Thailand remembers King Chulalongkorn with public holiday

The 23 October marked the 106th anniversary of the revered king’s death. During King Chulalongkorn’s 42-year-long reign, Thailand managed to avoid being colonised by the European powers which had assumed control in neighbouring Burma and Indochina.

He was also instrumental in the abolishment of slavery in Thailand and oversaw the introduction of its first railways and first electric lights. Thailand’s rail system still uses the routes laid down in the early decades of the 20th century.

There are four main routes from Bangkok plus a number of smaller branch lines. The southern route goes to Hua Hin, Suratthani, Hat Yai and the southern border with Malaysia.

The Northern Route terminates in Chiang Mai and two eastern routes in Ubon Ratchathani and Udon Thani. 12GO ASIA provides advance reservations services for these trains plus buses and aeroplanes to destinations throughout Thailand and adjacent Southeast Asian countries.

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