In Thailand, Chulalongkorn Day is celebrated annually on 23 October in memory of King Chulalongkorn. This day is a public holiday throughout Thailand.
But this year, the substitution for King Chulalongkorn Memorial Day has been shifted to October 22nd to allow for a long weekend. All the companies and organizations together celebrate this day.
On this day the memorials of King Chulalongkorn in Thailand become the focal point of events. Prasad is offered in his honor. The Dusit area is itself recognizable for its wide, tree-lined boulevard inspired by King Chulalongkorn’s overseas travels. Here on Chulalongkorn Day garlands are hung over the statue, accompanied by the unfurling of Thai flags and royal emblems.
King Chulalongkorn, also known as Rama V ruled Thailand for 42 years. One of his greatest achievements is the modernization of the country and the abolition of slavery in Thailand.
In 1868, he sought to bring Western values and forms of organization to his country while combatting Western attempts to colonize Siam. He is known for abolishing slavery, establishing a Royal Military Academy, and working to curtail the power of the nobles.
Not only this he is also credited with introducing other social and political reforms, including the creation of the country’s modern administrative structure in provinces and districts.
Along with this, the first postal service and railway route in the country is due to him. King Chulalongkorn is primarily remembered for working to ensure religious freedom for people of other faiths in Buddhist Siam.
At the beginning of his reign, more than 1/3 of the Thai population were enslaved. This was because the lineage was an endless continuation of the slaves. They were slaves for the rest of their lives. Traditionally, the children of slaves also became slaves.
Then in 1900 employment was created, under which all the workers were given payment, as well as the king, said that all the slaves were freed so that they would not be unemployed.
Having been taught Western customs and the English language, he was the first Thai monarch to visit Europe and used his influence to maintain Thailand’s independence at a time of increased European colonialism in the region.