Chulalongkorn
Chulalongkorn (Thai: จุฬาลงกรณ์, 20 September 1853 – 23 October 1910) was the fifth monarch of Siam under the House of Chakri, titled Rama V from 1 October 1868 to his death in 23 October 1910.
| Chulalongkorn จุฬาลงกรณ์ | |
|---|---|
| King Rama V | |
Formal portrait, c. 1900s | |
| King of Siam | |
| Reign | 1 October 1868 – 23 October 1910 |
| Coronation | 11 November 1868 (1st) 16 November 1873 (2nd) |
| Predecessor | Mongkut (Rama IV) |
| Successor | Vajiravudh (Rama VI) |
| Regent | Si Suriyawongse (1868–1873) Saovabha Phongsri (1897) Vajiravudh (1907) |
| Viceroy | Bowon Wichaichan (1868–1885) |
| Born | 20 September 1853 Grand Palace, Bangkok, Siam |
| Died | 23 October 1910 (aged 57) Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall Dusit Palace, Bangkok, Siam |
| Spouse | Sunanda Kumariratana Sukhumala Marasri Savang Vadhana Saovabha Phongsri and 5 other consorts and 143 concubines |
| Issue Detail | 32 sons and 44 daughters, including: Vajiravudh (Rama VI) Mahidol Adulyadej, Prince of Songkhla Prajadhipok (Rama VII) |
| House | Chakri dynasty |
| Father | Mongkut (Rama IV) |
| Mother | Debsirindra |
| Religion | Theravada |
| Signature | |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance | Siam |
| Service/ | Royal Siamese Armed Forces |
| Years of service | 1868–1910 |
| Rank | Field marshal Admiral of the Fleet |
| Commands held | Royal Siamese Armed Forces |
Chulalongkorn was born as the son of King Mongkut in 1853. In 1868, he travelled with his father and Westerners invited by Mongkut to observe the solar eclipse of 18 August 1868 in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. However, Chulalongkorn and his father both contracted malaria which resulted in his father's death.
Chulalongkorn's reign was characterised by the modernisation of Siam, governmental and social reforms, and territorial concessions to the British and French. As Siam was surrounded by European colonies, Chulalongkorn, through his policies and acts, ensured the independence of Siam. All his reforms were dedicated to ensuring Siam's independence given the increasing encroachment of Western powers, so that Chulalongkorn earned the epithet Phra Piya Maharat (พระปิยมหาราช, the Great Beloved King).