This section is consecrated to our beloved king, King Rama V or "Phra Piya Maharaj" for the great things he contributed to our country and making Thailand what it is today.

Often referred to as King Rama V, King Chulalongkorn, the fifth monarch of the present House of Chakri, is one of the world’s best-known monarchs. Born on 20 September 1853, King Chulalongkorn was the fourth son of King Mongkut (Rama IV) and Queen Debsirindramat. When he succeeded to the throne of Siam on 1 October 1868, on the demise of his father, he was a frail boy of 15 years old. He performed his second coronation on 16 October 1873 when he was 20 years old. The King passed away on 23 October 1910 at the age of 57 years.

Throughout the 42 years of his remarkable reign, King Chulalongkorn devoted himself to the happiness and well-being of the people. He conducted several reforms that brought Siam, as Thailand was known in his day, into the modern age and laid foundations for the progress of the country in many areas. For instance, he established new administrative, economic, legal, educational, and military systems. The King gradually abolished slavery by handling this matter with the utmost prudence in order to avoid the use of force and violence. The enormous contributions he made significantly improved the living conditions of his subjects. Moreover, King Chulalongkorn traveled to many countries in Asia and Europe to study various models of government and public administration. He adapted what he had learned from those countries to national development. His trips to Europe were also meant to make friends with major Western countries, thus enabling Siam to preserve its independence and sovereignty

During his reign, Siam underwent a major change because of the spread of Western influence in this region. At that time, several kingdoms in Asia fell under the sway of Western powers.

In the face of foreign threats, the King realized that Siam needed to adjust in all areas based on Western models. He continued to carry on the reforms and policies. He enjoyed traveling to see at firsthand how his subjects lived, and he went outside his palace often, sometimes incognito. By doing so, he learned about the happiness and hardships of his subjects living upcountry. The information he gained was used to help developing the country.

His overseas trips also helped promote Thailand’s friendly relations with various countries. King Chulalongkorn began his overseas trips in Singapore and Java to observe the construction of a railway network, city planning, post and telegraph services, and the operations of hospitals, prisons, courts of justice, fire brigades, cloth weaving factories, and military affairs. He visited India in 1871 by train from Calcutta to Delhi and from Delhi to Bombay.

King Rama V, Chulalongkorn, was the first Thai monarch to visit Europe, for the first time in 1897 and again in 1907. The visits were primarily intended to promote friendly relations with the European countries and stop the European imperial colonization of Indo China. In those days, around 50 Thai people, including members of the royal family, were studying in Great Britain. During this visit, King Chulalongkorn also had an audience with Queen Victoria on the occasion of the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of her reign. He took this opportunity to study the education system and development models in that country.

Apart from Great Britain, he also visited other countries in Europe, where he was given a warm welcome everywhere he went. He boosted closer ties with leaders of Denmark, Sweden, Belgium, Italy, Hungary, Spain, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Germany.

In 1907, King Chulalongkorn paid his second visit to Europe to have medical treatment as advised by his medical team. During this visit, he wrote the book Klai Ban, or Far from Home, which recorded his trip to Europe in detail.

His visit to Europe was significant, because after his return, the King undertook further progressive reforms, which had already started before he left for Europe. He brought dramatic changes to the country in all areas, starting from the royal court to the social and education systems. Provincial administration was brought under a central authority. Western-style ministries were established, replacing older, traditional administrative bodies.

Recognized as a visionary monarch, King Chulalongkorn was successful in bringing much progress to the country. He was loved and respected by his subjects, and his charisma impressed everyone, so they were willing to cooperate in all his endeavors. He was lovingly presented the title "Phra Piya Maharaj," or "Beloved King," by his subjects.

Sources: Foreign Office
The Government Public Relations Department

During the reign of King Rama V, the country was adjusting to modernization in all aspects. This change is clearly seen in architecture. The people's lodgings, the government agency offices, and the palaces changed to Western buildings in colonial style. Almost all palaces built in this period had a Western look; however, many Thai characteristics were preserved. The Western style was mixed the Thai architecture in order to fit in with the environment.

The examples of Western architecture that mixed well with Thai architecture are;

	Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall. Throne Hall. This three-storey building is Victorian style architecture whereas the roof is Thai architecture. At present, this throne hall is used for the King to receive the credentials of the foreign diplomatic corps.
	Borombhiman Mansion Was built as the residence of King Rama VI when he was the Royal Crown Prince. This throne hall is in a neoclassic style from the Renaissance; nowadays, it is used as the reception hall for visitors who are leaders of their country.
	Vimanmek Mansion Is regarded as the most beautiful golden teak building in the world. This palace is a three-storey building in the Victorian style and is decorated with fretwork in a gingerbread style. The building emphasizes the airy and open atmosphere, and the glass around the building makes it look cool, comfortable, and suitable for a tropical climate. When it was built, King Rama V stayed there.