Who was King Prajadhipok?
Journey through the reign of King Prajadhipok, a period marked by significant political and social change.
Prince Prajadhipok Sakdidej (1893) by UnknownKing Prajadhipok Museum
The Young Prince Prajadhipok of Sukhodaya
Prince Prajadhipok, born in 1893, was the youngest son of King Chulalongkorn and Queen Saovabha. He was given the title "Prince of Sukhodaya" after his tonsure ceremony at the age of twelve years old.
The English Schoolboy
Prince Prajadhipok's journey took him to England at age 13, where he studied at the prestigious Eton College and later at Woolwich Military Academy. Upon graduating, he joined the British Royal Horse Artillery before returning to Siam in 1913, just as World War I erupted.
Pjadhipo Bhikku
Upon returning to Siam, the prince's journey continued. He joined the Siamese Army and later embraced Buddhism at age 23. He was ordained as a monk at Bowonniwet Vihara Temple in Bangkok during the Buddhist Lent and received the name "Pjadhipo".
Prince Prajadhipok and Princess Rambhai Barni (1918) by UnknownKing Prajadhipok Museum
The One True Love
In 26 August 1922, Prince Prajadhipok married his half-cousin, Princess Rambhai Barni, at Bangpa-in Palace. The wedding ceremony was notable for its inclusion of western traditions, a first for the Siamese royal family.
King Prajadhipok Coronation (1926) by UnknownKing Prajadhipok Museum
The Coronation
Upon the unexpected death of King Vajiravudh in November 1925, Prince Prajadhipok, aged 32, succeeded to the throne as the 7th king. The coronation ceremony and celebrations took place on 25 February 1926.
King Prajadhipok's visit to leper colony at Chiang Mai (1926) by UnknownKing Prajadhipok Museum
9 Years of Prajadhipok's Reign
King Prajadhipok's nine years on the throne were filled with journeys across Siam to assess the kingdom's condition and promote progress. He also traveled abroad, representing Siam on the world stage.
The First Constitution of Siam
In 1932, a revolution transformed Siam from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional one. King Prajadhipok, though summoned to remain on the throne, oversaw this momentous change. The new constitution, enacted on 10 December 1932, marked a pivotal moment in Siamese history.
King Prajadhipok, King Christian X of Denmark, and the Royal Families on the Royal Yatch Dannebrog (1934-06-26) by unknownKing Prajadhipok Museum
The Constitutional Monarch
In 1933, King Prajadhipok embarked on a European medical trip. This journey, as a constitutional monarch, demonstrated Siam's commitment to a democratic transition and fostered global trust in the country's political stability.
King Prajadhipok Abdication News (1935) by Daily TelegraphKing Prajadhipok Museum
Abdication & Aftermath
In 1935, amidst political turmoil, King Prajadhipok chose to abdicate, disagreeing with the government's reform policies. He remained in England with his consort until his death in 1941.
Grantor of Thailand's Democracy?
King Prajadhipok is often credited with granting Thailand its democracy.
Had he really wanted Thailand to be a democratic country?
Find out more about his role in the making of Thailand's democracy at the King Prajadhipok Museum and the Democracy Learning Centre.
