His Majesty King Chulalongkorn (Rama V): The Great Beloved Royal Buddha of Siam, Part 2 of 2

A gifted and brilliant diplomat, His Majesty extended friendship to numerous Western countries throughout his reign. He traveled considerably in Asia and Europe, and visited countries like Great Britain, France, Russia, and the United States of America to represent Siam. The King constantly strived to maintain Siam’s sovereignty and to have his kingdom treated as an equal among other nations. He would ultimately achieve this great goal through his determination and devoted efforts. To this day, Thailand remains the only country in Southeast Asia to have avoided colonization.

The wise and noble King had long foreseen the necessity of reform along Western ideas to protect his country’s independence, but not at the expense of Siamese traditions and identity. His Majesty was certain that the ancient and original aspects of his nation should be preserved as a symbol of Thai culture that dignified Thailand for all time.

King Chulalongkorn was not only an excellent ruler, he was also a talented and prolific writer. Publishers have released 25 volumes of his diary and his collections of letters sent to his daughter Her Royal Highness Princess Nibha Nobhadol when he visited Europe for the second time. Entitled “Far from Home,” these are still enjoyed today. The King also produced many verses and dramas. His most well-known drama was perhaps “Ngo Pa,” a classical Thai drama written in 1905.

After 42 years on the throne, King Chulalongkorn returned to his Heavenly home on October 23, 1910. The nation mourned the loss of the Great Beloved King and Royal Buddha. His Majesty’s memorial day has become a national holiday known in Thai as “Wan Piyamaharaj Day,” or “King Chulalongkorn Day.” The King is also highly respected in other countries. In 1997, the Chulalongkorn Memorial Building was constructed in Utanede, Sweden, to commemorate the King’s visit to this town a century prior. A road named after His Majesty sits next to the memorial pavilion. In 1999, Time Asia Magazine named King Chulalongkorn one of the 20 “Most Influential Asians of the Century” for the 20th century.