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111-687: Vajiravudh (1 January 1881 – 26 November 1925) was the sixth king of Siam from the Chakri dynasty , titled Rama VI . He reigned from 1910 until his death in 1925. King Vajiravudh is best known for his efforts to create and promote Siamese nationalism . His reign was characterized by Siam's movement further towards democracy and minimal participation in World War I . He had keen interests in Siamese history, archaeology, and literature, as well as economics, politics and world affairs, and founded

222-600: A Burmese army under the Konbaung dynasty invaded, sacked and burned the city of Ayutthaya . An interlude filled by a short civil war was ended when Taksin restored the country under what has been called the Thonburi Kingdom . Kingship during the Thonburi period saw the adoption of the 'personal kingship' system that was previously administered under Naresuan (but abandoned after his death). Taksin treated

333-403: A rain garden . Both help to ameliorate Bangkok's seasonal flooding. It was built to commemorate Chula's 100th anniversary in 2017. Chulalongkorn University International House (CU iHouse) is a 26-storey, 846-unit, on campus residence for international students and lecturers. Rooms come fully furnished with air conditioning, modern conveniences, 24-hour security and safety systems. The residence

444-670: A German take-over of Siam. Wemyss and the King also corresponded about Kaiser Wilhelm II 's Asian aggression, on atrocities involving the Kaiser's army in Belgium (the Rape of Belgium ) and the killing of British civilians by naval bombardment during the raid on Scarborough, Hartlepool and Whitby . In 1921, Rama VI wrote to Wemyss that in avoiding the "German militaristic spirit . . . Thai people had been protected as free minds". Vajiravudh introduced

555-577: A Morals Network, which actively campaigns to protect student activities from damaging the university's reputation. The university's Cheer Club annually organizes the Chula-Thammasat traditional football match. The university RoboCup team, Plasma‐Z , got several prizes from the robotics competition as follow. Moreover, another university Robocup team, Plasma-RX has participated in Rescue robot league at World RoboCup 2008, Suzhou, China, and won

666-481: A Siamese government protectorate. Vajiravudh saw the war as an opportunity to create and promote Siamese nationalism. He changed the Flag of Siam from the elephant banner to the tricolor banner. King Vajiravudh is considered by some writers to be the father of Thai nationalism , which was later built upon by Field Marshal Phibunsongkhram and Sarit Thanarat . The alternative view is that the idea of nationalism by Rama VI

777-491: A black tie with a silver phra kiao pin is usually used by upperclass student in some faculties. Female students are required to wear a short-sleeved blouse with a fold along the spine. The buttons must be made of metal, and a small phra kiao emblem must be pinned on the right breast. A dark blue or black pleated skirt with any black, white, or brown shoes are worn. For female first-year students, white leather shoes are mandatory. Chulalongkorn University's uniforms have long been

888-530: A council similar to a cabinet , where the most important government officials could meet to decide state affairs. This advisory and legislative council, styled the Supreme Council of State of Siam (Thai: อภิรัฐมนตรีสภา) was founded on 28 November 1925 and existed until 1932. In June 1932, a group of foreign-educated students and military men called " the promoters " carried out a bloodless revolution , seized power and demanded that King Prajadhipok grant

999-499: A financial crisis as the Chinese-Siamese Bank went bankrupt. In 1914, Vajiravudh, having determined that the act providing for the invocation of martial law , first promulgated by his father in 1907, was not consistent with modern laws of war nor convenient for the preservation of the external or internal security of the state, changed to the modern form that, with minor amendments, continues in force. Also in 1914,

1110-459: A luxurious Western-style life, building Sanam Chan Palace and Lumphini Park , and owning expensive horses from Australia, while preaching austerity and nationalism to his subjects. The counter-argument is that the assertions were political and his developments were for the good of the state, in terms of impressing visiting dignitaries, or developing assets for the nation. Rama VI donated Lumphini Park, originally an exhibition ground on royal land, to

1221-464: A military-exemptation tax ( Thai : เงินรัชชูปการ ) nationwide including on the royal members. As the need for huge capital increased, a new bank, later known as the " Government Savings Bank ", was founded in 1923. Though the Siamese forces that joined the march at Versailles returned triumphant in 1919, the worldwide economic problems caused by World War I were serious. In the same year, drought hit Siam and rice shortages ensued. The government forbade

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1332-456: A series of laws and measures relating to lèse majesté in Thailand are hindrances to freedom of expression. Dozens of arrests, hundreds of criminal investigations and multiple imprisonments have been made based on these laws. King Bhumibol Adulyadej's speech in his 2005 national birthday broadcast could have been interpreted as a suggestion that he welcomed criticism . The lèse-majesté law

1443-486: A son, the throne would go to him. If not, the throne would pass to his surviving brother, Prince Prajadhipok of Sukhothai. He barred Princess Inthrasaksachi from being interred with him in the future and instead granted that right to Princess Suvadhana. Vajiravudh also barred his uncle, Prince Damrong, from the government. On the night of 25 November, Princess Suvadhana gave birth to a princess only two hours before Vajiravudh's death. Vajiravudh glimpsed his sole daughter for

1554-497: A system of absolute rule. Living in palaces designed after Mount Meru ("home of the gods" in Hinduism), the kings turned themselves into a " Chakravartin ", where the king became an absolute and universal lord of his realm. Kings demanded that the universe be envisioned as revolving around them , and expressed their powers through elaborate rituals and ceremonies. For four centuries these kings ruled Ayutthaya, presiding over some of

1665-532: A vast area in downtown Bangkok . Graduates customarily receive their diplomas from the King of Thailand , a tradition begun by King Prajadhipok . King Chulalongkorn's reforms, aimed at transforming Thailand into a modern state, demanded trained officials specialized in various fields. In 1899, the King founded the "Civil Service Training School" near the north gate of the Grand Palace . Those who graduated from

