Thai Royal and Noble Titles - Feudal Lifetime Titles

Feudal Lifetime Titles

Feudal titles were granted until just after the Siamese revolution of 1932 brought an end to absolute monarchy, and for that matter, feudalism in Thailand. The titles are now obsolete, although on very rare occasions the king may still grant an honorary feudal title to a royal. The latest title granted was "Kromma Luang Narathiwat Rajanakarin" (translated as "Princess of Narathiwat", literally "Viscountess of Narathiwat, Ruler of the Royal City") to the late Princess Galyani Vadhana, the King's sister (Somdet Phra Chao Phi Nang Thoe Chao Fa Galyani Vadhana).

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).

It is again a bit more complicated with the Chao Fa and Phra Ong Chao. If given a feudal title, they are said to "Song Krom" (ทรงกรม – lit.: "take department", but probably more semantically related to "take office"). The title is prefixed with the word "Krom" (which will be pronounced "Kromma" when forming part of the name), appended to (not replacing) 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). There are 5 feudal titles for prince/princess

1. Somdet Krom Phraya (from Rama VI) or Krom Somdet Phra (Rama IV – Rama V) (สมเด็จกรมพระยา หรือ กรมสมเด็จพระ). in case of the female (ฝ่ายใน) this title will be "Somdet Phra" (สมเด็จพระ). The title "Somdet Phra" is usually grant to the queen mother or princess mother of the king, except two person : HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn (Somdet Phra Theprat Ratsuda Chao Fa Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Ratthasima Khunakon Piyachat Sayam Borommaratchakumari) (HM The King Rama IX 's daughter) and HRH Mahidol Adulyadej, Prince of Songkhla (Somdet Pramahitathibet Adulyadejvikrom Prabarommarajajanok) (Prince Father of HM The King Rama IX, his rank equivalent to the "Somdet Phra Bawornrajchao" (Vice King or Front Palace))
2. Krom Phra (กรมพระ)
3. Kromma Luang (กรมหลวง)
4. Kromma Khun (กรมขุน) Chao Fa starts from this title
5. Kromma Muen (กรมหมื่น) Phra Ong Chao starts from this title

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 or Princess of that city.

Feudal titles are not inheritable.