( พระบาท สมเด็จ พระเจ้าอยู่หัว - spoken: [ p ʰ raba ː t ʰ p sǒmdèt ráʔ ʨâ ː ː w jù hǔ ː a] ) is the normal track, as used by Thai kings after her coronation. There are two options: He can stand in front of the name of the king: " Somdet Phra Chao Yu Hua Phrabat Bhumibol Adulyadej ." This possibility is less formal than the second:
• The title can be split across the entire name, whereby the " Phra Chao Yu Hua " may be modified or omitted: " Somdet Phra Phrabat Paraminthara Maha Bhumibol Adulyadej ", or " Somdet Phra Phrabat Paraminthara Prajadhipok Phra Maha Pokklao Chaoyuhua ".

The Queen

The concept of a Queen was first introduced by King Chulalongkorn ( Rama V ). All titles containing the word Rachini a queen, it can be only a Rachini. The title used depends on the status of each queen.

• Somdet Phra Borommarachininat ( สมเด็จ พระบรม ราชินีนาถ - Queen Regent, [ p ʰ sǒmdèt ráʔ bɔ rommáʔra ː ː ʨ ʰ ː nâ ː íʔni t]) is the highest rank among the wives of the king. The title indicates that the queen was already active as a regent of the ruler. So is the title of the current Queen " Somdet Phra Nangchao Sirikit Phra Borommarachininat ".

• Somdet Phra Borommarachini ( สมเด็จ พระบรม ราชินี ) is the title of a queen who has never operated as regent. The king gave Queen Sirikit this item at his coronation. She was called at that time Somdet Phra Nangchao Sirikit Phra Borommarachini.

• Somdet Phra Rachini ( สมเด็จ พระ ราชินี ) is the title of the most prestigious of the royal wives who has not yet been crowned. Queen Sirikit held the title " Somdet Phra Rachini Sirikit " for seven days until the coronation of King Bhumibol.

Queens in the Ayutthaya period Somdet Phra held in addition to their name as the title, for example, Somdet Phra Si Suriyothai ( สมเด็จ พระ ศรี สุริโย ทั ย ).

More wives of a king

Wives of a king who can present no royal lineage, received the title Chao Chom ( เจ้าจอม ). Do they have the king had a baby, its title Chao Chom Manda to ( เจ้าจอมมารดา ) is extended.

Princes and Princesses

The offspring of the ruler is a total Luk Luang ( ลูกหลวง - Royal Children), called the next generation Lan Luang ( หลานหลวง - Royal grandson). Communication with this group requires a special language which is however not so artfully, like speaking to a king.

There are - shown in somewhat simplified - three different stages, which are further divided into:

• The title of Chao Fa ( เจ้าฟ้า, [ ʨâ ː w fá ː ] ) is reserved for the children of a king or a queen. Prince of Chao Fa rank get sizable monetary alimony and enjoy upscale privileges. There currently live only four Chao Fa: Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn ( born 1952 ), only son of King Bhumibol Adulyadej
• Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn ( b. 1955 ), second daughter of King Bhumibol Adulyadej
• Princess Chulabhorn Walailak ( b. 1957 ), youngest daughter of King Bhumibol Adulyadej
• Princess Bejaratana ( b. 1925 ), daughter of King Vajiravudh (Rama VI ).

• Phra Ong Chao ( พระองค์เจ้า, [ p ʰ ráʔ ʔoŋ ʨâ ː w] ) also have considerable privileges and get sizable alimony. The Phra Ong Chao titles are dependent on their parents' status in various gradations: Phra Chao Phra Ong Chao Borommawong Thoe ( พระเจ้า บรม วงศ์ เธอ พระองค์เจ้า ) are children of a king with a wife who was born as a non- nobles and not crowned Queen ( Chao Chom )
• Phra Chao Phra Ong Chao Worawong Thoe ( พระเจ้า วร วงศ์ เธอ พระองค์เจ้า, [ p ʰ ráʔ ʨâ ː ː w wɔ Rawon t ʰ ɤ ː p ʰ ráʔ ʔoŋ ʨâ ː w] ) are generally the grandson of a king, and
• Thoe Phra Ong Chao Phra Worawong ( พระ วร วงศ์ เธอ พระองค์เจ้า ). They can be: Mom Chao (see below), which the king of recognition confers a higher level. Mention an example: Phra Ong Chao Worawong Thoe Phra Nakkhatra Mangala Kromma Muen Chanthaburi Suranat, the father of Queen Sirikit, who was born Mom Chao Nakkhatra Mangala Kitiyakara. This title is not transferable to their own children.
• Children of Somdet Chao Fa whose grandmothers were queens of King Chulalongkorn ( Rama V ), given by King Prajadhipok (Rama VII ) permission to perform this Title, although their mothers were of bourgeois origin. As an example, be called Phra Ong Chao Pra Worawong Thoe Bhumibhol Adulyadej, the current King, the son of " Somdet Phra Borommawong Thoe Chao Fa Luang Kromma Songkhla Nakharin " and " Mom Sangwan ", later " Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Borommaratchachonnani " which a commoner had.

