An equestrian statue of the historic king is located on the Royal Plaza outside Bangkok’s Dusit Palace. Bangkokians and other Thais who wished to pay their respects to Chulalongkorn’s memory visited the statue and laid flowers. The plaza was also a venue for parades and marching bands.
Chulalongkorn is best known as the king who kept Thailand out of the grasp of 19th century colonial aggressors. Thailand was sandwiched between British ruled Burma and French Indochina. Chulalongkorn kept Thailand neutral and free of the colonialists with skilful diplomacy and was only forced to give up minor tracts of land.
The late king was also a reformist who was dedicated to improving the lot of Thai people. Electric lights and the the first railway line came during his reign. The act ending slavery in Thailand in 1905 was one of the king’s other major achievements.
Chulalongkorn was the fifth of the Chakri Dynasty kings and reigned from 1868 until the date of his death. Current Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej is the ninth of the Chakri monarchs and has been on the throne since 1946.
Thailand public holiday honours historic king
News in Asia
Yesterday, Thailand honoured King Chulalongkorn with a public holiday and various ceremonies of homage. King Chulalongkorn, considered as the father and saviour of modern Thailand, passed away on 23 October 1910.