Every year on October 23, Thai people celebrate the life and reign of King Chulalongkorn on the anniversary of his death in 1910, the day known to Thais as Chulalongkorn Day or Piyamararaj Day. King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) is a much-loved king and was the fifth king of the Chakri Dynasty.
To commemorate this special day, throughout Thailand many Thais show their respect for the great monarch by placing wreaths and flowers at the Equestrian Statue in their hometown.
In Phuket, the local authority will celebrate the day in front of Provincial Hall with an orchestra playing the Thai national anthem. Wreaths will be placed at the King Chulalongkorn monument.
Most government offices will be closed along with main banks. Post offices will be open until noon but banks inside shopping mall will be open as usual.
King Chulalongkorn was born on September 20, 1853. He succeeded to the throne in 1868 when he was 15 years old and was crowned king in 1873. He ruled until his death on October 23, 1910.
King Chulalongkorn is considered one of the greatest kings of Siam (Thailand) as he led several major reforms in Thailand from the Thai educational system, military affairs, state railway to the abolition of slavery in Thailand.
As Siam was threatened by Western expansionism, King Chulalongkorn, through his policies and acts, managed to save Siam from being colonised (see story here). All his reforms were dedicated to ensuring Siam’s survival in the midst of Western colonialism, so King Chulalongkorn earned the epithet Phra Piya Maharaj (The Great Beloved King).
With his experience gained during his travels to British colonies and at the suggestion of his brother, Prince Damrong, King Chulalongkorn instigated the hierarchical system of Monthons in 1897, comprising Province, City, Amphur (District), Tambon (Subdistrict) and Moo Baan (village) in descending order of area of administration.
However, King Chulalongkorn to this day remains best known for his abolition of slavery. In 1905, the Slave Abolition Act ended slavery in Siam in all forms.