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dirtydog

King Chulalongkorn, the "Royal Buddha", the "Great Beloved King" was ruler of Siam from 1868 to 1910.

His reign oversaw a great deal of social progress and modernization in Siam.

His astute statesmanship also ensured that Siam remained the only country in Southeast Asia not colonized by European powers.

Some territory was ceded to the British in Burma and the French in Indochina but through skillful diplomacy, dealing with foreigners in Siam and making trips abroad King Chulalongkorn ensured the survival and independence of his country.

He built railroads, reformed the system of taxation, modernized the military and reformed the judicial code, getting rid of torture and he abolished slavery and forced labor.

For all of this he is revered by the Thai people still to this day and is considered one of the greatest and most beloved kings in the history of Thailand.



From Wiki

Chulalongkorn was born in 20 September 1853 to King Mongkut and Queen Debsirindra. He was given his name Prince Chulalongkorn. In 1861, he was entitled Krommameun Pikanesuarn Surasangkat. His father gave him a broad education, including instruction from European tutors such as Anna Leonowens. In 1866, he became a sangha (monk) in Wat Bawonniwet according to the royal tradition. Upon his return to his secularity in 1867, he was rewarded his title as Krommakhun Pinit Prachanat.

In 1867, King Mongkut became ill after his visit to Wakor for the solar eclipse observation. On his deathbed, King Mongkut wrote “My brother, my son, my grandson, whoever you all the senior officials think will be able to save our country will succeed my throne, choose at your own will.” So the diet was held to select a prince to be crowned, and Prince Chulalongkorn was chosen. As the prince was only 15 years old, Chao Phraya Si Suriyawongse was appointed the regent. The coronation was held in 11 November 1868.

Si Suriyawongse then arranged the title of Front Palace of King Pinklao (who was his uncle) to be succeeded by King Pinklao’s son, Prince Yingyot (who was then Chulalongkorn’s cousin).

The young Chulalongkorn was an enthusiastic king craving for reforms. He visited Singapore and Java in 1870 and British India during 1870-1872 to see the administration of British colonies. He toured teh administrative centres of Calcutta, Delhi, Bombay and back to Calcutta in early 1872. This journey was later the source of his ideas and methodology of the modernization of Siam.

As a regent, Si Suriyawongse wielded a great influence. Si Suriyawongse continued the works of King Mongkut. He supervised the digging of several important klongs i.e. Padung Krungkasem and Damneun Saduak and paving of roads such as Chareon Krung and Silom. He was also the patron of Thai literature and performing arts.

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Whiteshiva

I thought he didn't have any sons, only nephews....