Thailand October 23: King Chulalongkorn Memorial Day (Rama V)

October 23 is a public holiday in Thailand. It is King Chulalongkorn Memorial Day, honoring the late monarch Rama V.

This commemoration is of great importance for Thailand. For a foreign visitor, attending the ceremonies and witnessing the collective devotion helps understand the deep bond between the Thai people and their monarchy.

King Chulalongkorn: A Modern Thai Monarch

King Rama V, Chulalongkorn, is not widely known among most Europeans, but the romanticized story of his life is familiar to movie lovers and TV series enthusiasts.

Chulalongkorn is remembered as the monarch who introduced modernity to Thailand. His reign brought structural reforms in administration and education, fostered national unity, and implemented key economic changes. Infrastructure such as the railway and the postal service helped Thailand resist the colonial pressures surrounding the country.

Anna and the King

Chulalongkorn was born in 1853 (he was the grandfather of the current king). He received an innovative education that valued both traditional Thai knowledge and Western sciences and philosophies. His teachers were both Thai and foreign, and he later offered his children the same opportunity — among their tutors was the famous Anna Leonowens.

According to her memoirs and some accounts, she had a notable influence on the king — perhaps even piquing his curiosity. Some believe that her presence played a role in shaping his reforms. Historians, however, largely dismiss this as romanticized exaggeration, possibly even British colonial propaganda.

Anna Leonowens: influential figure or not? This was the perspective chosen by director Andy Tennant in the film Anna and the King. Thai authorities, however, disapproved of this interpretation and censored the film (unlike the earlier series starring Yul Brynner).

October 23: A Day of National Importance

Every year, on October 23 — the date of his death in 1910 — the Thai people pay tribute to King Rama V. Visiting the Royal Plaza in Bangkok on this day, one can witness the nation’s devotion. The royal family, political and religious institutions, and ordinary citizens all gather at the equestrian statue to show respect for the “Father of the Nation.”

Learn More

To better understand the Chakri dynasty, which has reigned in Thailand since 1782:

FAQ about King Chulalongkorn Memorial Day

What is King Chulalongkorn Memorial Day?
It is a national holiday in Thailand on October 23, honoring King Rama V, who modernized the country.

Why is King Rama V important in Thai history?
He introduced major reforms in education, administration, and infrastructure, ensuring Thailand’s independence during the colonial era.

How is October 23 commemorated in Thailand?
Ceremonies are held at the Royal Plaza in Bangkok, where citizens and officials pay respect to the king’s equestrian statue.

What is the link with Anna Leonowens?
Anna Leonowens was a tutor in the royal court whose story inspired films and books, though historians debate the extent of her influence.