King Rama V or King Chulalongkorn (1853 Â-1910) was the
Thai monarch who went clear of colonization and the
initiated the Chakri Reformation to put in the way of Thailand
modernization.

King Chulalongkorn was appointed king at the age of fifteen
after the death of his father, King Mongkut in 1868. Chao
Suriyawong Phraya acted as regent until the young king
twenty and old enough to ascend the throne in 1873.

With the benefit of a Thai and western education, King Rama
V was well equipped for their future role. His English tutor was
Anna Leonowens, whose memoirs were controversial because of
Thai deep offense than a century later. This education
However, enabled him, like his father, to capture the current
international political situation, which was then dominated by
western colonial powers.

The reign of King Rama V was full of extreme
difficulties. The biggest threat to the kingdom was the growing
demands from Britain and France, which threaten the
the independence of Thailand. Knew it would be disastrous for
face of gunboat diplomacy of these powers. Well aware
the dangers of closing the country, who wisely decided to do what
would today call constructive engagement.

Internally Thailand face the problem of the border provinces that
threaten the integrity of the kingdom. Determined to
modernization and strengthening of Thailand against these threats, the king
Rama V started a series of reforms that became known as the
Chakri Reformation.

In the first 10 years of his reign he faced stiff resistance from
old ruling families who were jealously their
vested interests. The young king craftily waited to the old
guard to survive his time.

King Rama V realized that diplomacy had to be carried out
directly with governments Western and not with their colonial
counterparts in Asia, which were more supportive of enlargement
territorial influence. By skillful diplomacy, King Rama V
London and Paris were balanced against their colonial
Governments in Asia and a foreign power against the outside
other.

As part of its program modernization, King Rama V
implemented several changes in government.

Civil service-In 1888, the ministries responsible for
different regions have been reorganized along functional lines. More
ministries and civil service school were added. A cabinet
formed in 1892 to formulate national policy. The villagers
accepted on merit and not family connections. For the gradual
staffing of new blood, King Rama V broke the dominance of
old ruling families.

Finance – Fund-State revenue was centralized
in the Ministry of Finance instead of the various ministries.
Other reforms include a central budget system, an audit of
and separation system finance the king of the state.

Foreign-The affairs of a King Rama V appointed the brilliant
Prince Devawongse as the first Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Known as the father of the Thai foreign affairs, Prince
Devawongse was instrumental in neutralizing the demands of the
Great Britain and France.

Â-military army was reorganized along the lines of
of a modern army with the creation of an army
academia and the military draft in 1902.

Education – Generations of young common
birth were educated abroad. The national education
held in Thailand in Central standard time of local
dialects. In addition to highlighting the religion, the system reinforced
loyalty to a king.

An infrastructure-telegraph services in 1883 was
established, followed by the first railroad in 1891, roads,
housing, postal services and an irrigation system for central
plains. The kingdom was opened to foreign competition and
foreign education.

The social reform-on ascending the throne in 1873,
King Rama V had abolished slavery. This was implemented in
stages to reduce the social impact and forced labor
completely eradicated in 1905. The king also held public
hearings to allow people to speak directly with the king.

King Rama V traveled abroad extensively in Asia and Europe
to see firsthand the modern government. He was convinced that
Thailand needs technology European, but not at the expense
of Thai tradition and independence. Its far-reaching reforms
reflects a vision of year ahead of its time.

In 1910, he remained uncolonised Thailand. But the price was
Heavy loss of half a million square kilometers of territory in the
border with Burma, Cambodia, Laos and Malaysia, the loss of
the tax revenues paid to the territorial rights of Europeans in
Thailand who were exempt from tax in Thailand and laws.

King Rama V died on 23 October 1910. National Generalized
mourning followed his death. That day has been declared the
King Day Amado Grande. As one of the most revered
monarchs in Thai history, his photograph appeared in many
Thailand Homes, businesses and shops to this day.

The King Rama V Equestrian Monument, where thousands of
herd on 23 October each year to pay tribute to him, is to
South Dusit Garden, the palace he created. It is a
monument a great king who left his legacy in the history of
Bangkok, Thailand.

King Rama V first appeared in Tour Bangkok Legacies a historical travel site on people, places and events that shaped the landscape of Bangkok. The author Eric Lim, a free-lance writer, lives in Bangkok Thailand.

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