1776-610: Is head of state , Highest Commander of the Royal Thai Armed Forces , adherent of Buddhism and upholder of religions . The current concept of Thai kingship evolved through 800 years of absolute rule. The first king of a unified Thailand was the founder of the Sukhothai Kingdom , King Si Inthrathit , in 1238. The idea of this early kingship is said to be based on two concepts derived from Hinduism and Theravada Buddhist beliefs. The first concept

1887-447: Is " The Honour of Tiger Soldier  [ th ] " ( Thai : เกียรติศักดิ์ทหารเสือ ) based on ancient French chivalric rhyme "Mon âme à Dieu, Ma vie au Roi, Mon cœur aux Dames, L'honneur pour moi", and might also be influenced by Alexandre Dumas 's The Three Musketeers . King Vajiravudh also composed nonfiction such as “The War of Polish Succession”, which he wrote while he was Crown Prince (see also external links below). The king

1998-689: Is absorbing fun and well-written. A copy of the play was given as a present to the Armstrong family in Cragside House, Rothbury , where it remains in the library. On a trip to the English Lake District , Vajiravudh directed the performance of a play at the Stonehenge-like setting of Castlerigg Stone Circle , in the mountains near Keswick . In 1914 King Vajiravudh published in a Thai newspaper an article titled "Jews of

2109-535: Is based on the ancient Indian Kshatriya ( Thai : กษัตริย์) , or warrior-ruler, in which the king derives his powers from military might. The second is based on the Buddhist concept of Dhammaraja ( Thai : ธรรมราชา) , Buddhism having been introduced to Thailand around the 6th century AD. The idea of the Dhammaraja (or kingship under Dharma) is that the king should rule his people in accordance with Dharma and

2220-477: Is created to bolster a conservative elite well beyond the walls of the palace." The Thai activist and magazine editor Somyot Prueksakasemsuk , who was sentenced to eleven years' imprisonment for a violation of lèse-majesté laws in 2013, is a designated prisoner of conscience by Amnesty International. The king is assisted in his work and duties by the Private Secretary to the King of Thailand and

2331-613: Is faced and lined with a felt strip dyed according to the status of the wearer and decorated with gold ribbons. The elbow and wrist portion of the gown is also wrapped with the same felt strip. Bachelor's and master's gown is faced and bordered with a black felt strip, while a doctor's gown uses a scarlet felt strip. This colour scheme is similar to one used at the University of Oxford : Black for bachelors and masters (and doctors in undress); Scarlet for doctors (in full-dress). The cord (bachelor) or ribbon (master and doctor) dyed with

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2442-713: Is included in the university's shuttle bus services. The university has bestowed honorary degrees on heads of state and other international dignitaries, including two U.S. presidents: Chulalongkorn University student traditions include: The university is host to 40 student clubs, including the Buddhism and Traditions Club, the Religious Studies Club, the Mind Study Club, and the Thai Classical Music Club. Chulalongkorn also has

2553-449: Is part of Thailand's criminal-law code and has been described as the "world's harshest lèse majesté law" and "possibly the strictest criminal-defamation law anywhere". Political scientist Giles Ungpakorn noted that "the lèse-majesté laws are not really designed to protect the institution of the monarchy. In the past, the laws have been used to protect governments and to shield military coups from lawful criticism. This whole [royal] image

2664-613: Is required by court etiquette as an honorific register consisting of a special vocabulary used exclusively for addressing the king, or for talking about royalty. The king was chief administrator, chief legislator, and chief judge, with all laws, orders, verdict and punishments theoretically originating from his person. The king's sovereignty was reflected in the titles "Lord of the Land" ( พระเจ้าแผ่นดิน Phra Chao Phaen Din ) and "Lord of Life" ( เจ้าชีวิต Chao Chiwit ). The king's powers and titles were seen by foreign observers as proof that

2775-416: Is the constitutional form of government of Thailand (formerly Siam ). The king of Thailand ( Thai : พระมหากษัตริย์ไทย , historically, king of Siam ; Thai : พระเจ้ากรุงสยาม ) is the head of state and head of the ruling Chakri dynasty . Although the current Chakri dynasty was created in 1782, the existence of the institution of monarchy in Thailand is traditionally considered to have its roots in

2886-491: Is their God. Life itself is of little value compared with the leanest bank account." Vajiravudh had been a king without a queen for about ten years. In 1920, he met Her Serene Highness Princess Varnvimol at his theatre at Phayathai Palace . They were engaged and Princess Vanbimol was elevated to Princess Vallabhadevi . However, four months later in 1921, Vajiravudh nullified the engagement and pursued Princess Vallabha's sister, Princess Lakshamilavan , whom he engaged. However,

2997-614: The 1932 Revolution , the People's Party wanted legal and political studies to be independent of "royalists" so they moved the Faculty of Law and Political Science to the new Thammasat University in 1933. In 1938, Chulalongkorn University's Preparatory School was founded to provide pre-collegiate education to students. Those who managed to enter the university had to spend two years in the Preparatory School before going on to

3108-545: The Boy Scouts . On 28 November 1911 Vajiravudh's second and formal coronation was held with visiting royals from Europe and Japan as guests, a first for Siam, which festivities took 13 days. Later that year, the first airplane was flown in Siam. The early years of Vajiravudh's administration were largely dominated by his two uncles, Prince Damrong and Prince Devawongse , both of them Chulalongkorn's right-hand men. However,

3219-621: The Buddhist Dharmaraja . The two former concepts were re-established, with a third, older concept taking hold. This concept was called " Devaraja " ( Thai : เทวราชา) (or "divine king"), which was an idea borrowed by the Khmer Empire from the Hindu-Buddhist kingdoms of Java , especially the idea of a scholar class based on Hindu Brahmins . The concept centered on the idea that the king was an incarnation ( avatar ) of

