What it was
The royal house of Thailand since April 6, 1782, founded by Rama I. Ten kings have reigned, from Rama I to Rama X — Vajiralongkorn, on the throne since 2016 and crowned in May 2019. The name comes from Rama I’s pre-royal title, Chao Phraya Chakri, and the dynastic emblem crosses a discus (chakra) with a trident.
Role
As absolute monarchs from 1782 to 1932, the dynasty’s kings rebuilt Siam after Ayutthaya’s fall and met Western pressure with treaty diplomacy and internal reform — above all under Mongkut and Chulalongkorn — keeping Siam uncolonized. Since 1932 its kings have reigned as constitutional monarchs: head of state, unifying national symbol and patron of Buddhism. The 70-year reign of Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX, 1946–2016) defined the modern institution’s stature.
Fate
The Chakri dynasty remains the reigning house of Thailand. April 6, the date of its founding, is observed as Chakri Memorial Day.