KING CHULALONGKORN [ RAMA V ]

KING CHULALONGKORN [ RAMA V ] 1868 -1910

    Also known as Phra Chula Chomklao Chaoyuhua, and the eldest son of King Rama IV, he was born in Bangkok on September 20, 1853 and was crowned King on October 1, 1868, following the death of his father. The first few years of his reign were under a regency. King Chulalongkorn is perhaps the most revered of all the Chakri Kings--during his long reign of 42 years 23 days great advances were achieved for the country.
    The King actively pursued a policy of "modernizing" the country and had a number of Europeans in his service to oversee such projects as the building of the first railway in Thailand. He himself made two visits to Europe, one in 1897 and another in 1907, during which he became acquainted with most of the rulers of Europe. Bonds of friendship between himself and the various European royal families were formed which exist to the present day. Not only was he the first Thai king to travel abroad [ he made several visits to the Straits Settlements, the Malay States and the Dutch East Indies ] but he also sent his sons to study in Europe [ to school in England and later for military training to Denmark, Germany and Russia ].
    He successfully managed to cultivate the idea of Siam as a buffer state between the colonial possessions of the European powers in South-East Asia. The price he paid of losing certain border territories was amply rewarded, for Siam was never colonized - the only country in the region to maintain its sovereignty throughout the period of colonial expansionism. Much beloved by his people he died on October 23, 1910.
In his early reign, King Chulalongkorn was a minor; all the governments' functions has been taken care by the regent. The King had opportunities to make the observation and study tour in the neighboring countries. He made trips to Singapore and Java in 1870, and to India and Burma in 1871.
King Chulalongkorn built up the modern army along the same line as those of the European countries and put under the command of Chao Phra Surasakmontri. In 1871 the Royal Guard soldiers were developed into the larger unit and were furnished with more modern weapons.
On the occasion of his second enthronement in 1873, he abolished the old humiliated practice of prostration in the royal presence. The government officials were required to dress in full uniforms and stan in the royal presence. King Rama V introduced the new fashions in dressing for both men and women. Men had hair cut in western stye, and women started to have long hair.
On the first enthronement, King Chulalongkorn issued a royal decree that all the people born in his reign would be free, since he determined that slavery should eventually disappear from his realm. In order not to create a social upheaval suddenly, King Rama V took gradual measures to release slaves to freedom, and in 1905 he issued a law for the blition of slavery. Thus the Thai people won fredom without any struggle.
The first public museum was established by King Rama V in 1880 at the Concordia Building inside the Grand Palace compound. Later, when the viceroy or Uparat position was replaced by the crown Prince position, the Palace of the Uparat or the Front Palace was vacant. In 1887 the museum was moved to the Froont Palace and developed to be the National Museum.

King Mongkut with Prince Chulalongkorn, both in Naval uniforms.


Photograph of the young King


The King had many buildings constructed during his long reign including the Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall in 1908.


And the Vimanmek Palace in 1900.


King Chulalongkorn with Tsar Nicholas II in Saint Petersburg, during the King's first Grand Tour in 1897.


Photograph of the King.


Photograph of the King with his sons in England 1907. The King during his lifetime had 92 consorts who, among them, would produce 77 children.


Statue of the King in The Royal Plaza, Dusit, Bangkok.
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