Chao () is a title of the
Lan Na
The Lan Na Kingdom ( nod, , , "Kingdom of a Million Rice Fields"; th, อาณาจักรล้านนา, , ), also known as Lannathai, and most commonly called Lanna or Lanna Kingdom, was an Indianized state centered in present-day ...
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
Absolute monarchy (or Absolutism as a doctrine) is a form of monarchy in which the monarch rules in their own right or power. In an absolute monarchy, the king or queen is by no means limited and has absolute power, though a limited constitut ...
, 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.
{{DEFAULTSORT:Chao (Monarchy)
Lanna