King Chulalongkorn Day in Thailand
King Chulalongkorn Day, also known as King Chulalongkorn the Great Memorial Day, is observed in Thailand on October 23. It commemorates the death anniversary of King Chulalongkorn, Rama V, and honours his contributions to the country.[1][2]
Why the day matters
King Chulalongkorn ruled from 1868 to 1910, a period of major change for Siam, as Thailand was then known. Reforms during his reign included ending slavery, changing the administration and legal systems, building a more centralized government, and expanding railways and telecommunications.[3]
The day is specific to Thailand because it remembers a monarch associated with the country’s transformation during a time of colonial expansion in the region. Thailand Foundation’s history describes his diplomatic work as helping Siam preserve its independence while neighbouring countries came under colonial rule.[3]
How the day is observed
A documented observance is the laying of wreaths and paying respects at the King Chulalongkorn Memorial at Dusit Palace in Bangkok. The Prime Minister’s Secretariat reported its officials taking part in a wreath-laying ceremony there on October 23 for the anniversary of the king’s death.[2]
The Bank of Thailand has also reported its executives and staff joining a wreath-laying tribute at the royal memorial on the palace grounds. These official examples show the ceremony’s place in public observance; they do not establish that every community follows the same practice.[4]
Holiday status and time off
Thailand’s official holiday calendar lists October 23 as King Chulalongkorn Memorial Day.[1] For private-sector workers, the Labour Protection Act requires employers to announce at least 13 traditional holidays each year, including National Labour Day, choosing from annual public holidays, religious holidays, or local traditions.[5]
If an employer’s designated traditional holiday falls on an employee’s weekly rest day, the Act provides a substitute holiday on the next working day. For certain work where the employer cannot provide the day off, the employer and employee may agree on another day off or holiday-work pay.[5]
What to expect
The Bank of Thailand lists the date as a holiday for financial institutions and specialized financial institutions, so plan for regular branch services to pause.[1] The holiday listing does not establish whether a specific shop, attraction, or transport service will operate. Check directly with the place or provider you plan to use.
Government offices and schools may follow their own published holiday schedules. For services, opening hours, or appointments, confirm with the relevant office; commercial opening arrangements can also vary by business.[1][5]
Frequently asked questions
When is King Chulalongkorn Day?
Is it a day off for workers in Thailand?
Are banks open?
The Bank of Thailand lists the day as a holiday for financial institutions and specialized financial institutions. Check your bank for branch-specific arrangements and available services.[1]
Will shops and transport operate as usual?
Opening arrangements are not established by the official holiday listings cited here. Check with the individual business or transport provider before travelling.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for King Chulalongkorn Day in Thailand:
- Financial Institutions Holiday- Bank of Thailand
- เลขาธิการนายกรัฐมนตรี ร่วมพิธีวางพวงมาลาถวายสักการะ เนื่องในวันปิยมหาราช- Office of the Prime Minister, Thailand
- King Rama V's Modernization (1868-1910)- Thailand Foundation
- ธปท. ร่วมพิธีวางพวงมาลาถวายบังคมพระบรมราชานุสรณ์พระบาทสมเด็จพระจุลจอมเกล้าเจ้าอยู่หัว เนื่องใน "วันปิยมหาราช" พุทธศักราช 2568- Bank of Thailand
- The Labour Protection Act B.E. 2541- Ministry of Labour, Thailand