Piyamaharaj commemoration: Toyota honors King Chulalongkorn in Bangkok

Piyamaharaj commemoration: Toyota honors King Chulalongkorn in Bangkok

On October 23, 2025, a significant ceremony was held at Dusit Palace where Mr. Chumphon Petchchumchon, Deputy Director of Public Relations at Toyota Motor Thailand, together with his leadership team, laid a wreath at the monument of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). This happened on the occasion of “Piyamaharaj” Day, which has a special significance in Thailand and is celebrated every year. This honor demonstrates the continued appreciation for the fifth king of the Chakri Dynasty, who reigned from 1868 to 1910 and was posthumously honored as “King Chulalongkorn the Great.”

King Chulalongkorn was not only a monarch, but also a visionary. Born on September 20, 1853, his rule was marked by extensive reforms to modernize Siam. He also managed to secure the country's independence despite pressure from European colonial powers. Of particular note are his efforts to abolish slavery in 1905 and introduce a modern land ownership system. He also initiated numerous government and social reforms that fundamentally changed the lives of his subjects.

A day of remembrance

The ceremony on today's "Piyamaharaj" day is not only directed at the king himself, but also at the legacy he left behind. Chulalongkorn, who ascended the throne at 15, made numerous trips under the guidance of Regent Sri Suriyawongse to learn about the administration of British colonies. He used this knowledge to further develop Siam into a modern state.

His political wisdom and sense of reform culminated in the establishment of the Council of State in 1874 and the Royal Military Academy in 1887, which contributed significantly to reducing the power of the nobility. At the time of his death on October 23, 1910, exactly 115 years ago, Chulalongkorn was a symbol of progress and nationhood. Even after his death, his legacy remains alive through Chulalongkorn University, which was founded in his honor in 1917.

A modern homage

The commemoration was attended by many prominent personalities and citizens who expressed their appreciation for Chulalongkorn's life's work. The event shows once again how important cultural traditions and remembering history are in Thailand. It is not only a celebration of the past, but also an incentive to carry the values ​​he conveyed into the future.

For more details about this celebration, please visit Toyota's official Facebook page Toyota Thailand or MGR Online.