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Chulalongkorn Day / Piyamararaj Day

Honor Chulalongkorn Day / Piyamaharaj Day, a tribute to Thailand's revered king, a symbol of modernity, progress & unity for the Thai people!

Friday

October 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEChulalongkorn Day (Thailand, Oct 23 + weekend bump to Mon)

OBSERVED INThailand

CATEGORYCulture

SUBCATEGORYFamous People

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Mark your calendars for the grand celebration of Chulalongkorn Day / Piyamaharaj Day on October 23! This revered day in Thailand is dedicated to the memory of the great King Chulalongkorn, or Rama V, who was known for his progressive reforms and unification of the Thai people during his reign from 1868 to 1910. It was under his rule that Thailand successfully avoided colonization, skillfully navigating through the pressures of British and French forces. Join us as we delve into the exciting history and heartfelt celebrations of this national hero, and indulge in the rich cultural shimmer of Thailand’s royal legacy!

TIMELINE

Chulalongkorn Day / Piyamararaj Day Timeline

Chulalongkorn Ascends Throne

King Chulalongkorn, also known as Rama V, becomes the fifth king of Siam under the House of Chakri.

Royal Reforms Begin

Chulalongkorn begins implementing important reforms to modernize and westernize the Siamese government and society.

Franco-Siamese Treaty

King Chulalongkorn skillfully negotiates the Franco-Siamese treaty, preventing French colonization and retaining Siam's sovereignty.

Abolition of Slavery

King Chulalongkorn ushers in a key reform by abolishing slavery in Siam, further modernizing society.

King Chulalongkorn's Death

After over four decades of progressive rule, King Chulalongkorn passes away, leaving a lasting impact on Thailand.

First Chulalongkorn Day

Thailand celebrates the first Chulalongkorn Day, becoming a national holiday to honor the key contributions of King Rama V.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Chulalongkorn Day / Piyamararaj Day

Attend a local celebration

Many communities in Thailand hold activities to honour King Chulalongkorn on this day. Celebrations often include processions, traditional dance performances, and food festivals celebrating Thai culture. Look out for any local celebrations and join in.

LEARN

Learn about King Chulalongkorn’s history

Understanding King Chulalongkorn's significance is crucial to appreciating the day itself. Dedicate some time to reading about his life, reforms, and impact on Thai society. There are many documentaries, books and articles available online for reference.

VISIT

Visit a monument or museum

Head out to monuments dedicated to King Chulalongkorn, or visit museums that house artifacts from his reign. This will give you a deeper understanding of his contributions to Thai society and culture.

PREPARE

Prepare a traditional Thai meal

To celebrate the day in a simple yet effective way, prepare a traditional Thai dinner at home. Include dishes that King Chulalongkorn would have enjoyed during his lifetime as a way to connect with his era.

DONATE

Donate to a Thai charity

In the spirit of King Chulalongkorn's commitment to unity and progress, consider donating to a Thai charity or nonprofit organization working towards the betterment of the country and its people. This act embodies the spirit of the celebration, which is about contributing to the overall welfare and prosperity of Thailand.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Chulalongkorn Day / Piyamararaj Day

Promotes Unity and Welfare

Chulalongkorn Day / Piyamaharaj Day encourages us to embody King Chulalongkorn's commitment to unity and progress. This is clearly seen in activities such as donating to Thai charities or participating in local celebrations. Such acts foster a sense of community and contribute to the overall welfare of the Thai people.

Opportunity to celebrate and learn about Thai culture

Chulalongkorn Day / Piyamaharaj Day allows us to immerse in Thai culture in a variety of ways - whether it's through joining local festivities, preparing traditional Thai cuisine, or understanding the country's history. The activities associated with this day enable us to appreciate Thai traditions and history on a deeper level.

Commemorates a pivotal figure of Progression

King Chulalongkorn is not only revered because he maintained Thailand’s sovereignty but also for his progressive reforms which transformed Thai society. This day serves as a tribute and reminder of the strides made under his leadership towards modernity and unity, inspiring us all to keep advancing.

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