His traditional titles reflect an ancient role and serve as a mandate for his development work. In 1974, they were described succinctly by M.R. Kukrit Pramoj (1911-1995), the great-grandson of His Majesty King Rama II, in an address to the American Chamber of Commerce. M.R. Kukrit served as Thailand's Prime Minister in 1975-76 and throughout his life was regarded as a fount of knowledge about Thai culture:

In Sukhothai, the King was known simply as Poh Khun, meaning "father of the people". His role was to look after the welfare of his subjects.

From the Ayutthaya period (1351-1767) to the present he has been known by six titles. First, he was called Phra Chao Yu Hua, literally the "God Upon our Head" or less literally as the "National God Head".

The second term was "Phra Chao Paen Din" or "Lord of the Land". It implies that he is the owner of all lands in the Kingdom. It is his role to see to it that those lands are preserved, protected and plentiful. The present King plays this role in all seriousness and with complete dedication.

The third term is "Chao Jivit" or "Lord of Life". From the very beginning the power of life and death in Thai society was vested in the King alone.

The fourth role of the Monarch is the "Dhammaraja", meaning "the King of Law", Knowledge and Morality. In this position the King passes laws and decrees for the benefit of the people and sees to it that those laws are kept.

The fifth term by which the King is known and more commonly than some other terms is "Phra Mahakashatriya", "the Great Warrior". There has been a succession of Great Warrior Kings in Thai History and this term implies the role of the King as Supreme Chief of the Armed Forces.

The sixth and last term by which the King is known is "Nai Luang", which means simply: "He Who is Great in Affairs". It means that the King is involved in all affairs of State.

--From Kukrit Pramoj: His Wit and Wisdom, compiled by Vilas Manivat. Editions Duang Kamol, Bangkok , 1983.