King Chulalongkorn, Rama V The Fifth King of the Chakri Dynasty
THAILAND CELEBRATES many auspicious occasions but none with more feeling or genuine sentiment than
the festivities held on October 23rd every year in commemoration of his Majesty King Chulalongkorn.
During his long reign of 42 years 23 days great advances were achieved for the country.
Born September 20, 1853, King Rama V was to inherit the throne from his father, King Monkut (Rama IV), i
n
1868 at the tender age of 15. Because he was still a child, Thailand
was governed by regency for the first five years of his reign and the
boy King took advantage of the time to travel the world. His father had
been one of Siam's most educated monarchs, recognizing the need for
education and also the importance of the western world, yet
understanding fully the threat of colonization. Wisely, he had instilled
these principles in his son who was an apt student. During those first
five years, King Chulalongkorn visited most of the major western powers,
learning about their cultures, traditions, political organization and 
technology
while in neighboring countries he spent time making political friends,
realizing the need for allies in the fight to prevent colonization.
n
1868 at the tender age of 15. Because he was still a child, Thailand
was governed by regency for the first five years of his reign and the
boy King took advantage of the time to travel the world. His father had
been one of Siam's most educated monarchs, recognizing the need for
education and also the importance of the western world, yet
understanding fully the threat of colonization. Wisely, he had instilled
these principles in his son who was an apt student. During those first
five years, King Chulalongkorn visited most of the major western powers,
learning about their cultures, traditions, political organization and technology
while in neighboring countries he spent time making political friends,
realizing the need for allies in the fight to prevent colonization.
On his
return to Siam and absolute rule, King Rama V set about the task of
reforming his country, a monumental assignment to bring Siam into the
modern world. At that time there were no communication systems, ox carts
and elephants were the only form of transport and government was
administered in some 20 regional "Mini Kingdoms" by Governors whose only
loyalty was to themselves. Taxes were collected by ordinary citizens,
most of whom were thieves, and law and order was based on "Trial by
ordeal" the strongest party being declared the winner of the dispute.
At home, King
Chulalongkorn reorganized the Government, appointing 12 ministers, all
either his sons or loyal members of the nobility, to run the country
centrally from Bangkok. Faced with confrontation, he allowed the
Governors of the provinces to continue in their posts but skillfully
planted people loyal to the crown into positions where they were grad
ually
able to take over. Abroad, King Rama V continued a diplomatic strategy
against the colonizing powers of France and England, one notable
exchange being with Queen Victoria. The British Monarch had proposed
that the East India Company construct a railroad in Siam but fearful
that England would use the project to trick Siam out of its sovereignty,
King Rama V sent a message to Queen Victoria saying "Siam is not yet
ready for a railroad due to insufficient economy and a relatively low
population." He added a note that the ox cart was the most common form
of transport and quite sufficient for the time. In the meantime, forestalling the British attempt to sneak in by the back door, King Chulalongkorn approached other western nations for their technology and skills, encouraging bidding and plans for a railway system. As these experts arrived from across Europe they discussed plans, argued incessantly and could not agree on a strategy. King Rama V made use of these disagreements to forestall even longer until eventually a railroad could be built by a combination of resources from European countries, giving no single power to any country. Queen Victoria backed off, Siam got its railway and no political power had been compromised.
King Rama V was to become the country's greatest patriarch, siring no less than 77 children (44 girls, 33 boys). At the time, 
procreation
on a large scale was expected of a Siamese King but like everything
else he accomplished, fathering a large family was just another part of
the big plan. To implement the necessary changes that would bring Siam
into the modern world, absolute control was required and government
officials needed to be educated, well traveled and above all, loyal to
the king. This could only be guaranteed by placing blood relatives into
key posts across the land and to achieve that aim, King Chulalongkorn
took many wives and courtesans.
procreation
on a large scale was expected of a Siamese King but like everything
else he accomplished, fathering a large family was just another part of
the big plan. To implement the necessary changes that would bring Siam
into the modern world, absolute control was required and government
officials needed to be educated, well traveled and above all, loyal to
the king. This could only be guaranteed by placing blood relatives into
key posts across the land and to achieve that aim, King Chulalongkorn
took many wives and courtesans.
Daughters
of high-ranking officials were chosen, thus bestowing honor on the
father and securing his political support. The resulting offspring were
destined to become the future league of ministers and to this day, his
grandchildren and great-grandchildren comprise the present nobility of
the Kingdom.
During his
42-year reign, King Chulalongkorn succeeded in establishing a government
based on the western system, which ultimately paved the way for the
present democracy. He reformed the rule of law, established a proper
judicial system and introduced compulsory military service, improving
the country's national defense. He introduced the Baht (still in use
today) as the official currency and made taxes directly payable to the
government, cutting out the corrupt middlemen. King 
Chulalongkorn
also set up Siam's first hospital based on western medical practices,
the first medical school and a nationwide education system.
Chulalongkorn
also set up Siam's first hospital based on western medical practices,
the first medical school and a nationwide education system.
The Thai Nation rightly reveres King Chulalongkorn. The preservation of Thailand's sovereignty and independence, in
His skills of diplomacy abroad and ability to form a central
government at home endeared him to the people. His reign was one of the
most successful of any monarch in any country in the world and through
his vision and leadership, a small, traditional Kingdom was transformed
into a modern Nation at the heart of Asian affairs.
The Thai people are proud of him. AND RIGHTLY SO.
- reigned for 42 years from age 15
- introduced Western System to abolish Slavery, gamling, introduce Health and education and avoid invasion by other Countries
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