3330-732: The Bureau of the Royal Household and the Crown Property Bureau respectively, these agencies are not considered part of the Thai government and all personnel are appointed by the king. The junta that took power in 2014 was aggressive in jailing critics of the monarchy. In 2015, it spent US$ 540 million, more than the budget of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on a promotional campaign called "Worship, protect and uphold

3441-613: The Privy Council of Thailand , in consultation with the head of the cabinet, the Prime Minister . In accordance with the country’s constitution, the king is no longer the originator of all laws in the kingdom; that prerogative is entrusted to the National Assembly of Thailand . All bills passed by the legislature, however, require his royal assent to become law. The monarchy's household and finances are managed by

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3552-555: The Rattanakosin period the Chakri kings tried to continue the concepts of Ayutthayan kingship once again emphasizing the connection between the sovereign and his subjects. On the other hand, they continued to not relinquish any authority of the throne. Kings Phutthaloetla Naphalai (Rama II) and Nangklao (Rama III) created a semblance of a modern administration by creating a supreme council and appointing chief officers to help with

3663-934: The Royal Military College, Sandhurst and was commissioned as a captain in the Durham Light Infantry , which he served with for three months of exercises in the south of England upon graduation. He studied law and history at Christ Church, Oxford in 1899, where, coming from a royal household, he was a member of the exclusive Bullingdon Club . However, he suffered from appendicitis , which barred him from graduating in 1901. He visited other European countries while he lived in England, including Belgium where he inspected Blegny fort. He went to Berlin in May 1902 and Copenhagen in September 1902. He attended

3774-493: The Spanish Flu . In 1917, the price of silver rose and exceeded the face value of silver coins. The coins were then melted down and sold. The government solved this by changing the pure silver coin to alloy. Vajiravudh eventually forbade exports of Siamese coins. In 1918, the usage of 1-baht coins was nullified and 1-baht banknotes were introduced. Coins were recalled and kept as a national reserve. In 1919, Vajuravudh imposed

3885-477: The Wild Tiger Corps [ เสือป่า ]) a para-military corp outside of the established military hierarchy. Initially a ceremonial guard, it became a military force of 4,000 within its first year and consumed much of the King's time and energy. It became the source of deep dissatisfaction between the army and the King. A branch for children was also established known as ( ลูกเสือ Tiger Cubs ) which became

3996-399: The 1,153 rai (184.5 ha; 456 acres) of land owned by the university, the rest of which is commercially developed by the university's Property Management Office or used by other institutions. The west side of Chula's campus is the site of this innovative park. It has gradually sloping portions. Its 28 rai expanse contains a water retention pond with a capacity of 3.8 million liters and

4107-769: The 15 May 1902 enthronement ceremonies for King Alfonso XIII of Spain in Madrid. On behalf of his father, King Chulalongkorn, he attended the coronation of King Edward VII on 9 August 1902. Crown Prince Vajiravudh left England in October 1902 and returned to Siam in January 1903, traveling via US and Japan. In 1904, he became a temporary monk in accordance with Siamese tradition. In 1907, his father Chulalongkorn travelled to Europe to seek treatment for his kidney disease, and Chulalongkorn made Vajiravudh Regent of Siam . One of Crown Prince Vajiravudh's accomplishments during this regency

4218-548: The 1909 incident. The coup was planned for 1 April—the traditional Siamese New Year's Day . They planned to elevate one of Vajiravudh's half brothers, Prince Raphi Phatthanasak , to be the first president of Siam. They believed that, if the absolute monarchy were removed, Siam would achieve modernization as in Japan under Emperor Taishō . The coup leaders accused the king of devoting his time to writing and acting in theatrical plays with his companions. They also accused him of living

4329-536: The Bangkok (Rattanakosin) era. His own reign was dubbed as "Rama VI". (See Rama (Kings of Thailand) ) As a homage to his great, great, great-grandfather, Tao Sên-pom, King Vajiravudh published a fictional play in Thai, based on the Prince and designed for performance with musical accompaniment in 1913. Prince Sên-pom was the father of Chao Praya Chakri, Rama I . The drama centres on a tale of Siamese courtly romance. It

4440-476: The Faculty of Arts and Sciences. The Preparatory School, however, ceased to be a university-owned preparatory school in 1947 and became the independent Triam Udom Suksa School . Later, the university established Chulalongkorn University Demonstration School (CUD) as a laboratory school for primary and secondary education for the Faculty of Education. Since the establishment of the Royal Pages School,

4551-521: The Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Veterinary Science to become the University of Medical Sciences, now Mahidol University . In 1948, the Faculty of Political Science was re-established. The Faculty of Education was established in 1957 from the School of Teacher Training at Baan Somdet Chao Phraya ( Thai : โรงเรียนฝึกหัดครู บ้านสมเด็จเจ้าพระยา ). In 1967, the Faculty of Veterinary Science

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4662-712: The Head of the Railway Department. The king continued his father's rice varieties competition. He also continued the overall royal encouragement of development of rice varieties , founding the Rangsit Rice Experiment Station in 1916 (now called Pathum Thani Rice Research Center and run by the Ministry of Agriculture). In 1917, Vajiravudh established the Nakorn Sri Thammarat Regiment as his personal guard. In

4773-545: The Orient" ( Thai : ยิวแห่งบูรพาทิศ ).Vajiravudh explicitly adopted Western antisemitic tropes and applied them to Chinese in Siam. The essay was written in the context of a recent strike by Chinese merchants and workers which had paralyzed Bangkok, and may also have been the product of Vajiravudh's exposure to European anti-Semitism . The article described Chinese immigrants in Thailand as having excessive "racial loyalty and astuteness in financial matters." The king wrote, "Money

