The Honourable Order of Rama was established on 22 July 1918 by King Rama VI of the Kingdom of Siam, to be bestowed onto those who have rendered special military services either in peace or in wartime.

Vajiravudh was the sixth king of Siam from the Chakri dynasty, titled Rama VI. He reigned from 1910 until his death in 1925. King Vajiravudh is best known for his efforts to create and promote Siamese nationalism. His reign was characterized by Siam's movement further towards democracy and minimal participation in World War I. He had keen interests in Siamese history, archaeology, and literature, as well as economics, politics and world affairs, and founded the country's first university, Chulalongkorn University.