Royal TItles / Translations & Abbreviations

From Wikipedia

Thai royal and noble titles signify relationship to the King. The system is somewhat complicated and usually not well understood even by most Thai people. A particular title may not be confined to just the beginning or the end of the name, but may be split across the name as will be demonstrated. Another point of note about the titles is that the King has the power to bestow any title on anybody, regardless of the rule. However, such promotion is personal and the children of the person will not normally benefit from it (see, for example, Phra Worawong Ther Phra Ong Chao).

The King (Sovereign)
There are two titles which can be used for a king (depending on coronation status).

[edit] Phrabat Somdej Phra Chao Yu Hua ("Crowned King")
Phrabat Somdej Phra Chao Yu Hua (พระบาทสมเด็จพระเจ้าอยู่หัว) is the normal title used by the kings of Thailand (Siam) after coronation. There are two ways that this title can be used:
It can precede the name of the king, for example: Phrabat Somdej Phra Chao Yu Hua Bhumibol Adulyadej. This type of usage is less formal than the next possibility.
It can be split across the name, possibly with omission or modification of the words "Phra Chao Yu Hua". For example: Phrabat Somdej Phra Paraminthara Maha Bhumibol Adulyadej, Phrabat Somdej Phra Paraminthara Maha Prajadhipok Phra Pokklao Chaoyuhua.

[edit] Somdej Phra Chao Yu Hua ("Uncrowned King")
Somdej Phra Chao Yu Hua (สมเด็จพระเจ้าอยู่หัว) is restricted to a king who has not yet gone through coronation. Once crowned, he will use the title Phrabat Somdej Phra Chao Yu Hua. This particular title normally precedes the king's name, since he has not yet been given a ceremonial name.

[edit] Sovereign's Consorts
Traditionally, titles of the royal wives depended both on their birth titles and royal favour. Only the princesses who are of high birth (Chao Fa, Phra Ong Chao, Mom Chao Ying) would be able to take up titles higher than Chao Chom. There were no clear rule about the hierarchy of the titles above Chao Chom until the time of King Mongkut; even then the titles kept changing over the successive reigns.
The rule about commoners also seems to be evolving over time; it appears that there are no more restrictions keeping a commoner from becoming queen.
Most of the titles listed here are taken from the time King Vajiravudh enacted the Succession Law in 1924.

[edit] The Queen
Only the holders of the titles listed here -- all containing the word "rajini" -- are the queens in the Western sense, although the concept of queen was only introduced first in the reign of King Rama V. There can be only one "rajini" at a time. The actual title depends on the status of the holder.

[edit] Somdej Phra Boromarajininat
Somdej Phra Boromarajininat (สมเด็จพระบรมราชินีนาถ -- the Queen Regent) is the highest rank among the royal wives. This title shows that its holder is a queen who has also acted as a regent for the sovereign. (The word "nat" at the end of the title means "supporter".) This title is normally used in the form of:
"Somdej + [honorific name] + Phra boromarajininat"
or
"Somdej Phra Nangchao + [name] + Phra boromarajininat".
For example, Ani's mom (born as Phra Ong Chao Sawaphaphongsri, one of King Chulalongkorn's half-sisters and wives), was given an honorific name of "Phra Sri Patcharindra" when she was invested the queen regent; her name was thus Somdej Phra Sri Patcharindra Phra Boromarajininat. As for the current Queen of Thailand, her name has been retained, thus: Somdej Phra Nangchao Sirikit Phra Boromarajininat.

[edit] Somdej Phra Boromarajini
Somdej Phra Boromarajini (สมเด็จพระบรมราชินี) is the title of a queen who has never acted as a regent. The King conferred this title to Queen Sirikit on his coronation. She was then known as Somdej Phra Nangchao Sirikit Phra Boromarajini.

[edit] Somdej Phra Rajini
Somdej Phra Rajini (สมเด็จพระราชินี) is a somewhat temporary title held by the most prestigious royal wife of a king who has not yet been crowned (see also Somdej Phra Chao Yu Hua, above). This title is appended to the front of the queen's name. Queen Sirikit held this title as "Somdej Phra Rajini Sirikit" for seven days prior to King Bhumibol's coronation.

[edit] Other Sovereign's consorts who were born princesses (obsolete)
The following titles can traditionally only be held by the royal consorts who were born princesses, that is, holding the title of Chao Fa, Phra Ong Chao, or Mom Chao Ying. Together with the queen, they are known as Phra Panya Chao (พระภรรยาเจ้า -- 'royal wives').

[edit] Somdej Phra Boromarajathevi
Somdej Phra Boromarajathevi (สมเด็จพระบรมราชเทวี) had been the most prestigious title among the royal wives until King Chulalongkorn created the Rajini (Queen) titles. Only one person can hold this title at any one time, for example Somdej Phra Nangchao Sunandakumariratana Phra Boromarajathevi (born Phra Ong Chao Sunandakumariratana, another half-sister and wife of King Chulalongkorn). The holder of this title is the first royal consort (as compared to being a queen).

[edit] Phra Nangchao Phra Rajathevi / Phra Nangchao Phra Akra Rajathevi
Phra Nangchao ... Phra Rajathevi / Phra Nangchao ... Phra Akra Rajathevi (พระนางเจ้า...พระราชเทวี / พระนางเจ้า...พระอัครราชเทวี) is a lesser title than Somdej Phra Boromarajathevi. Queen Sri Pacharindra (see above) used to hold this title as Phra Nangchao Saovabhabongsri Phra Akra Rajathevi before she was made queen regent.

[edit] Phra Nang Ther
Phra Nang Ther (พระนางเธอ) is the title of a royal wife of lesser importance than Phra Nangchao Phra Rajathevi. This title usually prefixes an honorific name, for example: Phra Nang Ter Laksamilawan, one of the wives of King Vajiravudh.

[edit] Phra Akra Chaya Ther
Phra Akra Chaya Ther (พระอัครชายาเธอ) is the next prestigious title to Phra Nang Ther. In contrast to the previous titles, this title prefixes the previous title of the holder including the royal title from birth, for example: Phra Akra Chaya Ther Phra Ong Chao Sawapak Narirat (born Mom Chao Sawanapak Narirat, a cousin and wife of King Chulalongkorn), as oppose to Phra Nangchao Sawaphaphongsri Phra Akra Rajathevi, who were born Phra Ong Chao Sawaphaphongsri.

[edit] Phra Racha Chaya
Phra Racha Chaya (พระราชชายา) existed only during the reign of King Chulalongkorn. The only holder of this title was Phra Racha Chaya Chao Dara Rasmi, a princess ('Chao') from the Thipjakrathiwong dynasty of Chiang Mai. Technically, she was a "commoner" from the point of view of the Chakri dynasty, and was thus initially appointed as a Chao Chom. She was later 'ennobled' and given this particular title, which, although higher in status than Chao Chom, was still the most junior among the royal wives who were born princesses.

[edit] Sovereign's consorts who were born commoners (obsolete)

[edit] Chao Chom
Chao Chom (เจ้าจอม) is the only title held by the royal wives who were born as commoners (Mom Rajawongse and below). If they were successful in producing a child for the king, the title would be changed to Chao Chom Manda (เจ้าจอมมารดา). This title also prefixes previous royal titles; for example: Chao Chom Mom Rajawongse Sadab (born Mom Rajawongse Sadab Laddawan).

