Phra

Phra (พระ) is a Thai honorific prefix used to convey reverence and sanctity. It appears before names or terms in religious, royal, and ceremonial contexts and is written as a standalone word in Thai script, often transliterated as "Phra" in English.

In religious usage, Phra is used for Buddhist monks and novices, as well as for sacred persons or beings. It prefixes sacred names such as Phra Buddha or Phra Phrom (the Thai name for Brahma), and is also found in temple names and religious artifacts, for example Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) and Phra That, a sacred stupa.

In cultural and ceremonial usage, Phra is employed with deities, revered figures, and in the naming of sacred objects. It signals respect and sanctity in formal writing and speech.

In the Thai royal and aristocratic system, Phra functions as a prefix in ceremonial titles to denote status and prestige. It precedes certain high-ranking names and titles in official contexts, though its usage varies by era and protocol.

Transliteration varies; Phra is the standard scholarly transliteration, while other forms like Pra may appear in non-Thai sources. In everyday speech, the prefix is typically reserved for formal, religious, or official contexts and is not part of casual address.

Overall, Phra is a central element of Thai reverence, marking sacredness in religion, culture, and governance.