| Abhakara Kiativong อาภากรเกียรติวงศ์ | |
|---|---|
| Prince of Chumphon | |
 | |
| Minister of the Royal Siamese Navy | |
| In office | 1 April 1923 – 19 May 1923 |
| Acting | 1 October 1922 – 31 March 1923 |
| Monarch | Vajiravudh (Rama VI) |
| Predecessor | Bhanurangsi Savangwongse (as Director-General) |
| Successor | Asdang Dejavudh (as Director-General) |
| Born | 19 December 1880 Bangkok, Siam |
| Died | 19 May 1923 (aged 42) Chumphon, Siam |
| Spouse | Dibyasambandh and 5 other concubines |
| Issue | 11, including Aditya Dibabha |
| House | Abhakara (Chakri dynasty) |
| Father | Chulalongkorn (Rama V) |
| Mother | Mod Bunnag |
Admiral Prince Abhakara Kiartivongse, Prince of Chumphon (19 December 1880 – 19 May 1923) (Thai: พระองค์เจ้าอาภากรเกียรติวงศ์, RTGS: Phra Ong Chao Aphakon Kiantiwong, full title: Thai: พระเจ้าบรมวงศ์เธอ พระองค์เจ้าอาภากรเกียรติวงศ์ กรมหลวงชุมพรเขตอุดมศักดิ์), was the 28th child of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). He was commonly revered as "The Father of the Thai Navy".[1]
As the founder of the Thai Navy (then known as the 'Royal Siamese Navy'), Abhakara was highly praised by many Thais as "Sadej Tia" (Thai: เสด็จเตี่ย; lit. Lord Father), "Mor Phon" (Thai: หมอพร; lit. Doctor Phon). The Thai Royal Navy officially granted him the title of "the Father of the Thai Navy" in 1993.[2]
There are 217 shrines and memorials built to honour him around Thailand.[3] The most famous of these is the Prince of Chumphon Shrine at Hat Sai Ree in Chumphon Province, where he recuperated and rehabilitated from his illnesses, before his death on 19 May 1923.
- ^ Aphakorn Kiantiwong – the Father of Thai navy
- ^ Thai Royal Navy Announcement of 11 February 1993 (ประกาศกองทัพเรือ 11 กุมภาพันธ์ 2536); in Thai
- ^ เจนจบ ยิ่งสุมล. (October 2010). ๑๓๐ ปี ไม่มีวันตาย พลเรือเอกพระบรมวงศ์เธอ กรมหลวงชุมพรเขตอุดมศักดิ์.DK Publishing. ISBN 978-616-7327-07-5. p. 123 (in Thai)