Thanks in part to Russia, Thailand was never colonized
In the last years of the 19th century, Siam, as it was then known, was in a precarious situation. The danger that the country would be taken and colonized by either Great Britain or France was not imaginary. Thanks in part to Russian diplomacy, this was prevented.
Few have exerted such an influence on civic and social life in Siam in the last quarter of the nineteenth century as Tienwan or Thianwan Wannapho. This was not obvious because he did not belong to the elite, the so-called Hi So who ruled the kingdom.
Calendar: April 6 Chakri day in Thailand
April 6 is Thailand's Chakri Day, a national holiday commemorating the establishment of the royal Chakri dynasty. On Chakri Day, there are religious ceremonies in honor of the previous kings. It provides an opportunity for Thais to pay respect to the various monarchs who played an important role in shaping Thailand.
Chulalongkorn Memorial Day on October 23
On October 23, the death of King Chulalongkorn the Great (Rama V) is commemorated. Lodewijk Lagemaat gives a history lesson about the most revered personality in Thai history.
In every Thai house hangs a portrait of King Chulalongkorn, Rama V. Usually dressed in a neat Western costume, he proudly looks out into the world. And with good reason.
Thailand in 1895
Gustave Rolin Jaequemijns, former Minister of Foreign Affairs in Belgium, was from 1892 to 1895 counselor to the Thai (Siamese) King Chulalongkorn, or Rama V. This made this Belgian the most influential European in the history of Thailand.
Chulalongkorn, the great king of Siam
Anyone who has been to Thailand before is undoubtedly familiar with the portrait of Chulalongkorn, the king with the drooping moustache. You can see this portrait in many places. Proof that the respect of the Thai for this former king is still very great.
Bangkok was a smelly city
In almost every Thai house hangs the portrait of King Rama V (Chulalongkorn, 1853-1910), dressed in a three-piece suit, with a bowler hat and his hands with a pair of gloves resting on a walking stick.