Chom Phon Ruea or Admiral of the Fleet is the most senior Naval Officer rank of Thailand in the Royal Thai Navy, and is the equivalent to a Fleet Admiral. Today it is ceremonially held by members of the Thai Royal family. The Royal Thai Army equivalent is known as just Chom Phon and Chom Phon Akat for the Royal Thai Air Force.
The King of Thailand as Head of the Armed Forces is automatically made a Chom Phon Rau upon accession, The rank was created in 1888, together with all other ranks by King Chulalongkorn, who wanted to modernize his Armed Forces through western lines. Since then all monarchs have held this title.
- HM King Chulalongkorn the Great or Rama V
- HM King Vajiravudh or Rama VI
- HM King Prajadhipok or Rama VII
- HM King Ananda Mahidol or Rama VIII
- HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej or Rama IX
Apart from these others both inside and outside the Royal Family has been awarded this rank.
- HRH Prince Paripatra Sukhumbhand, Prince of Nakhon Sawan (also attained the rank of Field Marshal)
- HRH Prince Mahidol Adulyadej, Prince of Songkhla
- Luang Yuthasartkosol (Prayoon Yuthasartkosol)
- HM Queen Sirikit, Consort of Rama IX
Famous quotes containing the words admiral and/or fleet:
“In this country it is a good thing to kill an admiral from time to time to encourage the others.”
—Voltaire [François Marie Arouet] (1694–1778)
“A city on th’ inconstant billows dancing;
For so appears this fleet majestical.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)