4884-596: The college "Chulalongkorn University". Chulalongkorn University is one of the National Research Universities and supported by the Office of Nation Education Standards and Quality Assessment of Thailand. Moreover, CU is the only Thai university which is a member of Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU). CU is composed of nineteen faculties, a School of Agriculture, three colleges, ten institutes and two other schools. Its campus occupies

4995-502: The college was upgraded to "Chulalongkorn University" ( Thai : จุฬาลงกรณ์มหาวิทยาลัย ), and the schools were transformed into four faculties: Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Faculty of Public Administration, Faculty of Engineering, and Faculty of Medicine. The Rockefeller Foundation reorganized the curriculum of the Faculty of Medicine. In 1923, the Faculty of Medicine became the first faculty to accept secondary school ( Mattayom ) graduates. The remaining faculties then followed suit. After

5106-439: The concept of kingship by abandoning the shroud of mysticism usually adopted by many Ayutthayan monarchs; he often revealed himself to the common folk by partaking in public activities and traditional festivities. He did little to emphasize his new capital, Thonburi , as the spiritual successor to Ayutthaya. He also emphasized the building of moats and defensive walls in Thonburi. In 1782, Phutthayotfa Chulalok (Rama I) ascended

5217-573: The construction of Don Mueang Airport began. In the same year the Siamese government borrowed from the Federated Malay States to extend railways to the south. In 1915, Vajiravudh himself visited the southern provinces to oversee railway construction. The Bangkok railway station at Hua Lamphong was then established as a center of Siamese railroads. Prince Damrong eventually left the Ministry of Interior in 1915. In 1916, Vajiravudh appointed his half-brother, Prince of Kamphang Phet , as

5328-438: The country's first university, Chulalongkorn University . Vajiravudh was born on 1 January 1881 to Chulalongkorn and one of his four queens and half sister Saovabha Phongsri . In 1888, upon coming of age, Vajiravudh received the title Kromma Khun Debdvaravati (Prince of Ayutthaya). Also in 1888, Vajiravudh began suffering from a severe illness and was brought to Ko Sichang by his father to recover. Prince Vajiravudh

5439-454: The dramatic decrease in the number of rain trees. On 15 January 1962, he brought five trees from Hua Hin and planted them in front of the university auditorium, proclaiming: "...I give these five trees as an eternal memorial." ( Thai : จึงขอฝากต้นไม้ไว้ห้าต้นให้เป็นเครื่องเตือนใจตลอดกาล ). Chulalongkorn University consists of 19 faculties, three colleges, one school and many institutes which function as teaching and research units. In 1917,

5550-579: The end of the kingdom, the two old concepts returned as symbolized by the change in the style of the kings: "Pho" was changed to "Phaya" or Lord. The Sukhothai Kingdom was supplanted by the Ayutthaya Kingdom , which was founded in 1351 by King Ramathibodhi I . During the Ayutthayan period, the idea of kingship changed. Due to ancient Khmer tradition in the region, the Hindu concept of kingship

5661-757: The end of the war. Participation in the war allowed Siam to later negotiate with the Western powers as a partner, albeit a junior one. Although the Siamese pilots who trained in France did not see combat because the war ended, Siam's participation in the First World war led to the founding of the Royal Thai Airforce and the airborne postal service. The Royal Siamese Transport Corps (Ror Yor) and Medical Corps did see front line action, but not in combat. Nineteen soldiers died, some in accidents, but mainly from

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5772-614: The export of rice, the main Siamese export since the Bowring Treaty . Queen Mother Saovabha , Vajiravudh's mother, died in 1919. Siamese participation in World War I opened the way to reconciliation, first with the United States in 1920, then to redress the unequal treaties imposed by Western powers in the 19th century. In spite of the financial crisis, railway constructions continued. The railway reached Narathiwat and

5883-410: The faculty colour is attached to the centre of the felt strip longitudinally. Officers' (lecturers, university council members, vice-chancellor and chancellor ) gown is faced with a pink strip and centred with a gold thread, regardless of the faculty. The specially designed gown with a yellow facing is reserved for the king of Thailand, who is also Visitor to the University . Vajiravudh authorized

5994-498: The first Siamese Field Marshal . On 11 November 1910, Vajiravudh underwent a provisional coronation ceremony , with a more lavish one planned for after the funerary rites of his father were complete. His first act following his accession to the throne was to build the Royal Pages College, subsequently renamed Vajiravudh College by King Prajadhipok to honour his brother. It was built as an all-boy's boarding school in

6105-1637: The first and only time before his demise on the 26 November 1925. The throne passed to his brother, Prajadhipok, who named Vajiravudh's daughter as Princess Bejaratana . The 1930 poem "Elegia do rei de Sião" ("Elegy to the King of Siam") by Brazilian modernist poet Carlos Drummond de Andrade is dedicated to Vajiravudh. Chakri dynasty Kings Viceroys Deputy Viceroy Crown Prince Hereditary Prince Royalty Siamese Monarchy of Thailand Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) Dipangkorn Rasmijoti Paetongtarn Shinawatra ( PTP ) Phumtham Wechayachai ( PTP ) Suriya Juangroongruangkit ( PTP ) Anutin Charnvirakul ( BTP ) Pirapan Salirathavibhaga ( UTN ) Pichai Chunhavajira ( PTP ) Prasert Jantararuangtong ( PTP ) Wan Muhamad Noor Matha ( PCC ) Mongkol Surasajja [REDACTED] Wan Muhamad Noor Matha ( PCC ) Pichet Chuamuangphan ( PTP ) Paradorn Prissanananthakul ( BTP ) Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut ( PP ) [REDACTED] Mongkol Surasajja Kriangkrai Srirak Bunsong Noisophon President: Chanakarn Theeravechpolkul President: Prasitsak Meelarp President: Nakarin Mektrairat Diplomatic missions of / in Thailand Passport Visa requirements Visa policy Borders : Cambodia Laos Malaysia Myanmar (Maritime : India Indonesia Vietnam) Foreign aid The monarchy of Thailand

