Historical Figure
Chulalongkorn
d. 1910
King of Siam from 1868 to 1910
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Biography
Chulalongkorn, posthumously honoured as King Chulalongkorn the Great, was the fifth king of Siam from the Chakri dynasty, titled Rama V. Chulalongkorn's reign from 1868 until his death in 1910 was characterised by the modernisation of Siam, governmental and social reforms, and territorial concessions to the British and French empires. As Siam was surrounded by European colonies, Chulalongkorn, through his policies and acts, ensured the independence of Siam.
Timeline
The story of Chulalongkorn, told in moments.
Contracted malaria alongside his father while observing a solar eclipse in Prachuap Khiri Khan. Mongkut died. Chulalongkorn, 15 years old, became King of Siam.
Abolished the practice of prostration before the king. Began a sweeping modernization program: railroads, postal service, modern schools, and the end of slavery in Siam.
Confronted the Franco-Siamese Crisis when French gunboats sailed up the Chao Phraya. He ceded Laotian territories to avoid colonization. Siam remained the only Southeast Asian country never colonized by Europe.
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