Front Palace (Thai: วังหน้า wang na) is the colloquial name for the residence, person and office of Krom Phra Rajawang Bovorn Sathan Mongkol (กรมพระราชวังบวรสถานมงคล pronunciation), which was the Siamese monarchy's equivalent of the viceroyal office of Uparat (อุปราช phonemic Thai อุบ-ปะ-หฺราด RTGS: upparat) until the end of the nineteenth century. The office-holder was considered second only to the King, and the heir presumptive. The office is also referred to in English as "Vice King" and "Second King." It originated in the Ayutthaya period and later gained significant powers during the Rattanakosin period. Front Palace occupants were usually a son or brother of the reigning monarch. The office existed until the death of the last occupant, Prince Vichaichan, in 1885. King Chulalongkorn then abolished the office of an heir presumptive, introducing in its stead the Western concept of a crown prince as heir apparent, and styled the new office "Crown Prince of Siam."
Read more about Front Palace: Ayutthaya Period, Rattanakosin Period, End To The System, Rear Palace, See Also
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