King Chulalongkorn, Rama V
The Fifth King of the Chakri Dynasty
THAILAND CELEBRATES many auspicious occasions but none with more feeling or genuine sentiment than the festivities held on October 23rd every year in commemoration of his Majesty King Chulalongkorn.
Born September 20, 1853, King Rama V was to inherit the throne from his father, King Monkut (Rama IV), in 1868 at the tender age of 15. Because he was still a child, Thailand was governed by regency for the first five years of his reign and the boy King took advantage of the time to travel the world. His father had been one of Siam's most educated monarchs, recognizing the need for education and also the importance of the western world, yet understanding fully the threat of colonization. Wisely, he had instilled these principles in his son who was an apt student. During those first five years, King Chulalongkorn visited most of the major western powers, learning about their cultures, traditions, political organization......
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Approximate Word Count: 893
Approximate Pages: 4 (260 words per double-spaced page) |