About this Holiday
Chulalongkorn Day (Wan Piyamaharat) on October 23rd commemorates the death anniversary of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), who passed away on October 23, 1910. Known as 'Piyamaharat' (the Beloved Great King), he modernized Thailand by abolishing slavery, reforming the legal system, developing railways and postal services, and maintaining Thai independence during the European colonial era through skillful diplomacy. The day is observed with floral tributes at his equestrian statue at Royal Plaza in Bangkok.