King Chulalongkorn Day is held on 23 October each year. This is a very special day honoring King Rama 5 who is held in high esteem by Thai people.
King Chulalongkorn, Rama 5, is revered today as a great monarch. His birthday on 23rd October is a national holiday. His image can be found in most Thai homes and businesses. During his reign from 1868-1910 he continued the westernisation of his kingdom and the fact that he wrote and spoke excellent English was a great asset to the country. He travelled extensively, including to Europe, seeking for ideas to help improve the life of his subjects.
He abolished slavery, established the governing body of Buddhism known as the Sangha Council, established a Council of State, a Privy Council and 12 Ministries to administer the country. In the field of education he was remarkable for establishing Chulalongkorn University, reforming the school system to form proper schools which could be attended by girls as well as boys. The first railway was opened and proper coin currency was introduced with the opening of the first mint.
During the expansion of the colonial British and French he negotiated to lose Laos, parts of Cambodia and Malaysia to these superpowers in order to retain the independence of Thailand and the country acted as a buffer zone between them. Thai people are fiercely proud of the fact that they were never colonised. Upon his death he was succeeded by his son.
A Ceremony to honor him was held in front of the King Rama V monument at the Banglamung Municiple office on 23 October 2006 commencing at 08.00.
The ceremony was attended by over 300 people including many dignitaries and local officials. Also represented were organisations such as the Red Cross, Sawang Boriboon (Rescue Foundation), Rotary Clubs, local and international hotels and resorts, as well as lots of other businesses and organisations. Many of the organisations also presented a wreath of flowers bearing a picture of King Rama V.
Many members, both Thai and non Thai, of the Rotary Club of Pattaya attended the ceremony and also presented a suitable wreath.