[edit] Descendants of a Sovereign
However, the inheritance is on the male line only: a female Mom Rajawongse married to a plain commoner would produce a child with no title. (However, see Khun (courtesy title) below.) Tradition also requires that a princess asks for royal permission and surrenders her title if she wishes to marry a man of lesser title, e.g. if a female Chao Fa wishes to marry a male Mom Rajawongse. This happened in recent time to Chao Fa Ubolratana Rajakunya, the daughter of the current king, who had to give up her title of Chao Fa to marry a commoner (who was also a foreigner and one of her professors when she was studying at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the USA). She still retains the style of "Tunkramom Ying", though. However, her sister, Chao Fa Chulabhonwalailak, was granted permission by the King to keep her title when she married Sqn. Ldr. Weerayut Disayasirin, a commoner.
The rules are also slightly complicated for the first two classes Chao Fa and Phra Ong Chao.

[edit] Royal Princes and Princesses
Holders of these titles are still considered royal as they are at most two generations down from a king. Collectively, those who are children of a king are called "Loog Luang" (ลูกหลวง -- 'royal children') and those who are grandchildren of a king are called "Laan Luang" (หลานหลวง -- 'royal grandchildren'). In English translation, they are normally called "princes". Special forms of language are also used when one wishes to speak to them, although the language is less elaborate than when speaking to the king or the queen. A male Loog Luang who does not accede to the throne would also start a new royal surname, which normally reflects his birth name (as opposed to an honorific name given later). The surname can be used by his wife if she is a commoner by birth, possibly with Na Ayudhya added if she has no noble title. It is otherwise not normally used until his children or grandchildren first hold the title of Mom Chao, when the surname will first appear in their names.

[edit] Chao Fa (HRH Prince) (HRH Princess)
Chao Fa (เจ้าฟ้า) is the most senior class of the royal family after the royal couple. Traditionally, their mother must be a princess. Holders of this title actually consist of three classes:
Chao Fa of the First Class (เจ้าฟ้าชั้นเอก -- Chao Fa Chan Aeg). These are the princes/princesses born to the queen or to a royal consort who is also a Luk Luang or royal children. They would traditionally be referred to as "Tunkramom Chai(m)/Tunkramom Ying(f)" (ทูลกระหม่อมชาย/ทูลกระหม่อมหญิง), although nowadays they are more commonly called Chao Fa.
Chao Fa of the Second Class (เจ้าฟ้าชั้นโท -- Chao Fa Chan Tho). These are the princes/princesses born to a royal consort who is also a Laan Luang or royal grand children. They would traditionally be referred to as "Somdej Chai(m)/Somdej Ying(f)" (สมเด็จชาย/สมเด็จหญิง).
Chao Fa of the Third Class (เจ้าฟ้าชั้นตรี -- Chao Fa Chan Tri). These are the princes/princesses that are specially appointed or born to Krom Phrarachawangbowon (กรมพระราชวังบวร).
Four (4) persons currently hold Chao Fa rank (highest royal rank after the King and Queen):
HRH Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn (born 1952) (only son of King Rama IX)
HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn (born 1955) (2nd born daughter of King Rama IX)
HRH Princess Chulabhorn (born 1957) (youngest daughter of King Rama IX)
HRH Princess Bejaratana (born 1925) (daughter of the late King Rama VI)
[NOTE: Princess Ubol Ratana (eldest child of HM King Rama IX) lost her Chao Fa (HRH) title when she married commoner Peter Ladd Jensen].
[NOTE: HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana (born 1923)(elder sister of HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej(Rama IX)) died January 2, 2008.]

[edit] Phra Ong Chao (HRH Prince) (HRH Princess) /// (HH Prince) (HH Princess)
Phra Ong Chao (พระองค์เจ้า) is a lesser class of the princes/princesses than Chao Fa. They could be either:
Phra Chao Boromawongse Ther Phra Ong Chao (พระเจ้าบรมวงศ์เธอ พระองค์เจ้า)"His/Her Royal Highness" These are the princes/princesses who are of Phra Ong Chao rank (instead of higher Chao Fa rank) by birth (i.e., children of a king and a Chao Chom Manda (a consort who was born commoner) or who are specially promoted by a king to this high rank.
Phra Chao Worawongse Ther Phra Ong Chao (พระเจ้าวรวงศ์เธอ พระองค์เจ้า) "His/Her Royal Highness" Generally, these are the princes/princesses who are grandchildren of a king or who are specially promoted by a king to this rank. The categories are as follows:
Children of a Chao Fa and a royal princess (Phra Ong Chao, or Mom Chao Ying). In turn, the children of this rank may hold the title of Mom Chao if royal permission is granted.
Children of a Phra Chao Boromawongse Ther Phra Ong Chao and a royal princess whose rank is Phra Ong Chao.
Mom Chao to whom the king granted a special promotion to become a Pra Chao Worawongse Ther Pra Ong Chao (e.g. Mom Chao Chula-Chakrabongse's appointment to Phra Chao Worawongse Ther Phra Ong Chao rank by H.M. King Rama VI). However, the children of this category of Phra Ong Chao will be treated as in the normal course as children of a Mom Chao and will hold the title of Mom Rajawongse.
Phra Worawong Ther Phra Ong Chao (พระวรวงศ์เธอ พระองค์เจ้า) "His/Her Highness". These are:
Mom Chao whom the king granted this higher title, either as recognition of merit, or as a special favour. An example of this is Phra Worawong Ther Phra Ong Chao Nakkatra Mongkol Kromma Mhun Chandaburi Suranat, father of Queen Sirikit, who was born Mom Chao Nakkatra Mongkok Kitiyakorn (note that his surname is omitted now that he has become a Phra Ong Chao). This title is however personal to the recipient, and his children would still be treated as children of a Mom Chao as usual (i.e. inherit the title of Mom Rajawongse rather than Mom Chao).
Children of a Somdej Chao Fa whose grandmothers were queens of Rama V received the royal permission of H.M. King Rama VII to hold the title of Phra Worawongse Ther Pra Ong Chao even though their mothers were commoners. An example of this is Phra Worawongse Ther Pra Ong Chao Bhumibhol Adulyadej, currently H.M. King Rama IX who is the son of Somdej Phra Boromawongse Ther Chao Fa Kroma Luang Songkhlanakarin and Mom Sangwal who was a commoner.
At least seven persons currently hold Phra Ong Chao rank (mid level royal rank) including:
HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha (born 1978) (daughter of The Crown Prince and HRH Princess Soamsavali)
HRH Princess Siriwannawari (born 1987) (daughter of The Crown Prince and Mom Yuvadhida)
HRH Prince Dipangkara (born 2005) (son of The Crown Prince and HRH Princess Srirasmi)
HRH Princess Siribhachudhabhorn (born 1982) (daughter of HRH Princess Chulabhorn and Air Vice Marshall Virayudh)
HRH Princess Adityadhornkitikhun (born 1984) (daughter of HRH Princess Chulabhorn and Air Vice Marshall Virayudh)
HRH Princess Srirasmi (born 1971) (wife of The Crown Prince)
HRH Princess Soamsavali (born 1957) (previous wife of The Crown Prince)

