Thai nobility
The Thai nobility was a social class comprising titled officials (khunnang,
Thai noble titles comprise a rank and a title, which denote the holder's post or office. Unlike in European aristocracies, Thai noble titles were not inherited, but individually granted based on personal merit. Nevertheless, familial influence was substantial, and some families were able to accumulate large amounts of wealth and power, especially during the 17th to 19th centuries.
History
While the use of noble rank and title words are found in the documents of many early
Nobles were not directly remunerated for their service, but enjoyed earnings and benefits derived from their office and the work of commoners (
King Chulalongkorn (Rama V, r. 1868–1910) introduced reforms that ended the system that allowed nobles to command manpower, and transformed titled nobles into paid officials under a modern civil service system. His successor Vajiravudh (Rama VI, r. 1910–1925) introduced a military-style promotion-based rank system, superseding the traditional titles, though they could still be granted at the king's discretion.[2][3]
Following the abolition of absolute monarchy in 1932, royal decrees issued during the government of Plaek Phibunsongkhram in 1942 abolished the use of noble titles and the rank system. While the decree abolishing titles was repealed by the Khuang Aphaiwong government two years later, allowing previously held titles to be reinstated, the granting of noble titles never resumed after 1932.[3]
Noble titles
Thai noble titles comprise a rank (บรรดาศักดิ์, bandasak) and a title (ราชทินนาม, ratchathinnanam), which denote the holder's post or office (ตำแหน่ง, tamnaeng). For example, Chaophraya Chakri was the full title of the
Most major titles were tied to the post, and shared by successive holders, while others could be created specifically for a singular person by the King. The latter was the case especially from the late 19th century, as the proliferation of officials necessitated the creation of a large number of titles.[3]
Nobles would be known almost exclusively by their current title. Historical references to holders of shared titles conventionally include the person's birth name in parentheses, e.g. Chao Phraya Chakri (Mut), who was chief minister under King Taksin.
The ranks, in descending order, are:
- Chaophraya (เจ้าพระยา); particularly esteemed individuals were referred to as somdet chaophraya and were appointed by the king.
- Phraya (พระยา); historically also appeared as okya (ออกญา), probably from the equivalent Khmer term oknha.[4]
- Phra (พระ)
- Luang (หลวง)
- Khun (ขุน)
- Muen (หมื่น)
- Phan (พัน)
- Nai (นาย)
Posts and titles
Some of the noble posts and titles include:
Chief ministers
The samuhanayok was head of the
The samuhakalahom was head of the
Ministers
Four ministers headed the four government departments of the chatusadom. By the Rattanakosin period, the head of the Krom Mueang or Nakhonban were titled Yommarat, with most having the rank of chaophraya. The head of the Krom Wang was titled Thammathikon after the department, or Thammathikoranathibodi. Most heads of the Krom Phra Khlang took the rank and title Chaophraya Phra Khlang, while during Ayutthaya period the title was also called Kosathibodi. The heads of Krom Na or Kasettrathikan had the rank and title Chaophraya Phonlathep.[3]
Governors
Governorships were major noble positions, with several types of posts depending on the importance of the city. Each city had its associated noble title, e.g. Surasi for
References
- ^ ISBN 9781316641132.
- ^ ISBN 9780521016476.
- ^ ISBN 9789740214861.
- ^ Royal Society. พจนานุกรมฉบับราชบัณฑิตยสถาน (ออนไลน์) [Royal Institute Dictionary (online)] (in Thai). Office of the Royal Society. Retrieved 11 April 2024.