Chulalongkorn Memorial Day

Chulalongkorn Memorial Day, one of the most significant holidays in Thailand, is celebrated on the 23rd of October yearly to pay tribute to King Chulalongkorn.

King Chulalongkorn is the great-grandfather of the current king of Thailand, King Vajiralongkorn.

People from all corners of Thailand head to the Royal Plaza in Bangkok to lay flowers and garlands at the statue of King Chulalongkorn. The statue is an interesting depiction of the king, constructed to show the king in full army regalia on a horse to signify his position as Chief of the Thai Armed Forces.

The statue was erected after a public funding drive by the locals to express their gratitude to King Chulalongkorn following his remarkable reign. The statue was presented to King Chulalongkorn by King Rama VI.

The idea of the statue was inspired by the statue of Louis VIX in France. The statue is significant because, in addition to being the first monument erected in honour of a king from Thailand, the statue is also a key reminder of the victorious reign of King Chulalongkorn.

Celebrations are held nationwide to allow as many Thai nationals as possible to commemorate Chulalongkorn Memorial Day. While the main celebrations are held at Bangkok’s Royal Plaza, smaller celebrations are held across Thailand, with flowers presented at all statues of King Chulalongkorn in the country.

For visitors in Thailand, government institutions remain closed on this public holiday, but many business enterprises remain operational as usual.