[edit] Mom Chao (His/Her Serene Highness Prince/Princess)
Mom Chao(m)/Mom Chao Ying(f) (หม่อมเจ้า/หม่อมเจ้าหญิง, abbreviated in Thai as ม.จ. or in English as M.C.) is the most junior class still considered royalty. This is normally when surnames first appear among royal lineages. In English this rank is translated as "His or Her Serene Highness." They are either:
Children of a male Chao Fa and a commoner.
Children of a male Phra Ong Chao.
Informally, they are styled Than Chai(m).../Than Ying(f)... (ท่านชาย.../ท่านหญิง...).
There are a few dozen persons living as of 2008 who hold Mom Chao (most junior royal) rank, including:
HSH Prince Bhisatej RAJANI (born 1922) (son of HRH Prince Bidyalongkorn (a grandson of Vice-King Pinklao, who was a brother of King Rama IV) and younger brother of HSH Princess Vibhavadi RANGSIT (wife of HSH Prince Piya Rangsit, a grandson of King Rama V)). HSH Princess Vibhavadi Rangsit was posthumously elevated to the rank of HRH (Phra Ong Chao) following her tragic death in service to the country)
HSH Princess Bhandu Savali YUGALA (born 1933) (daughter of HRH Prince Bhanubandhu YUGALA, a grandson of King Rama V) (sister-in-law to HM Queen Sirikit and mother to HRH Princess Soamsavali)
HSH Prince Bhuribandhu YUGALA (born 1934) (son of HRH Prince Bhanubandhu YUGALA, a grandson of King Rama V)
HSH Princess Rangsi Nobhadol YUGALA (born 1937) (daughter of HRH Prince Bhanubandhu YUGALA, a grandson of King Rama V)
HSH Prince Navabarnsa YUGALA (born 1978) (son of HRH Prince Bhanubandhu YUGALA, a grandson of King Rama V)
HSH Princess Bhanuma YUGALA (born 1981) (daughter of HRH Prince Bhanubandhu YUGALA, a grandson of King Rama V)
HSH Prince Mongolchalerm YUGALA (born 1936) (son of HRH Prince Chalermbala YUGALA, a grandson of King Rama V)
HSH Princess Sri Savangwongse YUGALA (born 1946) (daughter of HRH Prince Chalermbala YUGALA, a grandson of King Rama V)
HSH Prince Chalermsuk YUGALA (born 1950) (son of HRH Prince Chalermbala YUGALA, a grandson of King Rama V)
HSH Prince Dighambara YUGALA (born 1951) (son of HRH Prince Chalermbala YUGALA, a grandson of King Rama V)
HSH Princess Bhumari YUGALA (born 1939) (daughter of HRH Prince Anusara YUGALA, a grandson of King Rama V)
HSH Princess Malini Mongol YUGALA (born 1940) (daughter of HRH Prince Anusara YUGALA, a grandson of King Rama V)
HSH Princess Padamon Rangsi YUGALA (born 1941) (daughter of HRH Prince Anusara YUGALA, a grandson of King Rama V)
HSH Prince Chatrichalerm YUGALA or YUKOL (born 1942) (son of HRH Prince Anusara YUGALA, a grandson of King Rama V) (he is a movie director, e.g. The Legend of Suriyothai and King Naresuan the Great)
HSH Prince Chulcherm Yugala YUGALA (born 1947) (son of HRH Prince Anusara YUGALA, a grandson of King Rama V)
HSH Princess Nobhadol Chalerm Sri YUGALA (born 1953) (daughter of HRH Prince Anusara YUGALA, a grandson of King Rama V)

[edit] The 'titled commoners'
More distant royal progeny, starting from the children of male Mom Chao, are considered commoners. However, these commoners have titles (or a surname suffix) to indicate that their ancestry can be traced back to a king.

[edit] Mom Rajawongse
Mom Rajawongse (หม่อมราชวงศ์, abbreviated in Thai as ม.ร.ว. and in English as M.R. and sometimes translated into English as "The Honorable") is the title assumed by children of male Mom Chao. The title is pronounced "Mom Rajawong". Informally, they may be styled as Khun Chai(m).../Khunying(f)... (คุณชาย.../คุณหญิง...). (Khunying is also a formal title given to commoner married ladies who have been granted at least the Order of Chulachomklao, Fourth Class.) Holders of this title are occasionally erroneously referred to as princes/princesses in older English translated older documents; it is more common these days to use the correct title of "Mom Rajawongse".

[edit] Mom Luang
Mom Luang (หม่อมหลวง, abbreviated in Thai as ม.ล. and sometimes in English as M.L. and sometimes translated into English as "The Honorable") are the last royal descendants still retaining a title. Mom Luang titles are conferred on children of male Mom Rajawongse. Colloquially, though incorrectly, they are sometimes addressed as "Mom"; the correct informal address is "Khun".

[edit] After Mom Luang
The children and subsequent descendants of male Mom Luang do not hold any title. However, they may append the word "Na Ayudhya" (ณ อยุธยา) to their surname, signifying a royal blood line.

[edit] Miscellaneous titles of royal descendants (obsolete)

[edit] Mom (royalty)
Mom (หม่อม) has a rather ill-defined status among the hierarchy of the royal titles. A holder of this title may be either:
a person of Mom Rajawongse rank, who has been granted this "Mom" title by the king in recognition of his merit. Technically, this is a feudal lifetime title, equivalent to the title Phraya granted to commoners; it is thus written without a space. The title is granted together with an honorific name, and is used without a surname, for example: Mom Anuwatworapong (หม่อมอนุวัตรวรพงษ์), who was born as Mom Rajawongse Singhanad Pramoj (หม่อมราชวงศ์ สิงหนัด ปราโมช).
a former prince whose title has been stripped off as a punishment. He would still be known as Mom [name].

[edit] Khun (courtesy title)
Khun (คุณ) is a courtesy title for children born to a noble mother who gave up her title to marry a man of lesser title. This is pronounced in lower tone, and not to be confused with Khun (ขุน), pronounced in higher tone, which is a feudal title. In modern days, this word is used informally to courteously address virtually everybody, apart from those who actually hold a title of Mom Rajawongse or higher.

[edit] Prince's wife's title (unless otherwise elevated by the Sovereign)
Wives of the princes also have titles. Again, this depends on the titles of both sides.

[edit] Phra Chaya
Phra Chaya (พระชายา) is a princess in her own right who is married to either Chao Fa or a Phra Ong Chao ranked royal prince (HRH Prince). She retains her own title. When referring to her as a wife of the prince, she may be called "Phra Chaya Nai [Husband's name]".

[edit] Chaya
Chaya (ชายา) is a princess in her own right who is married to a Mom Chao (HSH Prince). Again, she would retain her own title. When referring to her as a wife of the prince, she may be called "Chaya Nai [Husband's name]".

