BANGKOK, Oct 23-— Thais from all walks of life countrywide have been attending ceremonies to mark King Chulalongkorn Memorial Day or “Wan Piyamaharaj” and to pay homage to King Rama V, also known as King Chulalongkorn, who passed away on October 23, 1910.
In the capital, Prime Minister and Defence Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, the Cabinet, the opposition leader, military commanders and the Thai public at large gathered at the Equestrian Statue of King Chulalongkorn at the Royal Plaza in front of Dusit Palace to lay wreaths and garlands of flowers as a tribute to pay deep respect to the great monarch.
Meanwhile, agencies across the country also organised ceremonies at designated venues to commemorate King Chulalongkorn Memorial Day.
October 23 every year is a Thai national holiday, marking the passing away of King Chulalongkorn, considered one of the greatest Thai kings. In his reign from 1868 to 1910, the beloved monarch led several major reforms in Thailand, particularly the Thai educational system, military affairs, the State Railway, political administration and the abolition of slavery without bloodshed.
