When is Chulalongkorn Day?
Also known as Piyamararaj Day, this National Holiday in Thailand is held annually on October 23rd.
If October 23rd falls on a weekend, the holiday will be observed on the following Monday.
History of Chulalongkorn Day
The day commemorates King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) who passed away on October 23rd 1910.
He was the fifth monarch of Siam from the House of Chakri and is considered one of the greatest kings of Siam (now Thailand).
He is remembered as the king who introduced many social and political reforms that helped to modernise Siam including the abolishment of slavery.
He succeeded to the throne in 1868 when he was 15 years old and was crowned king in 1873. He ruled until his death in 1910. He was known to the Siamese people as Phra Phuttha Chao Luang.
In his youth, Rama V was taught English and western customs by Anna Leonowens. The memoirs of her time in the Siam royal court was retold in the book, 'Anna and the King of Siam' by Margaret Landon. The book was the basis for the popular Broadway musical and film, The King and I. The King in the title was Chulalongkorn's father, King MongKut.
How is Chulalongkorn Day observed?
To commemorate this day, many Thais show their respect for the great monarch by placing wreaths and flowers at the Rama V Statue in their hometown. The Ministry of Interior instructs every provincial government to hold ceremonies to honour and commemorate King Chulalongkorn.
As Chulalongkorn Day is a Memorial Day and not a Buddhist holiday, bars and other entertainment places are likely to be open. Immigration offices, but not immigration checkpoints at airports and land border crossings, will close. Post offices, the main branches of banks (except those in shopping malls) and government offices will also close.
There is no ban on the sale of alcohol by law for this public holiday.
