Chao (monarchy)

Chao (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.