The Life of Princess Dararasmee

Princess Dararasmee,the daughter of Prince Intavichayanon of Chiang Mai , was born on August 26, 1873, in the palace of her father in Chiang Mai. Like other royal children of her time, she was taught to read the alphabets of Northern and Central Thailand by her parents.

On her 13th birthday, her father escorted her to Bangkok where, upon the instructions of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), she was given a topknot cutting ceremony befitting one of King Chulalongkorn’s own royal children. Accompanying her father on a subsequent trip to the court in Bangkok where she took part in the bathing ceremony for Crown Prince Mahavachirunhit, Princess Dararasmee was asked by King Chulalongkorn to remain the inner court as one of the royal consorts.

She bore the King a daughter named Princess Vimolnaknabhisee, but the child died when she was only 3 years old.

Upon the death of her father, Prince Intavichayanon, Princess Dararasmee sought King Chulalongkorn’s permission to travel to Chiang Mai, her first visit to the northern city in 22 years.

Not only did the King grant her request, but he also elevated her to the rank of his official wives.

Only ten months after her return to Bangkok, however, the Princess was to experience more sorrow, as King Chulalongkorn passed away on October 23, 1910.

During the early years of the reign of King Vachiravudh (Rama VI), Princess Dararasmee continued to reside at Suan Farang Kang Sai Palace within the grounds of Dusit Palace. However, in 1914, she sought the King’s permission to return to her birthplace in the North.

Her request was granted, and the Princess lived peacefully at her palace, Daraphirom, for many years. It was not untill December 9, 1933, that she died of lung disease at Rin Kaew Palace, aged 60.

At her death, she was given a royal cremation by King Rama VII. Some of her remains were placed in a stupa that she had herself constructed at Wat Suan Dawk in Chiang Mai. The rest of her ashes were taken to the royal cemetery at Wat Rajabophit in Bangkok.