Phuket readies to honour Chulalongkorn Day

[webfact]

Phuket readies to honour Chulalongkorn Day
The Phuket News


A merit-making ceremony will held at the statue of HM King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) in front of Phuket Provincial Hall.

PHUKET: -- Many government offices will be closed this Friday (Oct 23) as Thais in Phuket as elsewhere throughout the country celebrate the Chulalongkorn Day national holiday.

Every year on October 23, Thai people celebrate the life and reign of King Chulalongkorn on the anniversary of his death in 1910, the day known to Thais as Chulalongkorn Day or Piyamararaj Day. King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) is a much-loved king and was the fifth king of the Chakri Dynasty.

To commemorate this special day, throughout Thailand many Thais show their respect for the great monarch by placing wreaths and flowers at the Equestrian Statue in their hometown.

In Phuket, the local authority will celebrate the day in front of Provincial Hall with an orchestra playing the Thai national anthem. Wreaths will be placed at the King Chulalongkorn monument.

Most government offices will be closed along with main banks. Post offices will be open until noon but banks inside shopping mall will be open as usual.

King Chulalongkorn was born on September 20, 1853. He succeeded to the throne in 1868 when he was 15 years old and was crowned king in 1873. He ruled until his death on October 23, 1910.

Full story: http://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket-readies-to-honour-chulalongkorn-day-54624.php


-- Phuket News 2015-10-21

[SantiSuk]

Why was he considered a great monarch - any historians care to give us the "elevator summary"?!

[sorry - mister lazy I know]