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When tourists visit Thailand, The Grand Palace is a must-see for any. It serves as the residence and workplace of the Thai Royal Family, a dynasty that has shaped the nation for centuries. While the monarchy's power has changed over time, it remains a unifying force, a cultural guardian, and a symbol of Thailand on the global stage. Today, the country is one of the few to maintain a monarchy, as evidenced by its full name: the Kingdom of Thailand.
The Grand Palace is a masterpiece of royal architecture. Photo: Holxo Holidays
Have you ever wondered what life is like for the Thai Royal Family? They're always in the spotlight, both at home and abroad. Let Asia King Travel take you on a journey through the history and influence of this fascinating family.
The Chakri Dynasty has reigned over Thailand since 1782. Before that, under King Taksin of Thonburi, the capital was situated on the western bank of the Chao Phraya River. However, a coup d'état led to the king's overthrow, and General Phra Phutthayotfa Chulalok seized power, founding the Chakri Dynasty as Rama I. He then moved the capital to the eastern bank of the river, laying the foundation for modern-day Bangkok.
King Rama X holding a session in The Grand Palace. Photo: Bureau of the Royal Household
Consequently, all monarchs of the Chakri Dynasty have borne the title of Rama, and the line of succession has continued to the tenth king. Under the Chakri Dynasty, Siam grew increasingly powerful, repelling invasions and expanding its territory to its greatest extent. Over nearly three centuries of rule, these talented kings transformed Siam from a divided nation into a regional powerhouse.
Rama I and his brother founded the Chakri Dynasty. He moved the capital to Bangkok and built the city like the old kingdom of Ayutthaya. Moreover, he tried to revive the arts and folk culture, aiming to return them to their pre-Burmese war condition.
King Rama I Monument. Photo: Thatch Travel
And as his father’s will, Thai culture experienced a golden age under King Rama II. Many traditional dances were restored, and he composed several new dances, the most famous being "Sang Thong". He personally crafted dances, poetry, and music. He also imparted Buddhist teachings to the populace, exhorting them to avoid societal ills.
King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) ascended the throne in 1868 in a period of Western colonial expansion. Through his exceptional leadership and diplomacy, he successfully preserved Thailand's independence, preventing the country from becoming a colony. To this day, many Thais take great pride in their country's unbroken sovereignty.
King Rama V is one of the greatest kings Thailand has ever had. Photo: Kasinthorn Ratchaoros
Continuing the modernization efforts by Rama IV, Rama V introduced numerous reforms. Slavery was eradicated, many archaic customs and social problems were addressed. The Gregorian calendar replaced the lunar calendar. Religious freedom was also granted, allowing various religions to flourish in this Buddhist Kingdom. Thailand transformed from a backward country into a progressive one, standing on par with many Western powers.
He is considered one of the greatest kings of Thailand and is revered as the "Great Beloved King". The day he passed away, 23rd October is chosen as King Rama V Memorial Day and a public holiday.
Many of us today are familiar with the reputation of King Rama IX. He had ruled the country for 70 years, from 1946 until his passing in 2016. He was the Thai king for the longest time and the third longest-reigning monarch in the world.
Thai people are deeply in love with King Rama IX for his boundless attention to the folks. Photo: Indo Thai News
He was always close to the people, which earned him great love and admiration from them. His policies often helped improve the lives of rural communities and the poor. Additionally, his artistic talent gave him a unique character. The passing of Rama IX brought thousands of people together in front of the hospital and on the streets of Bangkok to pay their respects, and the entire nation went through an extended period of mourning.
Despite sharing power with the government, the king maintained significant influence over the populace, sometimes surpassing that of the government itself. Whenever the nation faces crises, the king's voice is a calming directive, easing tensions. This was most evident during the reign of Rama IX. Even amid political unrest, it was only after his counsel that the streets returned to peace.
Politicians knelt in the royal manner to listen to King Rama IX's words. Photo: Ceritalah
The Thai royal family actively participates in events that celebrate traditional cultural values. Major festivals such as Songkran and the Royal Ploughing Ceremony often involve their participation or patronage. Additionally, the royal family supports various artistic endeavors, including traditional Thai dance, music, and iconic architectural projects.
His Majesty often makes public appearances on major national holidays. Photo: Buddhism for World Peace
Buddhism is the state religion of Thailand, and the royal family has always been deeply involved in religious activities. They have sponsored the construction and renovation of temples. They also presided over important ceremonies such as Kathina. The royal family's role in religion not only helps to preserve religious beliefs but also upholds the nation's traditional values.
Members of the royal family often serve as cultural and diplomatic ambassadors, helping to foster friendly relations between Thailand and other countries. Queen Sirikit of King Rama IX and other members participated in international conferences or organized exhibitions promoting Thai culture. Notably, some outfits were personally designed by the Queen herself.
Beyond official engagements, members of the royal family frequently host heads of state at the Grand Palace. They do more than just politics and culture, they also help with things like education, health, and the environment. Their activity has helped to shape Thailand's image as a peaceful, dynamic, and friendly nation on the global stage.
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In the hearts of the Thai people, the king is not only a symbol of supreme power but also regarded as the "Father of the Nation." They believe the king embodies devotion to them. The birthdays of King Rama IX and the Queen were designated as Father's Day (December 5) and Mother's Day (August 12).
Pictures of the Royal are all beautifully decorated. Photo: Jorge Silva / Reuters
The respect for the king and the royal family is reflected in small actions in daily life. When passing portraits or statues of the king, people often bow their heads or do the “wai” (Thai greetings). Pictures of the king are everywhere, even in people's homes. Especially, before every movie screening in theaters, the audience stands to listen to the national anthem and watch a tribute video honoring the king.
Any mention of the royal family should be made with the highest degree of reverence. To avoid any accident disrespect, people generally steer clear of discussing royal affairs in ordinary conversations. Without the need for legal coercion, the people have enshrined the royal family in a unique position and vowed to protect the national icon.
Pay respect: Thai people hold the royal family in the highest regard, and so should you. You will see many public displays of royal imagery. Please refrain from taking photographs or being disrespectful towards these images. If you take a photo, ensure that you do so in a dignified manner, respecting the surrounding space and context. You can do a “wai” to show your reverence.
Enjoy the public holidays: If you travel to Thailand on holidays like August 12th, October 23rd, and December 5th, freely immerse yourself in the solemn atmosphere. Observe the locals as they pay their respects and participate in the traditions. That’s a great opportunity to explore some Thai culture in greater detail.
Please visit the royal areas with your utmost respect. Photo: Shipped Away
Don’t insult the monarchy: Thailand has a Lèse Majesté law that prohibits any act of insulting the monarchy, including negative comments on social media. Offenders can face imprisonment of 3 to 15 years or even harsher penalties. Therefore, you should avoid making disrespectful remarks about the royal family under any circumstances. Or like the locals, it's best to avoid this topic in casual conversations.
Don’t dress immodestly: When attending events involving the royal family or visiting palaces and temples, you should dress modestly. Avoid wearing shorts, sleeveless tops, or revealing clothing. In particular, if you are visiting The Grand Palace, the strict dress code requires visitors to wear long pants and shirts with sleeves.
And that's a wrap on the Thai Royal Family. We hope this information will be helpful for your upcoming trip to the Land of Smiles. Don't hesitate to contact Asia King Travel to create a perfect tailor-made itinerary.
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