[edit] Mom (wife)
Mom (หม่อม) in this context is a commoner married to a prince. She will use this title to prefix her name and add the word Na Ayudhya to her new surname, for example: Mom Srirasmi Mahidol Na Ayudhya (a wife of Chao Fa Maha Vajiralongkorn, whose surname is Mahidol).
After the birth of HRH Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti, Mom Srirasmi Mahidol Na Ayudhya was elevated by King Rama IX to "Phra Ong Chao" rank (i.e., Phra Chao Worawong Ther Phra Ong Chao Srirasmi Phraworachaya nai Somdej Phraborom Orasathiraj Siammakut Rajakumari (HRH Princess Srirasmi, the Royal Consort of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn)).

[edit] Feudal lifetime titles (all obsolete except female titles "Than Phu Ying" and "Khun Ying" as discussed below)
Feudal titles were granted until just after the 1932 Revolution brought an end to absolute monarchy, and for that matter, feudalism in Thailand. It is now obsolete, although on very rare occasions, the king may still grant an (honorary) feudal title to a royal. The latest title granted was "Kromma Luang Narathiwat Rajanakarin" (translated as "Princess of Narathiwat", literally "Viscountess of Narathiwat, Ruler of the Royal City") to the late Princess Galyani Vadhana, the King's sister (Somdet Phra Chao Phee Nang Ther Chao Fa Galyani Vadhana).
The full title granted consists of a prefix, which signifies the rank (บรรดาศักดิ์ - Bandasak), and an honorific name (ราชทินนาม - Rachatinnanam), which can well be recycled. Taking the above example, the rank was "Luang" and the honorific name was "Narathiwat Rajanakarin". The appointee would use the full title in place of his names. However, as the honorific name can be repeated, when referring to a previous title holder, his former name may be written in a bracket to avoid confusion, for example: Phraya Kosathibodi (Lek) and Phraya Kosathibodi (Pan).
It is again a bit more complicated with the Chao Fa and Phra Ong Chao. If given a feudal title, they are said to "Song Krom" (ทรงกรม - lit.: "take department", but probably more semantically related to "take office"). The title is prefixed with the word "Krom" (which will be pronounced "Kromma" when forming part of the name), appended to (not replacing) the former princely title. For example, the full title of the King's sister is "Somdej Phra Chao Pheenang Ther Chao Fa Galyani Vadhana Kromma Luang Narathivat Rajanakarin. Nevertheless, it is the princely title which will be more frequently omitted when contracting the title e.g. Somdej Phra Chao Boromawong Ther Kromma Phraya Damrong Rajanubhab (born Phra Ong Chao Disuankumaan). There are 5 feudal titles for prince/princess
Somdej Krom Phraya (from Rama VI) or Krom Somdej Phra (Rama IV - Rama V) (สมเด็จกรมพระยา หรือ กรมสมเด็จพระ)
Krom Phra (กรมพระ)
Kromma Luang (กรมหลวง)
Kromma Khun (กรมขุน) Chao Fa starts from this title
Kromma Muen (กรมหมื่น) Phra Ong Chao starts from this title
Since the time of King Chulalongkorn, the honorific titles given to the royalties normally incorporate a city name or its modified form, and the holders are known in English as the Prince/Princess of that city.
Feudal titles are not inheritable.

[edit] Feudal lifetime titles for male commoners (all obsolete)
These titles were given only to males and not inheritable much like a life peerage. European equivalents were also used on diplomatic missions[1].

[edit] Somdej Chao Phraya
Somdej Chao Phraya (สมเด็จเจ้าพระยา) is the most senior among the ranks. It is awarded under extraordinary circumstances only to those with great achievements. This title is equivalent to that of a prince or Grand Duke.
There have only been 4 persons in Siam's history to be elevated to this title. The first was granted by King Taksin of Thonburi to Chao Phraya Chakri who later become King Rama I of Bangkok; two were granted by King Rama IV; and the last was granted by King Rama V.

[edit] Chao Phraya
Chao Phraya (เจ้าพระยา) is the most senior rank commonly granted. It is normally bestowed upon commners who served as Ministers of State. Holders of this title are informally addressed and referred to as "Chao Khun" (เจ้าคุณ) (2nd person: Chao Khun; 3rd person: Chao Khun + [honorific name]). This title is equivalent to Duke.

[edit] Phraya
Phraya (พระยา) is next in term of seniority. Similar to Chao Phraya, holders of this title are also informally addressed and referred to as "Chao Khun" (เจ้าคุณ). This title is equivalent to Marquess or Marquis.

[edit] Phra and Jamuen (or Phranai)
Phra (พระ) is further down the line. Holders of this title are informally addressed and referred to as "Khun Phra" (คุณพระ) (2nd person: Khun Phra; 3rd person: Khun Phra + [honorific name]). Jamuen (จมื่น หรือ พระนาย) is a senior title equivalent to Phra, given only to the Head of the king's servants (มหาดเล็ก). The European equivalent to this title is Count or Earl.

[edit] Luang
Luang (หลวง). Still further down the line, holders of this title are informally addressed and referred to as "Khun Luang" (คุณหลวง) (2nd person: Khun Luang; 3rd person: Khun Luang + [honorific name]). Equivalent to viscount.

[edit] Khun
Khun (ขุน). This is pronounced with higher tone (as oppose to Khun (คุณ) in lower tone). Informally, they are addressed as "Than Khun" (ท่านขุน). The last living holder of the title was believed to be Pol Maj-Gen Khun Phantharak Rajadej (Butr Phantharak) who died in 2006, age 103. Equivalent to Baron.

[edit] Muen
Muen (หมื่น) is one of the lower ranks, usually held by relatively junior officers.

[edit] Pan
Pan (พัน), a yet lower rank, and not considered very noble. This title is held by junior officers, especially those in rural areas.

[edit] Nai
Nai (นาย), one step up from being a Prai (ไพร่ -- plain commoner). This is the most junior among the ranks, and is not normally considered noble. Nowadays used as an equivalent for Mister.

[edit] Lifetime conferred titles for female commoners (still in use)
The title for women who are commoners used to be Thao (ท้าว).
For example, Thao Thepkrasattri, Thao Seesunthon, and Thao Suranaree, are famous heroines in Thai history. This title is no longer in use.
King Rama V created the titles currently in use for women. The present King (Bhumibhol, King Rama IX), usually, grants the titles for women on the his coronation day (5 May) every year. These are the only titles for commoners that have survived in modern day usage, since the titles for men are no longer in use.

[edit] Than Phuying
Than Phuying (ท่านผู้หญิง) is the highest conferred non-inheritable lifetime title for a non-royal woman and ranks higher than the non-royal titles of "Mom Rajawong" or "Mom Luang" obtained by birth. Such conferred titles are announced very year at the King's birthday (December 5). Such title is sometimes roughly translated as Dame or Lady.

[edit] Khun Ying
Khun Ying (คุณหญิง) is a conferred non-inheritable lifetime title for a married non-royal woman ranking lower than a conferred title of "Than Phuying" or a birth non-royal title of "Mom Rajawong", but ranking higher than a birth non-royal title of "Mom Luang". Such title of "Khun Ying" is sometimes roughly translated as Dame or Lady. An unmarried woman with a conferred title is styled Khun (คุณ).

