King Rama V Memorial Day in Thailand (23/10)

Every year on October 23, all of Thailand celebrates the national holiday — King Rama V Memorial Day or Chulalongkorn Day.

King Chulalongkorn or Rama V inherited his father's throne as King Mongkut. Born on 20 September 1853, he was the first son of Queen Ramphai Ramampiron (Thepsirindra) and the 9th surviving son of King Mongkut. King Rama V acceded to the throne in October 1868 at the age of 15 under Chao Phraya Sri Suriyawong as regent.

The long 42-year reign of King Rama V was an era of profound reform and the formation of Thailand as a modern state. The king studied the Western system of government, befriended many powers such as Britain, France, America and Russia, and sent royal children to study in the West.

The king's reforms, which affected almost all aspects of the life of the Thai people, included: the abolition of slavery, the expansion of communications through the construction of railways, the establishment of a post office and telegraph office and the creation of a system of ministries in 1892. To this should also be added the establishment of a number of public institutions, in particular in the field of health and education.

His death on October 23, 1910 was a great loss for the entire nation, as he was one of the most worthy and beloved kings, often called «Somdej Pra Piyamaharaj». Moreover, the Thai people also believed in the miraculous ability of the king to provide good luck and prosperity to the person who pays tribute to him.

Therefore, a portrait of this king can be seen in almost every institution or private company. Thais of all walks of life, on the day of remembrance of their beloved king, lay wreaths at his equestrian statue in Royal Square in Bangkok and at his statues installed in the provinces.

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