Royal Family of Thailand

When King Taksin was declared mad in 1782, Siam (now known as Thailand) was taken over by the Chakri Dynasty. From then on, an ancestry of kings has developed over the years and goes on until today.

However, these kings (each given the title of "Rama") are not the only ones who make up Chakri's royal ancestry.

The Royal Families of Thailand have also made significant contributions to the Chakri regime's long-standing reign, especially those who have performed the function of vice-king or regent.

In the Chakri Dynasty's more than two-century rule, Thailand has already seen a lot of royalties come and go, but no Royal Family has touched its constituents more than that of the present, through its beloved King Bhumibol Adulyadej Rama IX the Great and Queen Sirikit Kitiyakara. The beginnings of this Royal Family, however, were quite unusual.

Since he was already the second son of Prince Mahidol, King Rama IX was never expected to assume the top-most position. He was even born outside Thailand, particularly in Massachusetts where his parents were both studying in America. However, fate always had a hand in choosing kings.

Assuming the throne in 1946 after the abdication of his uncle (King Prajadhipok Rama VII) and the death of his older brother (King Ananda Rama VIII), King Rama IX postponed his coronation because he wanted to fulfill his mother's wish of finishing his studies overseas.

While studying at Lausanne University in Switzerland, King Rama IX met his Queen-to-be, who was at University in Paris. It was their love story that brought them closer to the hearts of the millions of Thais, especially the common folk.

The Royal Couple's wedding took place just one week (April 28) before King Rama IX's coronation on May 5, 1950. Sure enough, the whole of Thailand were treated to two weeks of celebration and rejoicing.

King Rama IX continued on with his reign to become the nation's longest serving monarch (1946 to present). His love for music and the arts (literature and painting) were felt by the Thai society, thus breaking the barriers of royalty to become one of the most well-loved rulers in Thailand's history.

On the distaff, Queen Sirikit is just as warm to the people as the man that she has loved and served for more than 50 years.

Aside from her love of music (since she is a gifted pianist), she has been the guiding light of Thailand's rural societies.

Unlike her predecessors, Queen Sirikit has made it a point to constantly reach out to the less-fortunate in the country through her Support Foundation. Her foundation gave emphasis on improving income opportunities in the rural areas by providing education and financial aid.

Projects under the Support Foundation include the development of the Handicraft Program and the Reforestation Program to name a few.

The Royal Couple's 50-year relationship produced three well-loved princesses namely, Princess Ubol Rattana Rajakanya, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, and Princess Chulaborn Valayalaksana, who have all loved and served their country the way their parents did.

And of course, the Royal Family wouldn't be complete without its only son, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, the family's second-born child. He has held various ranks in the country's various military channels, as well as undergoing the conversion of becoming a monk. The Crown Price has also been taking on more prominent roles during royal ceremonies as of late, since King Rama IX is already nearing the 80-year mark.