Chao (monarchy)

For the West African ethnic group known as the Choa, see Baggara.

"Chao" (Thai: เจ้า) is a title of the ruling prince of Chiang Mai (also called Lannathai), and people who were related to the ruling prince of Chiang Mai. This system is called "Chao har kan" (เจ้าห้าขัน)

After the fall of the absolute monarchy, the Chao har kan system was abolished by the People's Party (Khana Ratsadon - คณะราษฎร).

In present days, all of the "Chao" family used "Na Chiang Mai" for their surname.

Chao Luang

Chao Luang (เจ้าหลวง) was a title of the Ruling Prince of Chiang Mai

List of the Ruling Princes of Chiang Mai

• Phra Chao Gavila (พระเจ้ากาวิละ) was the first ruling prince of Chiang Mai. He was born in 1742. He reigned 1774-1815
• Chao Luang Tummalunggar (เจ้าหลวงธัมมลังกา) was the second ruling prince of Chiang Mai. He was Chao Gavilla's brother. He was born in 1746 and became Chao Uparaja in 1784 when Chao Gavilla was the ruling prince of Chiang Mai. He reigned 1816-1821
• Chao Luang Sattikamfun (เจ้าหลวงเสฏฐีคำฝั้น) was the third ruling prince of Chiang Mai. He reigned 1822-1824
• Chao Luang Budhawong (เจ้าหลวงพุทธวงศ์) was the fourth prince ruling of Chiang Mai.He was the ruler of Chiang Mai for 20 years, from 1825-1846
• Pra Chao Mahotaraprathate (พระเจ้ามโหตรประเทศ) was the fifth ruling prince of Chiang Mai. He was the son of Chao Luang Tummalunggar. He reigned from 1847-1854
• Pra Chao Gavirorod (พระเจ้ากาวิโลรส) was the sixth ruling prince of Chiang Mai.He was the son of Phra ya Gavilla. He was also known as "Chao chewit Aow" (เจ้าชีวิตอ้าว) meaning lord of life, because if any people in Chiang Mai didn't follow his rule, those people would be persecuted, unless he said "Aow". He reigned from 1856 -1873
• Phra Chao Intavichyanon (พระเจ้าอินทวิชยานนท์) was the seventh ruling prince of Chiang Mai. He was a relative of Phra Chao Gavirorod. He became Chao Uparaja when Pra Chao Gavirorod was the ruling prince of Chiang Mai. He came to the throne when Phra Chao Gavirorod died in 1873. He reigned from 1874-1897.
• Chao Intavarorodsuriyawong(เจ้าอินทวโรรสสุริยวงษ์)
• Chao Keawnavarat (พลตรีเจ้าแก้วนวรัฐ)

Chao Uparaja

Chao Uparaja was the title that usually given to a brother of the ruling prince of Chiang Mai. This was unlike the ordinary Thai monarchy custom, where this title was given to the heir to the throne.

Chao Rajawong

Chao Rajawong was the title for a Chao Luang relative.

Chao Burirat

Chao Bururat was the title for a ruling prince of other Northern provinces like Lumpang, Lumpoon, Meahongsorn, etc.

Chao Rajabute

Chao Rajabute was the title for Chao Luang children.