Muslim Royal Concubines in the Rattanakosin Royal Court

Abstract

This article aims to study the existence and role of Muslim royal concubines in the Rattanakosin royal court, by reviewing documents and related literature. The data were analyzed by descriptive analysis. The result of the study finds that Muslim royal concubines had their existence and role in the Rattanakosin royal court, including three Shi’ite Muslim royal concubines who are Chao Chom Hongse of King Rama I, Chao Chom Cheeb of King Rama II, and Chao Chom Lamai of King Rama V, and another Sunni Muslim royal concubine who is Chao Chom Tengku Safiah of King Rama IV. However, the four Muslim royal concubines did not have children with the kings. It is assumed that one of the reasons was probably because the Islamic Law does not permit Muslims to marry non-Muslims. As a result, the four Muslim ladies became royal concubines due to strengthen political connection. Their marriages were not for building family, but for guaranteeing their loyalty to the kings.