[edit] References
Jones Robert B., 1971, Thai Titles and Ranks, Including a Translation of Royal Lineage in Siam by King Chulalongkorn, Data Paper No. 81. Ithaca: Southeast Asia Program, Department of Asian Studies, Cornell University
Finestone Jeffrey, 1989, The Royal Family of Thailand: The Descendants of King Chulalongkorn
Rabibhadana M.R. Akin, 1996, The Organization of Thai Society in the Early Bangkok Period 1782 - 1873
Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand, 2007, The King of Thailand in World Focus
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_royal_and_noble_titles"

Style sheet

Abbreviations
Col (not Colonel)
Gen (not General)
Lt Col (not Lieutenant Colonel)
Lt Gen
Maj Gen
C-in-C (Commander-in-Chief)

Acronyms
Recognisable and readable acronyms in lower case; Asean (not ASEAN)

Businesses
Use the correct, registered commercial name. Confirm from company references (online) if possible.

Examples:

The Sukhothai (not 'Sukhothai Hotel')
The Oriental (not 'Oriental Hotel')
7-Eleven (not '7-11' or 'Seven-Eleven')

Capitalisation
Capitalise only official names, eg Royal Thai Army, Army Commander-in-Chief, Cabinet, Parliament, but not army, foreign ministry, etc.
EX: The army had increased its grip on provincial security. (NOT: The Army had increased its grip on the provincial security.)

Surin province and Surin district, not Surin Province or Surin District

Compass Directions
Northeast, southwest, etc (not north-east, south-west, etc)

Country Names
Official UN recognised name at the time of the story, ie. In 1981, it is Kampuchea, after 1993, Cambodia., or Burma before 1989, Myanmar afterwards

Dates & Time
Months and days written out in full, 22 February (not 22 Feb)
12am, 4pm (not 12 a.m. or 4 p.m.)

Distance & Measures
3km (not three km)
36km (not 36 km or 36 kilometres)
40kg
10 sq km
percent – written out in full (not per cent, or %)
Land speeds in kilometres, not miles, written as kmph, not kilometres per hour, or km per hour, eg, 75kmph

Money
150 baht (not 150B or THB150)
a million dollars (not $1 million or $1,000,000) but $10 million (not 10 million dollars)

Numbers
One through nine spelled out, 10 and above in digits.
3,000 not 3000
17th (not 17th with superscript; must disable in MS Word under AutoCorrect)

People
Go with modern commonly accepted transliterations for major figures. Wikipedia usually has the correct/most commonly accepted transliteration for Thai historical figures. Final arbiter is the index in The King of Thailand in World Focus.

Anand Panyarachun
Banharn Silpa-Archa
Bhumibol Adulyadej (not Phumiphon, etc)
Chamlong Srimuang
Chatichai Choonavan
Chavalit Yongchaiyudh
Chuan Leekpai
Khuang Aphaiwong
Kriangsak Jamanandana
M R Kukrit Pramoj
Phibun Songkhram (not Pibul Songgram, etc)
Praphas Charusathian (not Prapass Charusatiara)
Prem Tinsulananda
Pridi Phanomyong
Samak Sundaravej
Sarit Thanarat
M R Seni Pramoj
Thanom Kittikachorn
Thanin Kraivixien
___________________ (add as necessary)
___________________
___________________


Place Names in Thailand
A few of the more troublesome place names:

-buri: Lopburi, Thonburi, Suphanburi, etc, not Lop Buri, Thon Buri, Suphan Buri, etc
Ayuthaya (not Ayudhya or Ayutthaya)
Chao Phraya River (not Chao Phya River)
Chiang Mai (not Chiangmai)
Chiang Rai (not Chiangrai)
Chumphon (not Chumporn)
Loei (not Loey)
Mekong River (not Mekhong River)
Nakhon Si Thammarat (not Nakhon Sithammaraj, etc)
Narathiwat (not Naradhivas)
Phetchaburi (not Petchaburi, Phetburi)
Phitsanulok (not Pitsanuloke)
Phra Phutthabaht (not Phrabuddhabat, etc)
Ratchadamnoen Ave (not Rajdamnern Ave)
Sakon Nakhon (not Sakol Nakorn)
Samut Prakan (not Smud Prakarn)
Satun (not Satul)
Surath Thani
Udon Thani (not Udorn Tani)
Ubon Ratchathani (not Ubol Rajathani)
Uttaradit

Province Names (adapted from Wiki, edited to conform with general usage/RID)

North
Chiang Mai (เชียงใหม่)
Chiang Rai (เชียงราย)
Lampang (ลำปาง)
Lamphun (ลำพูน)
Mae Hong Son (แม่ฮ่องสอน)
Nan (น่าน)
Phayao (พะเยา)
Phrae (แพร่)
Uttaradit (อุตรดิตถ์)
West
Kanchanaburi (กาญจนบุรี)
Phetchaburi (เพชรบุรี)
Prachuap Khiri Khan (ประจวบคีรีขันธ์)
Ratchaburi (ราชบุรี)
Tak (ตาก)
Northeast
Amnat Charoen (อำนาจเจริญ)
Buriram (บุรีรัมย์)
Chaiyaphum (ชัยภูมิ)
Kalasin (กาฬสินธุ์)
Khon Kaen (ขอนแก่น)
Loei (เลย)
Maha Sarakham (มหาสารคาม)
Mukdahan (มุกดาหาร)
Nakhon Phanom (นครพนม)
Nakhon Ratchasima (นครราชสีมา)
Nong Bua Lamphu (หนองบัวลำภู)
Nong Khai (หนองคาย)
Roi Et (ร้อยเอ็ด)
Sakon Nakhon (สกลนคร)
Si Saket (ศรีสะเกษ)
Surin (สุรินทร์)
Ubon Ratchathani (อุบลราชธานี)
Udon Thani (อุดรธานี)
Yasothon (ยโสธร)

Central
Ang Thong (อ่างทอง)
Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya (พระนครศรีอยุธยา)
Bangkok (Krung Thep Maha Nakhon), (กรุงเทพ ฯ)
Chainat (ชัยนาท)
Kamphaeng Phet (กำแพงเพชร)
Lopburi (ลพบุรี)
Nakhon Nayok (นครนายก)
Nakhon Pathom (นครปฐม)
Nakhon Sawan (นครสวรรค์)
Nonthaburi (นนทบุรี)
Pathum Thani (ปทุมธานี)
Phetchabun (เพชรบูรณ์)
Samut Prakan (สมุทรปราการ)
Samut Sakhon (สมุทรสาคร)
Samut Songkhram (สมุทรสงคราม)
Saraburi (สระบุรี)
Singburi (สิงห์บุรี)
Suphanburi (สุพรรณบุรี)
Uthai Thani (อุทัยธานี)

East
Chachoengsao (ฉะเชิงเทรา)
Chanthaburi (จันทบุรี)
Chonburi (ชลบุรี)
Prachinburi (ปราจีนบุรี)
Rayong (ระยอง)
Sa Kaew (สระแก้ว)
Trat (ตราด)

South
Chumphon (ชุมพร)
Krabi (กระบี่)
Nakhon Si Thammarat (นครศรีธรรมราช)
Narathiwat (นราธิวาส)
Pattani (ปัตตานี)
Phang Nga (พังงา)
Phatthalung (พัทลุง)
Phuket (ภูเก็ต)
Ranong (ระนอง)
Satun (สตูล)
Songkhla (สงขลา)
Surat Thani (สุราษฎร์ธานี)
Trang (ตรัง)
Yala (ยะลา)

Publications, Films, Books, etc
Official names of publications, films, magazines and books should be italicised,
Bangkok Post
The Elephant King
Catcher in the Rye
Time

Names of articles receive quotation marks, eg, 'The Thai Sense of Style,' by Pico Ayer.

