October 23rd 2024 is a public holiday in Thailand as Thais commemorate the death of one of their most revered monarchs: King Chulalnogkorn (Rama V), who passed away in 1910. He reigned for 42 years and was widely respected by his subjects for transforming Thailand (then known as ‘Siam’) into a modern state. His reign saw significant reforms in various areas, including education, military, and government administration. He is credited with abolishing slavery and modernising the legal and economic systems, which helped Thailand avoid colonisation by Western powers. He was grandfather to the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX).
