Among Thailand's royal decorations and prestigious medals, the "Ratcharuchi Medal" is particularly special because it is personally bestowed by the King as a royal commendation. It reflects the King's graciousness and royal satisfaction toward the recipient.
The Ratcharuchi Medal originated in 1897 when King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) established it to award royal court officials, royal guards with meritorious service, and officials serving in foreign courts.
Subsequently, with each new reign, successive monarchs established their own versions of the Ratcharuchi Medal:
During the reign of King Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII), no Ratcharuchi Medal was bestowed because he passed away before his coronation ceremony.
The Ratcharuchi Medal is divided into two types: gold-plated silver and silver, worn on the left chest. The medal is round with unique designs and inscriptions.
The front features the monarch's portrait who created the medal, surrounded by the royal title in Pali and Thai script, such as “จุฬาลังกรโณ ปรมราชาธิราชา” (Rama V) or “วชิราลงกรโณ ปรมราชาธิราชา” (Rama X).
The back displays a spoked wheel (with the spokes rotating clockwise) bearing the Pali inscription in Thai script “ราชรุจิยา ทิน์นมิทํ,” meaning “This medal is graciously bestowed.” (Except in Rama VII’s reign, where the inscription is on a plate attached to the medal’s loop).
The ribbon color of the Ratcharuchi Medal varies with each reign to clearly indicate the era of conferment.
Reign | Ribbon Description (Abbreviated) | Width |
Rama V | Red background | — |
Rama VI | Dark purple background | 31 mm |
Rama VII | Green background | 33 mm |
Rama IX | Yellow background with white edges | 34 mm |
Rama X | Yellow background with white edges (for women, tied in a dragonfly shape with yellow and white edges, 32 mm wide) | 32 mm |
Recipients are entitled to use abbreviated post-nominals after their names based on the medal type and reign, such as:
Another special aspect of the Ratcharuchi Medal is that it is a "royal grant" which, upon the recipient's death, passes to their descendants to preserve as a family honor and keepsake, even though descendants may not wear it.
However, if the recipient or their heirs commit serious offenses or behave dishonorably, the King may issue a royal command to revoke the medal.
Thus, the Ratcharuchi Medal is not only a rank decoration but also a symbol of loyalty, dedication, and a royal commendation reflecting the boundless graciousness of Thai monarchs throughout history.