Quotation Marks
Single, not double, quotation marks (eg: He said 'It's the government's fault.')

Road names
Use roman numerals for royal names, Rama I, not (Rama 1),

Royalty
Don't use 'His Majesty', 'Her Majesty', etc, just King, Queen, etc. Always capitalise. In repeated references in the same story, the name and title are used first, and either name and title or title alone for ensuing references eg:

'King Bhumibol attended the museum's opening ceremony. The King later commented on the education value of the exhibits. Bhumibol himself had studied photography in Switzerland.'

King
Queen
Prince
Princess
Princess Mother
M C (rather than Mom Chao)
M L (rather than Mom Luang)
M R (rather than Mom Ratchawong)

Titles & repeated reference in the same article
Don't use 'Mr', 'Mrs', etc.
Don't use old Thai titles such as 'Luang' or 'Nai'.

Use 'Dr' and military ranks at first appearance, eg: 'Dr Alexander Jones and Lt Gen Prapas Charusathian conferred …', but just the names thereafter, eg ' Jones and Prapas decided …' Last name for westerners, first name for Thais, following local and Post custom.

former Prime Minister Prem, capitalised (not former prime minister)

MISCELLANEOUS
Bhikkhu (as part of a title, eg Buddhadasa Bhikkhu)
lèse majesté (note accents & italics; on Thai MS Word you may have to use the Insert/Symbol command for the accent grave, /è/)
Thai Airways International or THAI in second reference (not 'THAI Airways,' 'Thai Airways,' 'Thai International Airways,' etc)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The following is what writers have received, with updates made on 5 March '09.

KEY STYLE POINTS


DATELINE Date stories on the day the event occurred, not the date story was published. If reported from somewhere other than Bangkok, eg Washington DC, Khon Kaen, etc, add the place directly at the front of the first sentence, followed by an em dash.

TIME REFERENCES Never use 'yesterday', 'last night' etc as these will not make sense in context of our book. Change present to past tense except when it appears in quotations. You can also skip through time by flashing forward, eg, 'The following week, a suspect was captured and charged with arson. A month later he was convicted and sentenced to death.' For this type of stuff you may need to use the Internet or refer to stories, or ask us to find out for you. We understand this can be time consuming but a quick search on Internet can help you save time digesting the articles and will improve the book’s scope. Be wary of using Wikipedia as your sole source.

Reporting future events Try not to produce stories that anticipate an event coming in the near future using future perfect tense. Instead confirm that the event did occur, then write the story dated for that day, using past tense. It's OK to leave future perfect for events or conditions anticipated far into the future, of course.

Sometimes this will mean doing extra research to confirm that an event occurred.

Example of what not to write:

12 August
Charter to be ratified
BANGKOK--The National Assembly had finished revising the new constitution, and it would be submitted to King Bhumibol for royal approval on 20 August, according to Senate spokesperson Amasing Randi. In decades to come, the Thai people would look back with pride on the constitutional drafting process, widely said to be the most democratic in Thai history, said Amasing. A large crowd was anticipated outside Chitrlada palace for the royal signing ceremony.

Better:

20 August
Charter ratified, King approves
BANGKOK--King Bhumibol gave his royal approval for the new constitution in a ceremony that attracted thousands of well-wishers to the streets surrounding Chitrlada Palace. Eight days earlier the National Assembly had finished revising the charter, according to Senate spokesperson Amasing Randi. In decades to come, the Thai people would look back with pride on this constitution, widely said to be the most democratic in Thai history, said Amasing.

STYLE Follow typical news copy style, by opening with lead on key event, followed by detail/color/quote etc. Please add context and background when necessary, eg, 'The issue had not been settled for months despite numerous meetings between Cambodian and Thai diplomats, so the breakthrough at Geneva came as a surprise.' When a conclusion is inferred, rather than self evident, be sure to hedge by citing a source, eg, 'Praphas said the Communist Party ultimately intended to overthrow the monarchy,' rather than 'The Communist Party ultimately intended to overthrow the monarchy.'

TITLES Don't use 'Mr', 'Mrs', etc. Don't use old Thai titles such as 'Luang' or 'Nai'. Use 'Dr' and military ranks at first appearance, eg: 'Dr Alexander Jones and Lt Gen PrapHas Charusathian conferred …', but just the names thereafter, eg ' Jones and Prapas decided …' Last name for westerners, first name for Thais, following local and Bangkok Post custom.

COLOUR Add quotes and colour and details wherever possible to keep the copy lively.

YEAR SUMMARY Please write a brief 75-word summary of year – 'year in review' style – after you have finished writing up a year.

YEAR OPENER If you come across any great quotes for our year-opening quote, please note for us.


FAQ

What are the word counts?

First leads: 150-200 words
Second leads: 100-150 words
Shorts: 100 words or less

TOTAL word count per year should be 5,000 words or less.


I notice that the Post transliterates Thai personal names and Thai place names differently in different years. Which style should I use?

We're trying to follow a standard, modern transliteration for all Thai personal and place names. For place names we have a list that follows official RTGS and official Highway Dept signage. For personal names, especially of prominent figures whose names crop up again and again over the years, follow the spellings in the index of The King of Thailand in World Focus.


If a story from, say, the 1950s, uses 'Malaya', 'Burma' or 'Ceylon', should I update to 'Malaysia', 'Myanmar' and 'Sri Lanka'?

Always use the terminology of the time, for country names, eg, Malaya, Siam, Burma, Ceylon, etc.


I'm re-writing a story on the 1960s discovery of a prehistoric human skeleton in Kanchanaburi, and noticed that the dating claimed at the time differed substantially from what is known today about the same find. How should I handle that?

This sort of thing crops up fairly frequently. In cases like this, best to write something like 'Scholars initially dated the skeleton to 6000 BC. More extensive research later confirmed a date of around 2000 BC '

Readings

1946

Let me refer to the royal family (chao nai). In the past they went in one direction and I went in another direction. But many of these old royal family members aim for the common benefit of the nation, not for themselves. In the end we can team up to work together well in the service of the nation, and love one another more closely than someone who uses the nation as a cover but really pursues personal interest. There are those who give an external appearance of loyalty to the king, but internally have a personal objective or benefits to be obtained. Their dissatisfaction is personal, hence I fear that these people may turn whichever way gives them greater personal gain.

