Tomorrow in Thailand is Chulalongkorn Day — a public holiday

It honours the memory of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) — the man considered one of the architects of modern Thailand. He inherited the throne in 1868 at the age of 15 and reigned for 42 years (until 1910).

His reign was marked by power struggles and the reform of the absolute monarchy.
So what changed during his time on the throne?
- The abolition of slavery. He gradually dismantled the system of slavery and debt bondage.
- Modernisation of the state. Modern ministries, courts, a police force and a system of public finance were created.
- Education and infrastructure. State schools, railways, the postal service and other institutions were developed.
- Preserving independence. In an era when Britain and France were freely colonising neighbouring territories, Siam managed to hold on to its sovereignty (even if territorial and diplomatic concessions were made).

To be fair, I should note it was a difficult time. Keeping the state intact meant having to make serious concessions. Thailand lost vast territories that today are part of Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia. In effect, Thailand remained the only state in the region to preserve its independence, in the central part of the country. This happened largely thanks to skilled diplomacy, with the rival colonial powers (Britain and France) wary of one side becoming too strong. That made it possible to keep the balance and preserve independence.

Therein lies the paradox of a complex era. The king under whom Siam lost huge territories has remained in the national memory as the man who saved the country’s independence.

It has to be said, this isn’t a holiday in the usual sense. It’s not marked on his birthday but on the day of his death, 23 October 1910. It’s a day of national remembrance and respect for the king who radically transformed the country.

p.s. in case you were worried — yes, alcohol will be sold under the usual rules😌