CRMA was founded on 5 August 1887 by King Chulachomklao, King Rama V, also known as King Chulalongkorn. It was originally called the Royal Military Academy. On 1 January 1948, it was merged with the Royal Thai Army Polytechniques Institute, under the new name Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy in the honor of King Chulachomklao. Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy was originally in the precinct of Saranrom Palace in Bangkok, where it remained for 77 years. In 1909 the academy was moved to Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue in Bangkok. On 10 July 1986, it moved to its new sprawling complex at Khao Changoke, Mueang District of Nakhon Nayok Province, 140 km northeast of Bangkok.