6216-415: The former name of the university, King Chulalongkorn authorized the use of his personal emblem as a school emblem. The emblem is called Phra Kiao , a Thai coronet , royal headgear for young princes and princesses. As the school was transformed into the university, the King authorized the use of phra kiao . Today, phra kiao appears not only in formal letters and transcripts, but also on souvenirs made by

6327-554: The founding of the Sukhothai Kingdom in 1238, with a brief interregnum from the death of Ekkathat to the accession of Taksin in the 18th century. The institution was transformed into a constitutional monarchy in 1932 after the bloodless Siamese Revolution of 1932 . The monarchy's official ceremonial residence is the Grand Palace in Bangkok , while the private residence has been at the Dusit Palace . The king of Thailand

6438-590: The future of our state may lay upon them". Later he also raised the Civil Servant School to "Chulalongkorn Academy for Civil Officials", then Chulalongkorn University . Both Vajiravudh College and Chulalongkorn University still benefit from the funds that King Vajiravudh set aside for the use of the two elite institutions. He also improved Siamese healthcare systems and set up some of the earliest public hospitals in Siam, Vajira Hospital in 1912 and Chulalongkorn Hospital in 1914. In 1911, he established

6549-411: The god Vishnu and that he was a Bodhisattva (enlightened one), therefore basing his power on his religious power, his moral power, and his purity of blood. The king, portrayed by state interests as a semi-divine figure, then became—through a rigid cultural implementation—an object of worship and veneration to his people. From then on the monarchy was largely removed from the people and continued under

6660-539: The governance of Pattani Province, emphasizing local freedom and tax measures. King Vajiravudh was one of Thailand's most highly renowned artists, writing modern novels, short stories, newspaper articles, poems, plays, and journals. He translated many of English literature and French literature into Thai, Among his works were translations of three Shakespeare plays: The Merchant of Venice , As You Like It , and Romeo and Juliet . He wrote many other pieces promoting Thai nationalism , one of his nationalistic works

6771-536: The government. He lived in exile in the United Kingdom until his death in 1941. The king was replaced by his young nephew Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII). The new king was 10 years old and was living abroad in Switzerland . A council of regents was appointed in his place. During this period the roles and powers of the king were entirely usurped by the fascist government of Plaek Phibunsongkhram , who changed

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6882-580: The greatest period of cultural, economic, and military growth in Thai history . The Kings of Ayutthaya created many institutions to support their rule. Whereas feudalism developed in the European Middle Ages , Ayutthayan King Trailokanat in the 15th century instituted sakdina , a system of social hierarchy which ranked the king's subjects according to the amount of land they were entitled to, according to their rank and position. Rachasap

6993-492: The guidelines issued by the Council of University Presidents of Thailand. Bachelor's Degrees: Chulalongkorn University has research organizations in many fields of study. QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024: Chula ranked number one in Thailand in 32 disciplines The university campus occupies an area of 637 rai (101.9 ha; 252 acres) in the downtown Pathum Wan District . It accounts for just over half of

7104-468: The intendants of monthons in the region—thus concentrating local administrative powers in his hands—much to the dismay of Prince Damrong. Radicals expected a new constitution upon the coronation of Vajiravudh. However, no constitution was forthcoming. In 1911, the Wuchang Uprising that led to the fall of Qing dynasty prompted Siamese radicals to act. So, for the first time in Siam, an attempt

7215-561: The king disagreed with Prince Damrong, Minister of Interior, over Damrong's negotiation of the Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909 that ceded four sultanates to the British Empire. Vajiravudh reformed his father's monthon system by creating the "paks" ( Thai : ภาค ) or "regions" over the administrative monthons. Each pak was governed by an Uparaja ( viceroy ) directly responsible to the king. The Uparaja presided over

7326-408: The king was homosexual and that this would have prevented him from accession if the law of succession had not been reformed. Anderson was the first modern scholar to break the taboo and write about the king's personal preferences. In 1924, Vajiravudh promulgated his Law of Succession, which has since become the code for Chakri dynasty successions. According to the law, the throne would be passed to

7437-405: The king was an absolute monarch in the European sense. However, in Siamese tradition the duty and responsibility of the king was seen as developed from the ancient Indian theories of royal authority , which resemble Enlightened Absolutism , although the emphasis is not on rationality but on Dhamma . This was disrupted in 1767, when Thai digests of the dhammasāt ( ธรรมศาสตร์ ) were lost when

7548-421: The king's sons and grandsons. However, in the case of Vajiravudh who had no sons, the throne would pass to his eldest "true" or full brother, that is, a brother who shared both the same father and mother, Queen Saovabha Phongsri . The law gave priority to the descendants of princes born to Queen Saovabha, then to Queen Savang Vadhana , and then to Queen Sukhumala Marasri . The law also forbade princes whose mother

7659-434: The latter as regent , from the king's death in 1868 until 1873). Chulalongkorn (Rama V) ascended the throne as a minor at age 15 in 1868, and as King of Siam on 16 November 1873. As a prince, he had been tutored in Western traditions by the governess , Anna Leonowens . Intent on reforming the monarchy along Western lines, during his minority he traveled extensively to observe western administrative methods. He transformed

7770-448: The marriage was never held and the couple then separated. Princess Vallabha Devi was house-arrested in the Grand Palace from then on. In 1921, Vajiravudh married Prueang Sucharitakul , who was a daughter of Lord Suthammamontri and elevated her to Lady Sucharitsuda. He then married Sucharitsuda's sister, Prabai Sucharitakul , with the title of Lady Indrani. In 1922, Lady Indrani was elevated to Princess and Queen Indrasakdisachi. However,

