Phra Kieo
Phra Kiao is a symbol of pride for Chulalongkorn University students and staff. It reflects the university’s heritage, as its name was bestowed by King Vajiravudh (King Rama VI) as a royal memorial to King Chulalongkorn, the founder of the university.
ng Chulalongkorn graciously designated the Phra Kiao (the royal crown) as the royal emblem of his reign. When the Civil Service Training School, formerly known as the Royal Pages School, was established, he granted permission for the Phra Kiao to be used as the emblem on students’ caps, as well as the official symbol of the school.
As the Royal Pages School later developed into the Civil Service School and eventually Chulalongkorn University, the university’s administrators continued to seek royal permission to update the inscription beneath the Phra Kiao to reflect each new official name.
The place where the “Royal Crown” is enshrined.
The Phra Kieo enshrined at the Chulalongkorn University Memorial Hall (Chakrabongse Building) is a replica created with royal permission from King Rama IX (King Bhumibol Adulyadej). Crafted from the original Phra Kieo preserved in the Grand Palace, it was graciously bestowed upon the university during the commencement ceremony on July 13, 1989.
More information about “Phra Kiao” (the royal crown).
- Phra Kiao is a headdress used to adorn the heads of princes and princesses. The word Kiao refers to a head ornament or a decorative binding worn on the head.
- Chulalongkorn means a head ornament or a small crown (Chula Mongkut).
- The term Chula Mongkut is closely connected to the name and royal title of King Chulalongkorn (King Rama V).