• Princess Bajrakitiyabha ( b. 1978 ), daughter of Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn and Princess Soamsavali,
• Princess Siriwannawari (* 1987), daughter of Crown Prince with Mom Yuvadhida,
• Prince Dipangkara (* 2005), son of the Crown Prince and Princess Srirasmi,
• Princess Siribhachudhabhorn ( b. 1982 ), daughter of Princess Chulabhorn and Air Vice Marshal Walailak Virayudh,
• Princess Adityadhornkitikhun ( born 1984 ), daughter of Princess Chulabhorn and Air Vice Marshal Walailak Virayudh,
• Princess Srirasmi (born 1971 ), wife of the Crown Prince,
• Princess Soamsavali (* 1957), previous wife of the Crown Prince

• Mom Chao are for male (Mom Chao - หม่อมเจ้า ) and female (Mom Chao Ying - หม่อมเจ้า หญิง ) distinction holders (abbreviated in Thai as ม.จ. ). It is the name of the lowest level, which, although is no longer considered " Prince" / "Princess ", but still called royal. You are only a relatively small pension granted, they begin their career officials usually as royal pages. They are either Children of a / a Chao Fa and a / a commoner, or
• Children of a / a Phra Ong Chao.

The great-grandson of a king have no more royal rank, but they must carry the title Mom Ratchawong, which is not translated into European languages ​​. Great-great grandson carry the title Mom Luang. The following generations of royal descendants have no title but a Na Ayutthaya may attach to her name.

See also: authority ( title of nobility )

Civil titles

Distant royal offspring are considered " commoner ". However, you may add your name supplements that show that their ancestry can be traced back to a king.

• Mom Rajawongse ( หม่อมราชวงศ์, abbreviated in Thai as ม.ร.ว., in Latin View as MR, pronounced: [ MOM râ ː ʧa -Won ] ) is a title of children of male Mom Chao. Informally, they are ... as Khun Chai ( for male owner - คุณชาย ... ) - addressed or Khun Ying ... ( คุณหญิง ... for female owners ). Khun Ying is also a formal title for married middle-class women who have received an Order of at least " Chulachomklao (fourth class) " award. They were sometimes called " Prince" or "Princess " in European languages ​​, but nowadays it is the correct title "Mom Ratchawong " will be used.

• Mom Luang ( หม่อมหลวง, abbreviated in Thai as ม.ล., in Latin View as ML ), the last descendant of a king, which may carry a title. Mom Luang titles are children of male Mom Rajawongse. Informally, they are often incorrectly called " Mom" addressed the proper salutation would be " Khun " ( see below).

The children and other descendants of male Mom Luang carry no more titles. However, you may add your name to the addition of " Na Ayudhya " ( ณ อยุธยา ).

Feudal title

Feudal titles were awarded to the 1932 revolution that ended the absolute monarchy and therefore of feudalism. They are now obsolete for the most part, though the king may give a feudal title on certain occasions, such as Kromma Luang Narathiwat Ratchanakharin to Princess Galyani Vadhana, the sister of the current king. This title is usually translated as " Princess of Narathiwat ", literally " Viscountess of Narathiwat, ruler of the Royal City ." Feudal titles are not inheritable.

The full title consists of a prefix that describes the rank ( บรรดาศักดิ์ - Bandasak ) and an honorary name ( ราชทินนาม - Rachathinnanam ). In terms of the above example is " Luang " the rank and " Narathiwat Rajanakarin " the honorary title. The Zeiler used his title instead of his name. However, as the honorary name can also be awarded to other people, is mostly to avoid confusion, the previous name in brackets, as in " Phraya Kosathibodi ( Lek )" and " Phraya Kosathibodi (Pan) ".

Feudal titles for men

The following titles have been established by King Borommatrailokanat in the "law of commercial and military hierarchy " and the " law of the Provincial hierarchy " in 1454. Divided by rank, responsibilities and privileges here the entire population was detected, civil and military offices were distinguished among officials. The title Somdet Chao Phraya Chao Phraya were introduced only after the time of King Trailok.

These titles were only awarded to men and can not be inherited, they are no longer awarded today.

• Somdet Chao Phraya ( สมเด็จเจ้าพระยา, [ sǒmdèt ʨâ ː w p ʰ ráʔja ː ] ) is the supreme feudal titles. It is awarded only in exceptional circumstances to those with outstanding performance. Honored with this title shall be treated as a prince.

