Discover the Royal Coronet and the Special Class Academic Gown: Chula’s Valuable Treasures 

The Phra Kieo, a symbol of pride and the heart of the Chulalongkorn University community, along with the Special Class Academic Gown, or the Royal Patron’s Gown of Chulalongkorn University, are rare and valuable items on display at the Chakrabongse Building, Chulalongkorn University Memorial Hall. 

The Royal Phra Kiao Emblem, bestowed for Chulalongkorn University’s Royal Commencement Ceremony, is displayed in the central hall on the second floor of the Chulalongkorn University Museum. 

“The Phra Kieo,” from a royally bestowed gift, 

…to a valuable object, representing the bond of connection and the utmost pride of Chulalongkorn University…” 

“The Phra Kieo or Royal Coronet” is an ornamental headdress traditionally worn by the royal sons and daughters of the monarch. 

“The Royal Coronet” or “Miniature Crown” is the personal emblem of King Chulalongkorn, Rama V, symbolically titled after his birth name, “His Royal Highness Prince Chulalongkorn.”  

The Royal Coronet (Phra Kieo) is a precious artifact bestowed by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) for the graduation ceremony of Chulalongkorn University. 

It is housed in the central area on the second floor of the Chulalongkorn University Memorial Hall. 

When royal permission was graciously granted for the Civil Service Training School, which later changed its name to “Royal Pages School,” he granted permission to use the Phra Kieo as the school’s emblem and as an insignia on the caps of the students’ uniforms. Later, when the Royal Pages School evolved into the “Civil Service School of His Majesty King Chulalongkorn” and was established as “Chulalongkorn University” during the reign of King Vajiravudh (Rama VI), His Majesty granted permission to use the “Phra Kieo” as the university’s symbol, which continues up until this day. 

Currently, there are three “Royal Coronets” that were graciously bestowed by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) to be used on various important occasions: 

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) bestowed a replica of the Phra Kieo emblem upon Mr. Teerachai Chemnasiri, President of the Chulalongkorn University Student Club, on October 23, 1969, to serve as the symbol of the university and a source of unity and inspiration for students in their activities. It is currently housed at the Chulalongkorn University Communications Center. Its distinguishing feature is its wooden construction, adorned with jewels and mounted on a pink fabric cushion. Its lightweight design makes it suitable for outdoor use. The University has restored and preserved the emblem, which continues to serve as a symbol at various university activities, including the Chulalongkorn University parade during the annual Chulalongkorn–Thammasat Traditional Football Match. 

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the founding of Chulalongkorn University in 1967, Air Force Lieutenant Commander Kamthon Sintawanon (his rank at the time), on behalf of the Chulalongkorn University Alumni Association, commissioned the creation of a “replica royal coronet” (golden Phra Kieo) to be presented as a gift to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX). On this important occasion, His Majesty expressed his wish for the coronet to remain as a valuable artifact of Chulalongkorn University. The Rector of Chulalongkorn University, at the time, received the royal gift on March 26, 1967, at Chulalongkorn University Auditorium. 

The golden crown commissioned by the Chulalongkorn University Alumni Association was made of pure gold (the weight of the gold is not specified), adorned with colored gemstones, and placed on a pink fabric cushion with a pedestaled tray. After receiving it as a royal gift, Chulalongkorn University kept it for safekeeping and subsequently restored and preserved it, creating a base and a glass cover for the crown. Before being first displayed during the 60th anniversary celebration of Chulalongkorn University in 1977, this golden Phra Kieo has been restored and preserved to its original beautiful condition. It is used to lead the procession in the “Presidential Appointment Ceremony” of Chulalongkorn University. 

This “Phra Kieo” is housed in the Chulalongkorn University Memorial Hall, at the foyer on the second floor of the Chakrabongse building. His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) commissioned the Fine Arts Department’s Office of Traditional Arts to create a replica based on the original royal headdress kept at the Royal Treasury. Upon completion, the coronet was given to Chulalongkorn University. His Majesty the King performed the anointing and sprinkling of holy water on the coronet before presenting it to the university in front of the Chulalongkorn University community during the 1988 graduation ceremony on July 13, 1989, at the Chulalongkorn University Auditorium.

The Phra Kieo, cushion, and stand are all made of brass. The coronet is adorned with faceted diamonds and Swarovski crystals. It is large, suitable for placement as a symbol in large halls or auditoriums. Since 1989, Chulalongkorn University has regularly placed this royal coronet beside the royal seating area during commencement ceremonies every year. Therefore, the Phra Kieo always appears in graduation photographs of Chulalongkorn University graduates as a symbol of dignity and pride. 

The “Special Class Academic Gown, or the Royal Patron’s Gown of Chulalongkorn University,” is another valuable and rare item on display at the Chakrabongse Building, Chulalongkorn University Memorial Hall. Its history dates back to the establishment of the “Royal Pages School” as an institution of higher education and its subsequent royal name. The Royal Decree establishing the “Civil Service School of King Chulalongkorn” stipulated that “His Majesty the King is the Royal Patron of this School.” Therefore, it has been a tradition that the monarchs of the Chakri Dynasty have served as Royal Patrons of this institution to this day. 

Chulalongkorn University adheres to the tradition of having the King as the “Royal Patron of Chulalongkorn University.” Therefore, a special gown is created and presented to the university, known as the “Royal Patron’s Gown,” which features a unique bronze color scheme different from other university gowns. This gown was first presented to His Majesty King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) during his visit to the university for the first royal commencement ceremony in Siam, held at Chulalongkorn University in 1930 (the original royal robes of King Rama VII are currently on display at the King Prajadhipok Museum).

Later, during the reign of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Rama IX, Chulalongkorn University also commissioned and presented a “Royal Patron’s Gown” to His Majesty, in keeping with tradition, during a royal visit he paid on the occasion of the commencement ceremony for Chulalongkorn University graduates on July 12, 1990. A replica of His Majesty the King’s academic gown is now displayed in the Chakrabongse Building and most recently, a replica of the “Royal Patron’s Academic Gown” was created and presented to His Majesty King Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) on December 22, 2024, at the Chulalongkorn University Auditorium. Another replica of this gown is also on display in the Chakrabongse Building.   

Ms. Pimphisa Kamnerdjiramanee, Director of Chulalongkorn Memorial Hall, Office of Arts and Culture, invites interested individuals to visit the exhibition and view important museum objects that tell the valuable story of the “University,” the first institution of higher education in Thailand, established according to the royal aspirations of King Chulalongkorn, and continued to develop until its establishment as a university. Chulalongkorn University, established during the reign of King Rama VI, has a long and rich history spanning over 100 years. 

For those who are “alumni,” it may evoke fond memories of their time at Chulalongkorn University. For “younger generations,” seeing the old photographs and artifacts displayed in the exhibition rooms will help them understand the history and the roles of important figures involved. “Accessing accurate and reliable historical information about the development of Thailand’s first university, the exhibition materials, museum artifacts, archival documents, and old photographs on display do not merely communicate visible information but also bring about many stories. Viewing the actual items, examining the details, and connecting them to information or stories from daily life is like putting together a jigsaw puzzle to create a picture. Visiting the exhibition and examining the old objects and photographs may help spark ideas, create feelings, and enhance our understanding of the stories presented in that jigsaw puzzle.” 

We invite everyone to join us in celebrating Chulalongkorn University’s pride by visiting the various exhibitions, old photographs, and valuable museum artifacts at the Chakrabongse Building, Chulalongkorn Memorial Hall. Admission is free, Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM. You can also follow us on our four social media channels: 

Or contact us for more information at telephone numbers 02-2187099 and 02-2187098.