Skip to content
Groetjes from Thailand
  1. Groetjes uit Thailand
  2. Festivals and holidays
  3. Chulalongkorn Day

National · Statue of King Rama V, Royal Plaza, Bangkok · Bangkok

Chulalongkorn Day

วันปิยมหาราช

On 23 October Thailand honours King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), who reigned from 1868 to 1910 and modernised the country: he abolished slavery and introduced schools, railways and a new administration.

23 October 2026

Free entry1 day

📅 When and where📍 On the map

Equestrian statue of King Chulalongkorn in Bangkok at sunrise (photo: samfotograf, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons)
Photo: samfotograf, CC BY-SA 4.0

When and where

2026 · Confirmed23 October 2026📅 Add to your calendar (.ics)
2027 · Confirmed23 October 2027📅 Add to your calendar (.ics)
PlaceStatue of King Rama V, Royal Plaza, BangkokBangkok · location approximate

When: 23 October

Rule: Fixed date. 2026: Friday 23 October; 2027: Saturday 23 October (bank substitute day Monday 25 October).

Dates can change. Check the current date shortly before your trip with the local organisers or the tourist office.

About Chulalongkorn Day

On 23 October Thailand honours King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), who reigned from 1868 to 1910 and modernised the country: he abolished slavery and introduced schools, railways and a new administration. Thousands lay flowers, fragrant garlands and incense at his equestrian statue on Royal Plaza. Many Thais also visit their own temple. It is a quiet, respectful day. It is a national day of remembrance; government offices and banks are closed, and the mood is subdued and respectful.

Getting there

Royal Plaza is in the Dusit district; take a taxi or the MRT plus a short ride.

Highlights

  • Statue at Royal Plaza Visitors lay flowers and incense at the Rama V statue.
  • Modernizer of Siam Slavery abolished, railways and schools built.
  • Dusit district Dusit Palace and Vimanmek Mansion show his legacy.

Tips for Chulalongkorn Day

  • Dress neatly; many people lay pink roses at the statue.
  • Banks and government offices are closed.
  • Come in the morning before the crowds.

Chulalongkorn Day on the map

Pinch to zoom; tap a point for more info. Open circles: approximate location.

The location on the map is approximate.

National holiday; the map shows the equestrian statue of Rama V on Royal Plaza in Bangkok.

Video: Chulalongkorn Day

Learn Thai Holidays - Chulalongkorn Day · Learn Thai with ThaiPod101.com. Video from YouTube; it only loads when you click.

Frequently asked questions about Chulalongkorn Day

When is Chulalongkorn Day in 2026?

Chulalongkorn Day falls in 2026 on 23 October and is celebrated nationwide; a well-known spot is Statue of King Rama V, Royal Plaza, Bangkok. Rule: 23 October. An official or clearly documented source confirms this date.

When is Chulalongkorn Day in 2027?

Chulalongkorn Day falls in 2027 on 23 October and is celebrated nationwide; a well-known spot is Statue of King Rama V, Royal Plaza, Bangkok. Rule: 23 October. An official or clearly documented source confirms this date.

Where is the best place to see Chulalongkorn Day?

Watch it best at Statue of King Rama V, Royal Plaza, Bangkok. Visitors lay flowers and incense at the Rama V statue. Royal Plaza is in the Dusit district; take a taxi or the MRT plus a short ride. Slavery abolished, railways and schools built. Highlight: Dusit district – Dusit Palace and Vimanmek Mansion show his legacy.

Main page