Chulalongkorn is known as one of Siam's (or Thailand's) greatest rulers. He was the fifth Chakri Dynasty monarch, ruling from 1868 to 1910. During that time, he fended off the encroaching British and French, who claimed colonial possessions on either side of Siam.
Like his father, King Chulalongkorn was fascinated by western science and inventions. He traveled widely, adopting and adapting some European ways while maintaining Siam's culture and sovereignty.
The boy shown here, Crown Prince Vajirunhis, died of typhoid fever in 1895 at the age of 16. His younger half-brother, Vajravudh, went on to become King Rama VI.
Like his father, King Chulalongkorn was fascinated by western science and inventions. He traveled widely, adopting and adapting some European ways while maintaining Siam's culture and sovereignty.
The boy shown here, Crown Prince Vajirunhis, died of typhoid fever in 1895 at the age of 16. His younger half-brother, Vajravudh, went on to become King Rama VI.