7881-421: The monarchy along Western lines of an " enlightened ruler ". He abolished the practice of prostration in front of the monarch, and repealed many laws concerning the relationship between the monarch and his people, while continuing many of the ancient aspects and rituals of the old kingship. In 1874, he created a privy council copied from the European tradition, to help him rule his Kingdom. During his reign Siam

7992-648: The monarchy into the 20th century. The perceived slow pace of reform resulted in the Palace Revolt of 1912 . In 1914, Vajiravudh determined that the act providing for invoking martial law , first promulgated by his father in 1907, was not consistent with modern laws of war , nor convenient for the preservation of the security of the state, so it was amended to a more modern form that, with minor amendments, continued in force through subsequent changes in government. Prajadhipok (Rama VII) succeeded his brother in 1925. The Eton and Sandhurst educated monarch created

8103-475: The monarchy" to 18 billion baht (US$ 514 million), an increase of 28 per cent for this budget line item since 2014 when it took power. Budget allocations to support the monarchy in FY2020 amount to 29.728 billion baht, or 0.93% of the total budget. *Including regional kingdoms and polity The present set of royal regalia of Thailand (Khrueang Raja Kakudhabhand, Thai : เครื่องราชกกุธภัณฑ์) and

8214-453: The monarchy." The campaign includes television commercials, seminars in schools and prisons, singing contests, and competitions to write stories and films praising the king. "This is not propaganda," Prayut Chan-o-cha , the leader of the junta, said. "The youth must be educated on what the king has done." In its fiscal year (FY) 2016 budget, the ruling military government has increased its expenditure for "upholding, protecting and preserving

8325-578: The name of the kingdom from Siam to Thailand , and aligned it on the side of the Axis powers in the Pacific theatre of World War II . By the end of the war Phibunsongkhram was removed and the young king returned. The Free Thai movement provided resistance to foreign occupation during the war and helped rehabilitate Thailand after the war. After Rama VIII's sudden death from a bullet wound in 1946, Prince Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), aged 19 years old, became

8436-616: The name to "Civil Service College of King Chulalongkorn" ( Thai : โรงเรียนข้าราชการพลเรือนของพระบาทสมเด็จพระจุลจอมเกล้าเจ้าอยู่หัว ) as a memorial to his father and moved the school to Windsor Palace in the Pathumwan District . The King subsidized the construction of a university campus and organized various schools around the city into Chulalongkorn. The college offered eight majors taught by five schools including; King Rama VI realized that education should be provided not only to bureaucrats, but to all people. On 26 March 1917,

8547-654: The new monarch. In establishing his rule, the king was aided by the efforts of the US government, who used the monarchy as a bulwark against communist gains in Southeast Asia. King Bhumibol was the world's longest reigning monarch at the time of his death in October 2016. He died on 13 October 2016 at the age of 88. Since 2000, the role of the Thai monarchy has been increasingly challenged by scholars, students, media, observers and traditionalists, and as pro-democracy interests began to express their speech. Many deemed that

8658-537: The newly created provinces was reported, Rama VI created a viceroy system. Viceroys, appointed directly by the king, were sent to supervise provincial governors and local officials. In 1912, Vajiravudh announced the change in the solar calendar era from the Rattanakosin Era (R.S.) designated by Chulalongkorn to the Buddhist Era with the year beginning 1 April 2455 BE (1912 CE). In 1913, Siam faced

8769-422: The original is reserved as a formal uniform. The formal uniform is usually worn by student leaders and graduates. Today, the ordinary uniform for male undergraduate students consists of a plain white shirt with long or short sleeves and black (or dark blue) trousers. Wearing a dark blue necktie with colored phra kiao engraved on its front is mandatory for first-year students but optional for higher years. However,

8880-473: The people of Siam a constitution. The king agreed and in December 1932 the people were granted a constitution , ending 150 years of absolute Chakri rule. From then on the role of the monarch was relegated to that of a symbolic head of state. His powers from then on were exercised by a prime minister and the national assembly . In 1935 Prajadhipok (Rama VII) abdicated the throne, following disagreements with

8991-551: The personal use of the monarch, comprising: These unique objects are always placed on either side of the king's throne or his seat during royal ceremonies. Chulalongkorn University During the reign of Chulalongkorn's son, King Vajiravudh , the Royal Pages School became the Civil Service College of King Chulalongkorn. The Rockefeller Foundation was instrumental in helping the college form its academic foundation. On 26 March 1917, King Vajiravudh renamed

9102-408: The plotters, saying that what they did was for the sake of the kingdom. Rama VI inherited his father's plan of building a modern nation although he was more skeptical of outside methods. Disagreements occurred incessantly with "old aristocrats", many of whom were his relatives such as the celebrated Prince Damrong , his uncle, who took charge of the Ministry of Interior. As more and more corruption in

9213-567: The practice of using the name Rama for the Chakri kings in deference to the dynasty and following western practice, being then himself Rama VI. Other than 140,000 Vietnamese colonial troops and workers drafted by the French , Siamese troops were the only Southeast Asians in the European theatre of World War I. However, the Siamese troops did not see much action, as they arrived in Europe towards

9324-428: The price of rice soared. The government faced public criticism due to its tepid response. The major cause of the problem was the hoarding of rice. Chinese millers and rice merchants bought huge amounts of rice from farmers for export to Singapore, the largest rice market in the region. Price speculation was rampant. The government imposed a ban on rice exports. At the same time, public servants asked for higher wages due to

9435-458: The public in 1925 at his expense. The coup plan was leaked. Captain Yut Kongyu, who was selected as the assassin by lottery , told Mom Chao Prawatpan, and then Prince Chakrabongse , of the intended coup. Prince Chakrabongse arrested all the conspirators. Their sentences were severe, ranging from execution to long-term imprisonment. However, Vajiravudh rescinded the punishments and released

