Special Status
Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) sits outside this traditional ranking structure. Because it is situated inside the Grand Palace complex and has no resident monastic community (Sangha), it is formally classified as a Special Class Royal Chapel (Phra Aram Luang Than Phiset).

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First Class Royal Temples (Chan Ek)
These are the most sacred, historically significant, and heavily royal-patronized temples in Thailand. They are divided into three grades:

- Ratcha Woramaha Wihan: Reserved for temples of highest national honor, housing major Buddha relics (Phra Borommathat) or royal ashes/relics of monarchs. 

- Ratcha Worawihan: Major historical sites with deep royal connections.

- Woramaha Wihan: Royal temples designated for key religious state ceremonies.

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​​​​​​​​​​​​​Second Class Royal Temples (Chan Tho)
Temples with important stupas or historical significance built or restored by monarchs, queen consorts, crown princes, or senior royalty. They are divided into four grades:

- Ratcha Woramaha Wihan: Temples built or extensively restored directly by a major monarch.

- Ratcha Worawihan: Temples built, restored, or sponsored by the Sovereign, Queen, or Crown Prince. 

- Woramaha Wihan: Temples of high religious or historical stature renovated by senior royal family members.

- Worawihan: Temples constructed or restored by royalty and subsequently gifted to bestow honor upon someone else or the community.  ​

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Third Class Royal Temples (Chan Tri)

- Ratcha Worawihan: Temples built or restored by the monarch, queen, or crown prince.

- Worawihan: Temples built or restored by royalty (such as princes or princesses) or high-ranking nobility.

- Samanya: Regional or noble-built temples granted royal patronage

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Commoner Temples (Wat Rat)
The vast majority of the tens of thousands of temples across Thailand fall into this category. Wat Rat are community-funded and managed temples built by local citizens, monks, or village leaders. While they do not hold official royal titles, many Wat Rat hold immense spiritual prestige locally due to revered abbot lineages or famous sacred images.