Chao Ratchabut (Wongtawan Na Chiengmai)


Major General Chao Ratchabut or Wongtawan Na Chiang Mai was a Thai royal from the Chet Ton dynasty.

Biography

Wongtawan was born on 7 May 1886. In the Thai calendar, he was born on Friday, the 5th waxing moon of the 6th month of the year of the dog. He was the son of Chao Kaew Nawarat and Mae Chao Chamari. He had the nickname "Chao Mu." In 1897, he began his studies at Prince Royal's College in Chiang Mai and in 1898, he transferred to the Ratchawitthayalai School in Bangkok. In 1901, he moved back to Chiang Mai.
He married Princess Chanthon, maiden name Na Chiengmai, and the two had one daughter, Princess Wongchan. He later married Princess Phathra, maiden name Na Lamphun. With her, he had two daughters, Princess Phongkaeo and Princess Rawiphan. Afterwards, he married Mom Sinuan, maiden name Nanthakhwang, of Lamphun Province.
Before his death, he lived at Khum Wongtawan. Wongtawan Na Chiengmai died at the Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital on 25 May 1972. He was 86 years and 18 days old. A royal cremation ceremony was held afterwards.
His daughter, Princess Phongkaeo, died on Lauda Air Flight 004 in 1991.

Honour