9546-479: The queen suffered two miscarriages. In 1924, Vajiravudh married Krueakaew Abhaiwongse, later renamed Suvadhana , a daughter of Lord Aphaiphubet. Queen Indrasakdisachi was then demoted to Princess Consort in 1925. Vajiravudh had only one child, a daughter with Suvadhana , Princess Bejaratana Rajasuda ( Thai : เพชรรัตนราชสุดา ; 1925–2011). In his influential book Imagined Communities , Anglo-Irish political scientist and historian Benedict Anderson speculated that

9657-844: The rest of country. It was upgraded to the School of Agricultural Resources with full degree-granting power on 5 March 2014. In 2014 it became the School of Agriculture, Chulalongkorn University (SAR). In 2019, aiming to address global industry changes and demand for relevant education, Chulalongkorn University launched Chulalongkorn School of Integrated Innovation (ScII) to offer the first in Asia interdisciplinary undergraduate degree in both arts and science - Bachelor of Arts and Science in Integrated Innovation (BAScii). CU's international programs offers 99 international programs, including 17 Bachelor, 48 Master and 34 Doctoral programs . Admissions for international students are based on

9768-535: The rising cost of living. The public, mainly the urban "middle-class", and Chinese traders became more and more unhappy with the government. On 22 July 1917 Vajiravudh declared war on Germany and Austria-Hungary. He aligned Siam with the Allied Powers and expelled German and Austrian officials from the Railway Department and Siam Commercial Bank. He also put the properties of the Central Powers under

9879-552: The royal utensils was created mostly during the reign of King Rama I and Rama IV, after the previous set was lost during the sack of Ayutthaya by the Burmese in 1767. The regalia is used mainly during the coronation ceremony of the king at the beginning of every reign. The regalia is presently on display in the Museum of the Grand Palace in Bangkok. The Thai royal utensils (Phra Khattiya Rajuprapoke; พระขัตติยราชูปโภค) are also for

9990-530: The running of the government. Mongkut (Rama IV) marked a significant break in tradition when he spent the first 27 years of his adult life as a Buddhist monk during which time he became proficient in the English language, before ascending the throne. As king, he continued the appointment of officers to his supreme council, the most notable being Somdet Chao Phraya Prayurawongse and Si Suriyawongse , both of whom acted as Chief Ministers for King Mongkut (and

10101-608: The same tradition as English public schools such as Eton and Harrow . The school was built instead of a royal monastery, formerly a custom of Thai kings, as King Vajiravudh deemed that there were already too many temples in Bangkok. In his own hand written letter, King Vajiravudh wrote that "In the Royal Pages College, what I want is not so much to turn out model boys, all of the same standard, all brilliant scholars with thousands of marks each, as to turn out efficient young men— young men who will be physically and morally clean, and who will be looking forward keenly to take up whatever burden

10212-541: The same year Vajiravudh founded Chulalongkorn University, the first university in Siam, named in honor of his father. In 1918, Vajiravudh founded the Dusit Thani near Dusit Palace as an experimental site for democracy. The democratic institutions were imitated including elections, parliament, and the press. Vajiravudh himself acted as one of the citizens of Dusit Thani, yet the city was criticized by others as another of Vajiravudh's theatrical conceits. During 1918–1919

10323-515: The school would become royal pages. As royal pages, they learned how to manage organizations by working closely with the king, which was a traditional way to enter the Siamese bureaucracy. After serving as royal pages, they would then serve in the Ministry of Interior or other government ministries. On 1 April 1902, the King renamed the school. It became the "Royal Pages School" ( Thai : โรงเรียนมหาดเล็ก ). On 1 January 1911, King Vajiravudh changed

10434-568: The teachings of the Buddha. These ideas were briefly replaced in 1279, when King Ram Khamhaeng came to the throne. Ramkhamhaeng departed from tradition and created instead a concept of " paternal rule " ( Thai : พ่อปกครองลูก) , in which the king governs his people as a father would govern his children. This idea is reinforced in the title and name of the king, as he is still known today, Pho Khun Ram Khamhaeng ( Thai : พ่อขุนรามคำแหง) meaning 'Father Ruler Ram Khamhaeng'. This lasted briefly. By

10545-430: The template of many uniforms used in other universities in Thailand. The academic dress of Chulalongkorn University is based on ceremonial attire called khrui , a gown made from very fine mesh. The robe was originally reserved for pre-ordination monks, ministers and royal family members. Like dresses worn in the United Kingdom , the robe is open-fronted and calf-length. Cap and hood , however, are omitted. The gown

10656-640: The throne and moved the capital from the Thonburi side to the Bangkok side of the Chao Phraya River . There he established the House of Chakri , the current ruling dynasty of Thailand. (This first reign was later designated as that of Rama I in the list of Rama Kings of Thailand .) He also established the office of Supreme Patriarch as the head of the Sangha , the order of Buddhist monks . During

10767-413: The university as well as student uniforms. Undergraduates are required to wear a uniform when studying, taking examinations, or contacting the university in person. Male graduate students wear a collared or polo shirt and dark trousers. Women wear a plain blouse with long skirt. Originally, the university uniform was adapted from a uniform worn by Chulalongkorn's heirs. The uniform was later updated, but

10878-453: The university had four faculties: Arts and Sciences, Public Administration, Engineering, and Medicine. The Faculty of Law was established in 1933 as part of the Faculty of Law and Political Science. From the 1930s to the 1950s it expanded to various fields including Pharmacy (1934), Veterinary Science (1935), Architecture (1939), Dentistry (1940), and Commerce and Accountancy (1943). In 1943, the regency government under General Phibun separated

