Why is Thai king called ‘Rama’ and how is it linked to Ayodhya in India? Here’s what you need to know

Thailand, which was earlier known as Siam, is known for its colorful culture, long history, and deep respect for its royal family. But there’s something many people often wonder — why do all Thai kings have the title ‘Rama’? Is it just a tradition, or is there a special reason behind it? To understand this, we need to look at the roots of Thailand’s history and the strong cultural bond it shares with India.

The royal title of ‘Rama’

Thailand and India share a deep connection, not just through trade, but also through religion and culture. Like many Southeast Asian countries, Thailand too has been influenced by Hindu and Buddhist traditions. In Thai society, the Ramayana is known as Ramakien. It’s not just an epic; it’s seen as a national pride. The story of Rama is deeply woven into Thai art, drama, literature, and even its royal structure.

The tradition began in 1782, when the Chakri dynasty was established. The first king of this dynasty, King Phutthayotfa Chulalok, gave himself the title Phutthayotfa Chulalok the Great and was called “Rama I” in English.

Later, the sixth king of the dynasty, King Vajiravudh, started using the English title Rama VI. That’s when the tradition of numbering the kings with the title ‘Rama’ began. It provided continuity and respect to the legacy of Rama, the ideal king from Indian mythology.

Today’s Thai king is known as Rama X (Rama the Tenth). He is also popularly known as the “Football Prince” and is considered one of the wealthiest monarchs in the world.

In short, the title ‘Rama’ is more than just a name — it symbolizes the cultural bond between India and Thailand, rooted in the timeless values of the Ramayana.

Why Thai kings are called ‘Rama’

Thai kings are called “Rama” because the founder of the Chakri dynasty, Rama I, adopted the name Ramathibodi, mirroring the name of the first ruler of Ayutthaya, which is named after Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram.

The Chakri dynasty has upheld this tradition for more than 200 years, and even today, the royal family in Thailand holds a place of great respect. While politics and society have evolved over time, the royal title ‘Rama’ continues to be an essential part of the Thai monarchy’s identity.

This is not just a coincidence — the tradition of calling Thai kings ‘Rama’ is deeply rooted in history, religion, and cultural values. It’s not merely a name; it’s a reflection of Thailand’s national identity and spiritual beliefs.

Even though the world around has changed, this royal tradition stands strong — a symbol of the enduring cultural connection between India and Thailand.

Thailand’s Ayodhya, the ancient city of Ayutthaya

The kingdom we now know as Thailand, earlier called Siam, came into existence in the early 13th century. Not far from present-day Bangkok — just about 70 kilometres north — lies Ayutthaya, which once became the heart of the Siamese empire and served as its capital.

Founded in 1351 CE, Ayutthaya was made the capital of Siam — the old name for Thailand. Interestingly, the name Ayutthaya is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Ayodhya’, the same name used in the Valmiki Ramayana for Lord Rama’s kingdom.

 This isn’t just a linguistic similarity — it reflects the deep-rooted presence of Hindu traditions in the region. One of the clearest examples of this is ‘Ramakien’, the Thai retelling of the Ramayana, which plays a big role in Thai culture, arts, and values.

The city was named by King Ramathibodi, who is believed to be the first ruler of Ayutthaya. His very name, which echoes Lord Ram, shows just how strongly the Ramayana influenced the royal lineage. In fact, it’s believed that many royal rituals in ancient Thailand were inspired by Hindu Vedic traditions, and the monarchy modeled itself on the ideals of Lord Ram — a just, noble, and divine ruler.

Even today, the legacy of Ayutthaya shows how Indian culture has been lovingly preserved and integrated into Thailand’s identity.

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