• Chao Phraya ( เจ้าพระยา, [ ʨâ ː w p ʰ Raja ː ] ) is the highest title, which is usually awarded (not to be confused with the Chao Phraya River ). It is usually awarded to citizens who were active in the civil service. Holders of this title are called " Chao Khun " ( เจ้าคุณ ) addressed in the third person as Chao Khun honorary name.

• The title " Chao Phraya Wichayen " ( เจ้าพระยา วิ ชาเยนทร์ ) was granted by King Narai of Constantine Phaulkon in the 17th century.
• The title " Chao Phraya Aphai Racha " ( เจ้าพระยา อภัย ราชา ) has been awarded in the history of Siamese four times, to distinguish the previous name is added in parentheses: Chao Phraya Aphai Racha (Gustave Rolin - Jaequemyns ) - เจ้าพระยา อภัย ราชา ( โร ลัง ยั ค มิ น ส์ ) - advisor of King Chulalongkorn in the reform of the Thai jurisdiction.
• Chao Phraya Maha Racha Aphai Yuthithammathon (MR Lop Suthat ) - เจ้าพระยา อภัย ราชา มหา ยุติธรรม ธร ( หม่อมราชวงศ์ ลบ สุทัศน์ ) 1854-1936, Minister of Justice under King Vajiravudh (Rama VI ).
• Chao Phraya Aphai Racha ( Phin ) - เจ้าพระยา อภัย ราชา ( ปิ่น ) 1777-1849
• Chao Phraya Aphai Racha ( Chuen ) - เจ้าพระยา อภัย ราชา ( ชื่น ) - son of Sheik Ahmad ( เฉก อะ หมัด ) ( Sheik Ahmad was of Persian merchant, since 1602 in Siam, under King Naresuan the Phraklang, so foreign and finance ministers appointed ) Chuen took over from his father and it held this office from 1630 to 1670.

• Phraya ( พระยา ) is the second highest title. This title was probably taken over time from the Indian king to Borommatrailokanats. Like the " Chao Phraya ", title holders will be addressed as " Chao Khun " ( เจ้าคุณ ).

• Phra ( พระ ) is the next lower title which probably also comes from India. Holders are informally addressed as " Khun Phra " ( คุณ พระ ) and referred to in the third person as " Khun Phra honorary name ". Cha- Muen ( จ มื่น หรือ พระ นาย ) is a high title on the same level as " Phra ", which is awarded only to the king's servant ( มหาดเล็ก ).

• Luang ( หลวง ) probably originates from Khmer times. Holders will be addressed as " Khun Luang " ( คุณ หลวง ), in the third person as Khun Luang honorary name.

The following titles were probably even before the reign of King Trailok. They identified in earlier times, people of high rank before the above-mentioned titles ( Luang, Phra, Phraya, ...) have been introduced.

• Khun ( ขุน ) - Here is the correct pronunciation is important: unlike Khun ( คุณ - You, You, Mr., Ms.), which is spoken in the middle tone, this title in the rising tone must be imposed. Khun be addressed informally as " Than Khun " ( ท่าน ขุน ).

• Muen ( หมื่น ) is one of the lower ranks, usually awarded to officers of a relatively low level.

• Phan ( พัน ) is still considered a posh, lower level officials who are usually active in the country, get him.

• Nai ( นาย - such as: landlord ) called earlier the Lord that the majority of the population, the Phrai ( ไพร่ - about: serfs ), employed and offered them protection in return. The title " Nai " is only of historical significance.

Feudal titles for women

In earlier times, Thao ( ท้าว ) was the only title that could be awarded to a non- aristocratic woman. The title is obsolete today.

Famous heroines of Thai history are Thao Thao Thep Suranari and Kasattri and Thao Sri Sunthon. The latter two heroines protected Phuket in 1785 by a trick in front of a Burmese invasion. You dedicated a monument, which was erected halfway between the International Airport Phuket and the provincial capital of Phuket.

Today's titles were introduced by King Chulalongkorn ( Rama V ). The present King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX. ) Gives usually on 5 May, the anniversary of his coronation, women earned one of the following titles. They are the only historic title for non- aristocrats, who have survived the transition to modernity, as mentioned titles for men are no longer in use.

• Than Phu Ying ( ท่านผู้หญิง ) is the highest title, which is awarded to a woman today. This is roughly equivalent to our " baroness " or "Dame ".

• Khun Ying ( คุณหญิง ) is a title for married women at a slightly lower level than " Than Phu Ying ". An unmarried woman would be appointed Khun ( คุณ ). It corresponds to the English title of Lady.