The main event yesterday was a wreath =laying ceremony held at the Rama V statue at the old provincial hall on Narisorn Rd in Phuket Town, which served as the home of provincial administration for a century.
The event was attended by local officials, civil servants, the military, police, members of the Red Cross, students, merchants and the general public.
King Chulalongkorn, also known as Piyamaharaj, is remembered for his pivotal reforms that modernised Thailand, including the abolition of slavery, the introduction of European systems such as the use of banknotes and baht coins, and the implementation of new administrative divisions.
His leadership helped prevent the colonisation of Thailand by European powers and guaranteed freedom of religion in the country, said an official report of the event.
King Chulalongkorn passed away on Oct 23, 1910, and remains one of the most revered monarchs in Thai history.
To honour his legacy, the Thai government declared October 23 as Piyamaharaj Day, a national day of remembrance for his kindness and dedication to the country.
After the main ceremony in Phuket Town, Governor Sophon led a volunteer activity to improve the grounds of Wat Phra Khao Monastery in Soi Pasak 4, Cherng Talay
Starting at 2pm, Governor Sophon led a ceremony of honour King Chulalongkorn. Joining the event were Phuket Vice Governor Adul Chuthong, Thalang District Chief Pairoj Srilamul, Muang District Chief Worasit Phutchib, along with a host of government officials, volunteers, students, community leaders and village headmen.
During the ceremony, Governor Sophon expressed gratitude for the King’s kindness, highlighting the Royal Volunteer Project ‘We Do Good Deeds with Our Hearts’, which encourages public service and unity without expecting anything in return.
The project emphasises love and commitment to the nation’s four key institutions: the nation, religion, monarchy, and the people, said another official report.
Following the speech, the governor led the volunteers ina mass cleanup of the area, including along beachfront roads.