My grandmother was half Thai. She has stories of growing up in Bangkok in the 30's...being tied to her chair to finish her food, her feet were bound, etc...

As some of you may be aware, there were a number of coups d'etats during the 30's, and my grandmother was caught up in one. She was five or so years old and was ushered out of the country with her mother, hiding in the footspace of a car, whisked to the airport and brought back to the UK. Her father stayed behind and was killed.

Only, from what I can discern, the 1930's coups were bloodless.

My grandmother asserts that her father was a Thai prince. Her mother was a governess in Bangkok.

Look, I know this sounds like the plot of "The King and I", but this is the family history I've grown up with. When my great grandmother returned to England, she settled in Birmingham and held a scholastic position at the University of Birmingham for some time (I forget what right now. I assume this is verifiable, but I haven't put any work into it at this point. Suffice to say, I know that's what she did). My grandmother and her sister were placed in an orphanage. Again, I forget why and this isn't the focus of what I'm asking.

What I would like some help with, if anyone can offer it, is with identifying my great grandfather.

I have a name. My grandmother's birth certificate has the Father's name as "KROM".

I have seen another piece of paper. I forget what is was, but a lengthier name was on it:

NAI KURM INKAWANID.

My grandmother says the last name is pronounced INGAVAJIAH.

The cursory research I've managed to do suggests that NAI KURM is a slightly mangled version of a regal appellation used around that time: NAI, which denoted a Senior page in the court and KROM, which was an honorific given to peers.

I have more information on the British part of the story, but that's all i know about the Thai side of things.

Hoping someone can throw some light on the subject, as I've come to a grinding halt.