Chao (monarchy)

Chao (Thai: เจ้า) is a title of the Lan Na royal family members.

Chao Har Kan

Chao Har Kan (เจ้าห้าขัน, lit. 'five lords') is the style for high-ranking royalty in each Lan Na state.

After the fall of the absolute monarchy, the Chao har kan system was abolished by the People's Party (Khana Ratsadon - คณะราษฎร). Today, all of the Chao family use na Chiangmai, na Lamphun, and na Lampang as their surname.

  • Chao Luang (เจ้าหลวง) - The ruler of state. The ruler of Chiang Mai is the highest post in the five Lan Na states.
  • Chao Uparaja (เจ้าอุปราช) - The viceroy of state.
  • Chao Rajawong (เจ้าราชวงศ์) - Son of Chao Luang.
  • Chao Burirat (เจ้าบุรีรัตน์) - Son of Chao Luang.
  • Chao Rajabute (เจ้าราชบุตร) - Son of Chao Luang.

References