-- Pridi Banomyong, leader of the 1932 revolution, addressing the National Assembly, 7 May 1946


----------------------------

1956

All this presenting of gifts to newly ordained bhikkhus, this performing of ceremonies, including all sorts of celebration - this we are foolish enough to call Buddhism! Furthermore we choose to make much of it, thinking nothing of spending all our own money, or other people's on account of it. This 'Neo-Buddhism' is so widespread as to be almost universal. The Dhamma, the genuine teaching that once was paramount has become so overlaid by ceremonial that the whole objective of Buddhism has been obscured, falsified and changed. Ordination, for instance, has become a face-saving gambit for young men whom people have been pointing at for never having been ordained, or a prerequisite to finding a wife (as having been a monk is considered a sign of maturity), or is done with some other kind of ulterior motive. In some places an ordination is regarded as an opportunity for collecting money for which job there are always people on hand to help. It is one way of getting rich. Even this they call Buddhism! And anyone who goes and criticizes this is considered to be ignorant of Buddhism or opposed to it.

--Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, modern reformer of Thai Buddhism, from his Handbook for Mankind

----------------------------

1957

We the people's artists are ready to take on our historical duty to create a new and better society that will lift Thailand above and beyond its hoary past!

-- Chit Phumisak, declaring a manifesto for Thai artists in his highly influential book Art for Life, Art for the People (1957)


----------------------------


1959

Destruction or Moving of Property
Clause 14 Destruction of property or moving of property, powers granted thereof:

1) In times of war or in conflict with royal enemies, the government has the power to burn homes if deemed necessary. If evidence of enemy activity is apparent after the army has retreated, then the power extends to complete destruction.

2) In order to build and maintain stability the military leadership has the power to chart the national territory and re-arrange houses, villages, towns and cities as necessary to fight enemy activity.

--Thai government anti-Communist decree, 1959


--------------------------------------

1966

The Thai people, guided by the Thai Communist Party and oriented by Marxism-Leninism, have taken up arms and are defending themselves by heroically demolishing enemy encirclement. Although the armed forces of the Thai people are newly formed and small in number, we shall fight with all our forces for our final aim—the achievement of the socialist revolution and the building of Communism in Thailand.

-- Central Committee, Communist Party of Thailand, communiqué to the Albanian Workers Party, 6 November 1966.



--------------------------------------

1972


Dear Thai citizens,

We, the students, who are also your children are co-operating with one another to refrain from buying Japanese goods during the Anti-Japanese Goods Week.
The reason is that Japan is taking advantage of us by using various business ploys to cheat us and also because the trade dominance of the Japanese in Thailand has increased alarmingly during the past 10 years, putting Thailand gradually into a position as 'Japan's economic slave.'
We are also not pleased with the Japanese who take job opportunities from us, by violating the law and also with government officials' apathy towards the situation.
The National Students Centre therefore asks you to sacrifice your happiness and conveniences, and to save the money you may spend from buying and using Japanese goods and services during the Anti-Japanese Goods Week, November 20-30, to show that the Thai blood runs thick and cannot be looked down on by anyone.

--Letter from the National Students Centre, 16 November 1972, during the anti-Japanese trade movement



--------------------------------------

1973

Flowers, blooming flowers
Innocent and bold …will bloom in your heart
White … colour of youth desired
Straight and sure, lighting the fire of faith.

Learn … then fight delusion
Step forward and look out for the people
Life dedicated to sacrifice
Fighting confusion for the people.

Flowers with the kind quality
That blooms slowly but lasts long.
Here and elsewhere
Flowers, stay fresh for the people.

--Lyrics by Jiranan Pitpreecha, leading Thai intellectual, for 'Flowers (Dokmai),' a 1973 song emblematic of the 1970s democracy movement


--------------------------------------------
1973

No matter how a government comes to power—through popular vote, inheritance or through arms—that government must have moral authority in order to continue to govern the country. Without moral authority, even if the government continues to rule with the help of arms, it will find itself on the opposite side from the people.

---MR Kukrit Pramoj, respected Thai academic and former Thai prime minister, in his Siam Rath column, 3 May 1973, in reaction to news of illegal government hunting trips in national reserves

----------------------------------------------

1976

Today there was a great tragedy, one of the saddest times in Thai history. Following four to seven days of demands and negotiations, the students and the government have come to an agreement, yet the bottle bombs and tear gas continue, which has only given rise to further confrontation. Many people have been injured and the violence in our city seems to have increased with no end in sight. Hundreds of Thais have given up their lives.

I would like to firmly request that everyone on all sides concentrate on refraining from all further violence so that our country can return to normality as soon as possible.

In order to help obviate the incidents, Field Marshall Thanom Kittikajorn has asked to resign from his position as prime minister this evening. I have therefore transferred the rank of prime minister to Mr Sanya Thammasak.

-- King Bhumibol, speaking on 14 October 1973 in reaction to violent incidents between government forces and student demonstrators.

------------------------------------------------------

1976

Why did I advocate the withdrawal of American forces, as indeed I did, from as far back as 1961 until the last day of my tenure of office in November 1971?

To begin with, the introduction of foreign forces is not something that should be desired. It can only be tolerated so long as it serves the national interests of the host country or at least if such interests coincide with those of the sending party. If and when the military presence serves only the interests of the latter and ceases to be advantageous to the host, then it loses its raison d'etre and justifications.

--Thanat Khoman, commenting on American military withdrawal from Thailand, at the Institute of Southeast Asian Affairs, Singapore.


------------------------------------------------------

1977

Forty years ago in the wake of a transition from Absolute Monarchy to democracy, a momentous event took place in Thai history when there was a drive to build Thailand into a 'Great Power' under a plan laid down by Field Marshal Pibul Songram, the leader of the nation. Although this wave of changes lasted only about five years it had an enormous effect on all aspects of life in Thailand and though many of the policies were later abolished several have lasted and form integral parts of Thai life.

The plan for building up Thailand was based on a leadership theory not far different from those of Hitler and Mussolini with the Field Marshal being the sole architect, theorist and implementor [sic] of the plan according to his beliefs and ideas alone.

--Thamsook Numnonda, noted academic, from 'When Thailand Followed The Leader,' in the Review of Thai Social Science: A Collection of Articles by Thai Scholars.


------------------------------------------------------


1978

The solution to your problems is not something that the Americans can do, or the Japanese. It's something that you ought to do, and will do.

--US Ambassador Morton I Abramowitz, speaking to the Thai press about American military withdrawal from Thailand and reduction in economic aid.



------------------------------------------------------


1984

'Made in Thailand', our land,
we've kept it since the ancient times, there's been many good things.
Since the eras of Sukhothai, to Lopburi, Ayuthaya, Thonburi,
through to modern day Bangkok.
The city where people fall down the open drains (don't blame them for it).

'Made in Thailand', made in our own land,
the land of the meaningful songs and dances.
Foreigners secretly are admirers of Thai products, but Thais don't see their worth.
Scared of being looked down upon, that liking Thai products isn't fashionable.
If it's 'Made in Thailand', who's going to give the guarantee for them?
(I think someone should accept responsibility for this.)

