King Chulalongkorn’s Memorial Day
Every 23rd of October is regarded as King Chulalongkorn’s Memorial Day.
King Chulalongkorn was the fifth king of the Chakri dynasty of Thailand. He is regarded as one of the greatest kings of Siam, as he is also called by Thais as "The Great Beloved King".
King Chulalongkorn was born September 20, 1853, in Bangkok as the oldest son of King Mongkut (Rama IV) and Queen Debsirinda. His father gave him a broad education, including instruction from European tutors such as Anna Leon Owens.
Chulalongkorn succeeded his father on October 1, 1868, but the chief minister Chao Praya Si Suriyawongse served as regent for four years, as Chulalongkorn was still too young to rule. During this time he traveled to neighboring western colonies including Singapore, Java and India to study western politics, administration, lifestyle and colonialism. Later during his reign he also visited Europe twice, in 1897 and 1907, which makes him the first Thai king to visit Europe.
On November 16, 1873, he was crowned for the second time. During his travels he had learned about many reforms needed to modernize his country. With the help of the Belgian Gustave Rolin-Jaequemyns he managed to keep his country independent even though both France and Britain were colonizing most of Southeast Asia and the former constantly aggressive towards and antagonistic in its relations to Siam.
He did, however, have to cede some territory to these two powers, notably claims on parts of what are now Laos, Cambodia and some northern parts of Malaysia.
King Chulalongkorn modernized the government by introducing a cabinet system and the semi-feudal provincial administration was changed into a modern administration with provinces (changwat) and districts (amphoe) as it still is today. He declared amnesty for all political prisoners and also gradually abolished slavery.
Thailand's first railroad was opened in his reign in 1896 from Bangkok to Ayutthaya.
It was during his reign that the western calendar replaced the traditional lunar calendar. In 1896 the British diplomat Alfred Mitchell-Innes took up a three-year appointment as Financial Advisor to the King, who also introduced the modern system of banknotes to Siam. Chulalongkorn also declared religious freedom, allowing Christianity and Islam to be practiced in the Buddhist country.
The date of his death, October 23, 1910, is commemorated as a national holiday. He was only 58 years old and had been crowned for 42 years.
On this day, in tradition, Thais will go to pay their respect at his statutes. At Hua Hin, for anyone interested, can participate this memorial day at the Phone King Phet at 08.00 hrs on 23rd October 2008.
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