The Thai royal family is an intriguing institution to explore. As a Brit, my first port of call was to consider the similarities between the Thai and British monarchies. The most striking is ‘trooping in the color’ when the Thai royal guard parades in the Royal Plaza in Bangkok. The uniforms they wear are almost identical to the British royal guards, even down to the bearskin hats, although I imagine it’s a lot harder to wear one in 35 degrees Celsius heat!
In this article, we’ll take a brief look at some interesting facts about the Thai royal family, highlighting traditions, fascinating ceremonies, and a few surprising details that set them apart from other monarchies around the world.
Members Of The Thai Royal Family Who Left A Lasting Legacy
Often with these sorts of lists, you’ll find table after table of lineages, but I thought it might be more fun to explore some of the most interesting leaders from the past.
Note: The current royal house has the moniker, King Rama. Any King will be known as his majesty King Rama + a number.
King Mongkut (KING RAMA IX) 1804-1868
Most Western people’s first exposure to the Thai King Mongkut would be his portrayal in the super successful film The King and I. (There was also a version in the 1990s called Anna and the King starring Jodie Foster, but it’s way less successful than the predecessor.)
Both of these films are banned in Thailand, and it’s easy to see why when you consider the content. In the first film, Mongkut is portrayed by heavily made-up Yul Brenner, an actor who hails from Vladivostok, Russia. In the second film, Mongkut is played by Chow-Yun Fat from Hong Kong.
However, casting is the least of these films’ problems. The historical inaccuracies in both movies are stark. The source material is from an English writer, Anna Leonowens, who traveled to Siam in the 1860s. Modern scholars rate her writings as highly dubious, with King Bhumibol saying that, at best, only 10% of what was said about Mongkut was accurate.
For Thai people, Mongkut is seen as a great reformer. Perhaps much of this maturity could come from the fact that he didn’t take the throne until he was 47 and had already spent 27 years of his life in a Buddhist monastery.
Mongkut was somewhat of a polymath who spoke three languages and studied Western astronomy. He established several innovative social policies, including reforming the army and giving women more rights.
Queen Sunanda (1860-1880)
The first time I heard a telling of Queen Sunanda’s story, I was stunned.
Sunanda was the first wife of King Chulalongkorn (King Rama IV). On the 31st of May, 1880, the young queen, only 20 at the time, was traveling to Bang Pa-In, the royal family’s summer residence. Sunanda was pregnant and also had her one-year-old daughter, Princess Kannabhorn.
Sunanda and the young princess were being rowed to a central barge in the middle of the Chao Phraya River when disaster struck. The waters were unusually choppy, and the boat capsized, tossing both royals into the churning waters.
It is at this point in the story that I first developed an interest, as one account I read stated that, out of the hundreds of guardsmen who accompanied, not one dove into the water to help. This was because Sunanda and her daughter, members of the Thai royal family, were perceived as divine, and it was strictly forbidden to touch someone who was part-deity. Without help, both royals drowned.
However, since then, I’ve read other accounts, notably from the King’s diary, which state that guardsmen actually did dive into the water, pull them to shore, and attempt to resuscitate them in vain.
Whatever version you believe, King Chulalongkorn was so devastated that funeral preparations lasted for ten months.
King Bhumibol Adulyadej (King Rama IX) (1927- 2016)
King Bhumibol was on the throne when I first visited in 2014. (He passed away in 2016 as the world’s longest-reigning monarch.) It is difficult to say anything original about this great leader, and even now, talking to Thai friends, they still tear up when his name is mentioned.
There are countless articles about the man and the reverence he instills in people, but what particularly impressed me was his commitment to the hill tribes in the north around Chiang Mai.
It is easy to forget just how far Northern Thailand is from Thailand’s grand palace, but Bhumibol was desperate to do something for the previously neglected people.
During a visit to Doi Pui in 1969, he noticed that the local farmers were utterly reliant on opium sales. Opium is destructive both to the land and the social fabric of society.
Now, in Northern Thailand, there are 38 development centers that promote the growth of temperate fruits such as strawberries. In fact, if you drive around Chiang Mai, you will find many sellers on the side of the road.
The King’s Birthday: A National Celebration
The King’s birthday is one of the most important and widely observed public holidays in Thailand. Celebrated on July 28th, it honors King Maha Vajiralongkorn, the current monarch. On this day, the streets and public buildings across the country are decorated with yellow, the color associated with the King and Monday, the day he was born.
Ceremonies include religious offerings, public tributes, and a large-scale event held at the Grand Palace where officials and citizens gather to pay their respects. The celebration goes beyond formality; it’s a moment when many Thais express personal loyalty and gratitude toward the monarchy. The King’s Birthday also often features fireworks, cultural performances, and community activities, making it a significant occasion in Thailand’s national calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Thai Royal Family
Who Is The Current King Of Thailand?
Thailand's current monarch is King Maha Vajiralongkorn, known as King Rama X, who ascended the throne in December 2016 following the passing of his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
What Is The Role Of The Thai King In Modern Politics?
While the Thai king holds a largely ceremonial position under the constitution, the monarchy retains significant cultural influence. Public respect and deep-rooted traditions mean the royal family often plays a stabilizing role during political turbulence.
How Is The Thai Royal Family Funded?
Funding for the Thai royal family comes from both public and private sources. The Crown Property Bureau manages significant royal assets and investments, while the state budget covers royal functions, events, and property maintenance.
Wrapping Up
The Thai royal family stands apart in ways that aren’t always obvious at first glance. Their ceremonies may resemble European ones, but the meanings behind them are deeply rooted in Thai culture. These events are not just for show; they reflect long-held beliefs and social expectations that have shaped the monarchy’s place in national life. Some are elaborate, others more reserved, but each one speaks to the connection between tradition and identity.
What makes it interesting is not the scale or formality, but how familiar elements take on different meanings in a Thai setting. Uniforms, processions, and rituals might remind outsiders of other monarchies, yet they carry a distinct sense of purpose here. The royal family continues to hold influence, not through loud declarations, but through a steady presence and the quiet reinforcement of shared values.
Learn Thai With Ling
If this brief look at the Thai royal family sparked your interest, there is plenty more to explore. We have only touched on a few aspects. The architecture of the Grand Palace, the influence of Queen Sirikit, and the life of King Maha Vajiralongkorn all offer more depth and context to the monarchy’s role in Thai society. Let us know if there is a specific topic you would like us to cover next.
For those curious about going further, especially into original Thai-language materials, learning Thai can make a real difference. The Ling app is a useful tool whether you are just starting out or looking to improve. Being able to read Thai opens the door to a wider range of sources and gives more meaning to what you come across. We update this blog every week. Recent posts include a guide to the best universities in Thailand for international students and practical advice for planning a trip.
Thanks for reading, and we’ll see you next time!
