Front Palace
Former Thai viceregal title / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dear Wikiwand AI, let's keep it short by simply answering these key questions:
Can you list the top facts and stats about Front Palace?
Summarize this article for a 10 year old
Krom Phra Ratchawang Bowon Sathan Mongkhon กรมพระราชวังบวรสถานมงคล, colloquially known as the Front Palace (Thai: วังหน้า, RTGS: Wang Na), was the title of the uparaja of Siam, variously translated as "viceroy", "vice king" or "Lord/Prince of the Front Palace", as the titleholder resided in the physical residence of the same name. The office of Front Palace was considered second only to the king and regarded as the heir presumptive. The name, with its dual meaning, originated in the Ayutthaya period, and the holder later gained significant powers during the Rattanakosin period. Front Palace occupants were usually a son or brother of the reigning monarch. The office existed until the death of the last occupant, Prince Vichaichan, in 1885. King Chulalongkorn then abolished the office of an heir presumptive, introducing in its stead the Western concept of a crown prince as heir apparent, and styled the new office "Crown Prince of Siam".[1]
Viceroy of Siam | |
---|---|
กรมพระราชวังบวรสถานมงคล | |
Style | His Royal Highness |
Status | Heir presumptive Uparaja |
Residence | Front Palace |
Appointer | Monarch |
Term length | Life tenure or until accession as Sovereign |
Formation | 1438; 586 years ago (1438) |
First holder | Ramesuan |
Final holder | Wichaichan |
Abolished | 28 August 1885; 138 years ago (1885-08-28) |
Superseded by | Crown Prince of Siam |
Unofficial names | Front Palace lord |
Deputy | Deputy Viceroy |