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October 23 is the anniversary of the death of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V),
one of Thailand's greatest monarchs. King Chulalongkorn ruled Siam from
1868 to 1910. His reign was characterized by extensive social and economic
development, including the abolition of slavery and corvee (state labor
service). He is also famed for his ardent Thai nationalism, and for his
skill in fending off the threat of European colonialism, despite the fact
that large tracts of Siam were ceded to the Europeans during the period.
Many
Thais show their respects for the great monarch by placing wreaths at the
Equestrian Statue, in the Royal Plaza, Dusit District, on this public
holiday. Much of this part of Bangkok was originally built during the
reign of King Chulalongkorn and bears the architectural mix of Thai and
European styles characteristic of the era.
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