King Chulalongkorn the Great or Rama V is a very important figure in Thai culture. If I had to rate his importance, I’d place him number three below the reigning King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), and Buddha, respectively. Of course Thais are not willing to offer a ranking of the three and will simply say all three are important.

In a quote taken from Wikipedia, Rama V is regarded as one of the greatest kings of Siam [Thailand]. The Thais call him “The Great Beloved King”. He is also known to Thais as “father of modernization.” From what I understand, this was the King, played by Yul Brynner, in the movie musical “The King and I”, understandably banned in Thailand for insulting his legacy and the Thai people. As was the book it was based on.

Rama V is so revered he is seen as, for a lack of better description, a divine entity. He is worshiped daily at public statues, and most homes and shops have a picture of the King hanging on a wall, usually next to a photo of Rama IX. A picture of Rama V is often included in Buddhist altars, or has its own altar.

If associated with an altar, offerings of food drink and flowers are made to the King. Rama V prefers roses, Fanta or brandy, and hard boiled eggs.

Regardless of how the King is honored it is believed doing so will bring good luck, and good fortune, and ward off bad spirits. For this reason, hanging a picture of Rama V in your home scores big points with the boys. It also makes them feel more comfortable knowing the bad spirits are being kept at bay.

Framed pictures of Rama V are easy to find. Several shops on the sixth floor of MBK sell them. Best is to ask a Thai boy to help you locate and purchase one, as he will know what to look for and can probably keep the price down a little for you. In all likelihood he will be honored you asked him to help with this. The boy will also help you with deciding on the best location to place or hang the King’s picture. Improper positioning of the King could result in your showing disrespect, so take the boy’s recommendations seriously.

UPDATE

A reader was kind enough to post this comment…

Just read your article about Rama V and wanted to let you know that it was Rama IV (Chulalongkorn’s father) who was the King in “King and I”.