'Made in Thailand', and all it's admirers understand.
That these are products produced by Thais, made by Thais.
the shirts, trousers, and jeans,
are sent abroad on planes, and then imported back.
It's the Thais who gain face (but it's the foreigners who get the money.)

'Made in Thailand', and when put up in the shops.
They put the 'Made in Japan' labels upon them.
Then they sell well, sell for high prices
and the wearers then brag they've got imported clothes,
the latest fashions, from the magazines.

It wasn't the foreigners who cheated us.
But it was us who cheated ourselves...oh....

--Lyrics for 'Made In Thailand, from a top-selling album by Carabao, Thailand's most famous 'songs for life' band. The song became a hit in several neighboring countries as well.


--------------------------------------------------------------------

1988

What elsewhere one sees only in travel brochures, one finds in Thailand daily. It often seems, in fact, as if ancient gods -- Bacchus, Neptune, Zeus and Venus -- conspired to make the land a composite of holidaymakers' fantasies. Here is a never-never land built on solid ground; a fairy-tale monarchy ruled by a Renaissance King and his classically beautiful Queen; an orchid-scented garden of scintillant temples, lush jungles, palmy white beaches and a capital built along tree-shaded canals; and a gentle Buddhist retreat filled with smiling, gracious people who make "tourist industry" sound like a contradiction in terms. The most pressing problem with the "Land of Smiles" may be simply that it is too hard to resist.
--Pico Ayer, 'The Smiling Lures Of Thailand,' Time magazine, 17 October 1988


--------------------------------------------------------------------
2003

On 28 January 2003 Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra declared a three month 'war on drugs' in an effort to eradicate the trafficking of a type of methamphetamine known in Thai as ya ba, or 'crazy drug'. The campaign began on 1 February, when four people were shot dead and 264 arrested, according to the Royal Thai Police.
The police stated that by 15 April 2,245 people had been killed in the campaign, 51 of them by the police. According to experts in the criminal justice system in Thailand, during 2002 the average rate of murders per month was approximately 400. However, during February 2003, the first month of the 'drug war.' the authorities reported over 1,100 people as having been killed in the anti-drugs campaign.
The authorities repeatedly asserted that the vast majority of the deaths were as a result of drug traffickers killing one another. Prime Minister Thaksin appeared to condone such killings in various public statements made during the three month campaign. For example on 25 March he was quoted as saying, 'There are two places for drugs traffickers: in prison or in the temple,' in reference to the Buddhist practice of cremating their dead in temples.

--2003 Amnesty International report on Thailand

------------------------------------------------------

2005

On his 78th birthday King Bhumibol addressed the nation saying he was not infallible and was ready accept criticism:

'If someone offers criticisms suggesting that the King is wrong, then I would like to be informed of their opinion. If we hold that the King cannot be criticised or violated, then the King ends up in a difficult situation.

'Saying that the King can do no wrong is an insult to the King, as it shows the speaker does not regard the King as a human being. Actually I want criticism. I have to know if people agree or disagree with me when I'm doing things.

'[Regarding those who violate Thailand's lese majesté law] if they get sent to prison, I pardon them. If they don’t go to prison, I won’t sue them, because those who rebel against the King and are punished are not the ones who are in trouble. It would be the King who was in trouble. It is strange, but the lawyers like to send people to prison [for allegedly criticising the King].'

--King Bhumibol's birthday address, 4 December 2005


------------------------------------------------------

2008

Country Celebrates Becoming World’s Oldest 'Fledgling Democracy'

BANGKOK – With the promise of the 1932 coup that ended absolute monarchy and gave birth to Thailand’s first constitution still miraculously unfulfilled, politicians, military leaders and academics rejoiced today as Thailand officially became the world’s oldest 'fledgling democracy.'
76-year-old Sombat Boonyarat, who was born in 1932, said he had waited a lifetime for this day. 'It has been difficult. But now I know the 17 coups, 17 constitution drafts, 37 states of emergencies, 53 house dissolutions, 29 years of martial law and 163 cabinet reshuffles have not been in vain.'
Millions of Thais joined Sombat in celebration after learning that the Guinness Book of World Records had officially sanctioned the record.
'It is a great day for Thai-style democracy,' declared Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda. 'There were some worrying times when the world seemed prepared to call us a full-fledged democracy but we persevered.'

--Satirical article from Not The Nation, a web publication dedicated to Thai news parodies, 19 December 2008


------------------------------------------------------

2008

People's Alliance for Democracy Announcement 27/2008
The People's Alliance for Democracy has been rallying for 192 days since May 25, 2008 for the two objectives, which are to oppose attempts to amend the 2007 Constitution and to drive out the proxy-killer government in order to pave the way for new politics.Throughout the 192 days of protest, the longest protest seen in Thai history, the PAD has carried out its duties of protecting the nation, religion, the Monarchy and the Constitution. It is an achievement of the PAD in being able to protect the 2007 Constitution, leading to the possibility of the Thai judicial system being able to prove the wrongdoings of politicians... The Constitution Court's verdict leads the People's Alliance for Democracy to realize the two goals of its protest. The PAD now declares that the victory it attained in meeting the objectives of its gathering on December 2, 2008 is a 'victory of the people.'

Now that the PAD has achieved its goals and on the auspicious occasion of His Majesty the King?s birthday, the PAD realizes there is no need for it to continue its rally.
Therefore, the PAD calls an end to its rally at Government House, the Suvarnabhumi Airport, and the Don Muang Airport on December 3, 2008. As the current period is now a period of a political vacuum in the country, the PAD would like to call on whichever side that attains power to run the country to find a solution for the current problems and not to create conditions for another political turmoil in the country. Do not bring to power people from the Thaksin regime. Address the wrongdoings conducted by those in the Thaksin regime. Join with the people in making new politics a reality. The PAD would like to make the following pledges.1. If a proxy government of the Thaksin regime is set up again or if there is an attempt to amend the Constitution or the law to whitewash the wrongdoings of those in the Thaksin regime, to benefit politicians, or to lessen the power of the King, the PAD will return. 2. From now on, if there is any government which comes into power but is insincere in its efforts to launch new politics with the people, the PAD will return. We would like to sincerely thank the people for being part of this historic event. Until we meet again when the country needs us. With deepest respect, People's Alliance for DemocracyDecember 2, 2008
---Announcement from the PAD after the fall of the People's Power Party in 2008.

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Ish & Joe Editing Brief

Top 4: 15-20 words; with pic is best, no business stories.
Year Summary: 75-85 words
Numerology: 4 items, about 10 words each

Headlines: 6-8 words
Subheads: 8-10 words

Dateline: Caps, with em dash

Other
Quote of the Year
Readings
What The Press Said

Useful Web references

Wiki History of Thailand Since 1973
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Thailand_since_1973

Historical Sequence of Thai Cabinet -- very useful, includes list of all PMs and cabinets since 1832, dates they took office, and how they took office (eg, coup, election, appointment, etc)
http://www.cabinet.thaigov.go.th/eng/bb2_main11.htm

National Statistical Office, Thailand -- a few scattered years, 1994, 1995, 1996, early to mid 2000s
http://web.nso.go.th/eng/index.htm

Coffee Review - The World's Leading Coffee-Buying Guide
http://coffeereview.com/