10989-721: The university to use the traditional Thai gown instead of the western one, but the regulation on this matter was enacted in 1930 by Prajadhipok. Rain trees are common on the university campus. They are associated with the cycle of student life. Fresh green leaves at beginning of the term represent the freshmen's naivete. As the tree produces slimy pods and sheds leaves, the ground beneath it becomes slippery, thus alerting students to prepare for examinations. If they walk carefully, they will not slip (pass examinations). If they walk heedlessly, they will slip and fall (fail examinations). From 1937–1957, many rain trees were cut down to free space for new buildings. King Bhumibol Adulyadej noticed

11100-560: Was a later political construct. Prince Chula Chakrabongse classified him as a liberal. Vajiravudh wrote a letter (held in the Gloucestershire Archives , England) to his friend Maynard Colchester Wemyss setting out his reasons for going to war, dated 18 September 1917. Wemyss was guardian to King Bhumipol's father and two of his brothers. Vajiravudh described the presence of Imperial German spy activity in Bangkok, allying with business groups for economic arrangements after

11211-437: Was among those writers who introduced mysteries and detective stories to the Thai reading public. He translated Agatha Christie 's Hercule Poirot novels into Thai, and created the character " Nai Thong-In " ( Thai : นักสืบนายทองอิน ) as a Siamese consulting detective, using Sir Arthur Conan Doyle 's Sherlock Holmes and Edgar Allan Poe 's Dupin as an archetypes. He translated Sax Rohmer 's The Golden Scorpion . The king

11322-470: Was applied to the status of the leader. Brahmins took charge in the royal coronation . The king was treated as a reincarnation of Hindu gods . Ayutthaya historical documents show the official titles of the kings in great variation: Indra , Shiva and Vishnu , or Rama . Seemingly, Rama was the most popular, as in "Ramathibodhi". However, Buddhist influence was also evident, as many times the king's title and "unofficial" name "Dhammaraja", an abbreviation of

11433-596: Was expanded north and east. The construction of the Rama VI Bridge carrying the railway over the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok began in 1922 and the same year the railway reached Chiang Mai . However, the treasury was in such straits that a large loan from Britain was negotiated. Also in 1922, an insurgency occurred in Pattani over new taxation policies. It was readily suppressed by the Nakorn Sri Thammarat Regiment. In 1923, Vajiravudh announced his six principles in

11544-498: Was first educated in the royal palace in Thai and English. His full siblings were Bahurada Manimaya , Tribejrutama Dhamrong , Chakrabongse Bhuvanath , Siriraj Kakudhabhand , Asdang Dejavudh , Chudadhuj Dharadilok and Prajadhipok , who succeeded him as King Rama VII. In 1895, his half-brother Crown Prince Vajirunhis died and Vajiravudh was appointed the new Crown Prince of Siam . In 1898, he continued his education in Britain at

11655-508: Was foreign from the throne. This referred to his brother, Prince Chakrabongse, who had married a Russian woman. His son, Prince Chula Chakrabongse, was therefore barred from the throne. In 1924, King Vajiravudh, accompanied by Suvadhana, visited the Federated Malay States. The reconciliation with European powers on unequal treaties progressed gradually, while the financial crisis was taking a great toll on Siam as another loan

11766-429: Was his supervision of the construction of the equestrian statue of King Chulalongkorn . Chulalongkorn died on 23 October 1910, and Vajiravudh succeeded his father as king of Siam. Even before his coronation, Vajiravudh initiated several reforms. He organized Siam's defence and established military academies. He created the rank of "general" for the first time in Siam, with his uncle, Prince Bhanurangsi Savangwongse as

11877-505: Was made to overthrow the monarchy and establish democracy. The immediate cause, however, occurred even before Vajiravudh's coronation. In 1909, Crown Prince Vajiravudh ordered a Thai Royal Military Academy student who had had an argument with one of Vajiravudh's pages to be caned. Academy alumni were further provoked by Vajiravudh's creation of the Wild Tiger Corps , seen by the army as a threat to their prerogatives. The plotters were relatively young army and naval officers, students during

11988-508: Was pressured to relinquish control of its old tributaries of Laos and northern Malaya to Western powers, Siam itself narrowly avoided being colonized. In 1905, 37 years after his coronation, Chulalongkorn ended slavery with the Slave Abolition Act. In 1867 slaves accounted for one-third of the Siamese population. His son, Vajiravudh (Rama VI), ascended to the throne in 1910 and continued his father's zeal for reform to bring

12099-686: Was returned from Kasetsart University and the Faculty of Medicine at Chulalongkorn Hospital was moved from University of Medical Sciences to Chulalongkorn University. In 1972, the Faculty of Dentistry and Faculty of Pharmacy were reinstated. The Office of the Commission on Agricultural Resource Education (OCARE) was established in 2009. It is not an administrative office, but a school in which teaching and research are carried out. It admits students from two groups: one from northern Thai provinces ( Nan , Phayao , Phrae , Uttaradit ) and another from

12210-416: Was taken from Britain and the firing of numerous government officials occurred. In 1925 Vajiravudh had to dissolve his Nakorn Sri Thammarat Regiment and merged provinces into larger units to lower maintenance costs. In November 1925, it was announced that Vajiravudh fell ill. Princess Consort Suvadhana was then pregnant. Vajiravudh then announced his succession instructions: if Princess Suvadhana gave birth to

12321-655: Was well-versed in Sanskrit and Hindu literature, including the Ramayana and the Mahabharata epics. He translated many stories from the two epics into Thai and also wrote plays inspired by Hindu literature. He was influenced by Rama , the incarnation of Lord Vishnu and hero of the Ramayana epic, to the extent that he systemized and promoted the use of the name Rama as the (English) reign names of all Thai kings of

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