Kawilorot Suriyawong

Kawilorot Suriyawong (Northern Thai: ᨠᩣᩅᩥᩃᩰᩁᩫ᩠ᩈᩈᩩᩁᩥᨿᩅᩫᨦ᩠ᩈ᩼; Thai: กาวิโลรสสุริยวงษ์) was the 6th ruler of Chiang Mai. He was the son of Kawila, the first Ruler of Chiang Mai. He was born on c.1799, reigned from 1854, and died in 1870. Due to his decisive nature, he was highly respected and feared among his officials and subjects. When he passed judgment on a case, if he uttered the word “Ao” (อ้าว), it signified a sentence of execution by beheading. As a result, the people gave him the epithet “Chao Chiwit Ao” (Thai: เจ้าชีวิตอ้าว, lit. 'the Lord of Life who says “Ao”' ). He was succeeded by his son-in-law, Inthawichayanon.