On October 23, 2025, Thailand will once again honor the memory of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) — one of the greatest monarchs of the Chakri dynasty and the "Father of the Nation". It has been 115 years since his passing in 1910, yet his legacy lives on in the hearts of the Thai people, in state institutions, education, and culture.
Rama V, who reigned from 1868 to 1910, is remembered as a wise reformer and diplomat who preserved Siam’s independence during the era of colonial expansion. Thanks to his strategy, Thailand became the only country in Southeast Asia to avoid direct colonial rule by Britain and France.
Historical Achievements of Rama V
Over 42 years, he implemented sweeping reforms:
- Abolition of slavery (1874–1905) — gradual emancipation of bonded laborers;
- State modernization: creation of ministries, judiciary, and police;
- Infrastructure: first railways, telegraph, and postal service;
- Education & healthcare: opening of schools and hospitals, including Siriraj Hospital;
- Gender reforms: women gained the right to refuse arranged marriages.
Rama V and Russia: Friendship of Two Empires
A special place in his foreign policy was reserved for the Russian Empire. Historians confirm that Rama V and Emperor Nicholas II maintained friendly relations:
- The king’s son, Prince Chakrabongse, studied in St. Petersburg and married Katerina Desnitskaya from Lutsk;
- In 1897, Rama V made an official visit to St. Petersburg, where he was received with full military honors;
- In 1900, he visited Kyiv and toured the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra;
- The Siamese royal court orchestra performed in St. Petersburg, and Russian delegations regularly visited Bangkok.
Today, these ties symbolize friendship between nations and are studied in the "Thailand and the World" educational program.
How Thailand Remembers Rama V in 2025?
His memory is preserved through:
- Commemoration Day on October 23 — national holiday, ceremonies at the statue in Sanam Luang;
- Museums & exhibitions: National Museum, King Rama V Memorial Park;
- Education: included in school history curricula;
- Portraits in homes and offices — as a sign of respect and patriotism;
- Digital projects: VR tours of palaces, online exhibitions at ramav.net.
Outlook 2025–2030
Expected:
- Inclusion of Rama V’s legacy in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register (preparation underway);
- Creation of a digital archive of his diaries and royal decrees;
- International conferences on 19th-century reforms and diplomacy;
- Strengthening cultural ties with Russia through student exchanges and exhibitions.
"Rama V didn’t just rule — he built the future," said Culture Minister Ittiphong Kanphong. "His wisdom is still relevant today."
Living in Thailand? My Thai Home helps you understand how the monarchy is honored, what to visit on Memorial Day, and how to teach children history. The past isn’t dust on books. It lives here and now.
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