ปฏิทิน

posted on 12 Feb 2009 21:22 by rtbmu128

Phrabat Somdet Pha Poramin Maha Chualongkon

Chulalongkorn was born in September 20, 1853 to King Mongkut and Queen Debsirindra. He was given his name Prince Chulalongkorn. In 1861, he was entitled Krom Meun Pikanesuarn Surasangkat. His father gave him a broad education, including instruction from European tutors such as Anna Leonowens. In 1866, he became a sangha (monk) in Wat Bawonniwet according to the royal tradition. Upon his return to his secularity in 1867, he was rewarded his title as Krom Khun Pinit Prachanat.

In 1867, King Mongkut became ill after his visit to Wakor for the solar eclipse observation. On his deathbed, King Mongkut wrote “My brother, my son, my grandson, whoever you all the senior officials think will be able to save our country will succeed my throne, choose at your own will.” So the diet was held to select a prince to be crowned, and Prince Chulalongkorn was chosen. As the prince was only 15 years old, Chao Phraya Si Suriyawongse was appointed the regent. The coronation was held in November 11, 1868.

Si Suriyawongse then arranged the title of Front Palace of King Pinklao (who was his uncle) to be succeeded by King Pinklao’s son, Prince Yingyot (who was then Chulalongkorn’s cousin).The young Chulalongkorn was an enthusiastic king craving for reforms. He visited Singapore and Java in 1870 and British India during 1870-1871 to see the administration of British colonies. This was later the source of his ideas and methodology of the modernization of Siam.As a regent, Si Suriyawongse wielded a great influence unusual to Siamese traditions. Sri Suriyawongse continued the works of King Mongkut. He supervised the digging of several important klongs i.e. Padung Krungkasem and Damneun Saduak and paving of roads such as Chareon Krung and Silom. He was also the patron of Thai literature and performing arts.

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