Known as the king who modernized Thailand, Chulalongkorn Rama V was able to avert the colonization of his country. During his reign (1868-1910), he reformed Thailand’s administration, economy, education and science, transforming the traditional society and establishing the foundations of a modern state. One of his major achievements as sovereign was the abolition of slavery. After 30 years of effort, he prevailed on the slave-owners and Thailand abolished slavery on March 31, 1895.
An exhibition of 21 panels representing facets of his private and political life will be presented by Virasakdi Futrakul, Thailand’s Ambassador to France and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, and UNESCO Deputy Director-General Marcio Barbosa (Ségur Hall, 6.40 p.m.). At 7 p.m., Sumet Tantivejakul, General Secretary of the Chaipattana Foundation, and Professor Gilles Delouche, President of INALCO (Institut national des langues et civilisations orientales, France), will participate in a public debate on the various aspects of the work of King Chulalongkorn, Rama V.