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On 23 October, Thailand commemorates the life of King Chulalongkorn on the anniversary of his 1910 passing. King Chulalongkorn, Rama V, born 20th September 1853, was not only largely responsible for modernizing Siam and avoiding colonialism, but also for unifying the Kingdom. His link to the people of Chiangmai was Jao Dara Rasamee, a favoured Royal Consort who hailed from the Northern Province. When Prince Chulalongkorn acceded to the throne in 1868, he was just 15 years old. Siam's House of Nobles decided that Regency must be formed; "a Regency that would govern Siam until the King reached his 20th year", then sent him abroad to learn more about the world. King Chulalongkorn visited neighbouring states in Southeast Asia, and later, British-ruled India. Several months before officially taking the throne, young King Chulalongkorn was ordered as a monk, leaving the monastery just days before his Royal Inauguration on16 October 1873. He certainly has his work cut out for him. During the 19th century, the Kingdom of Siam was merely a loose conglomeration of many "Muang" held by "Jao Muang" ("Muang" means a leading city surrounded by its smaller cities and "Jao Muang" (means appointed or self-appointed rulers). Banditry and piracy were widespread, as there was little in the way of a police force or established judiciary. Tax collectors were little more than thieves, and organised transportation, health services and public education were at best poor and at worst lacking. One strategy for winning loyalty from some 20 autonomous muangs was through royal marriages. Many rulers considered it a great honour to have their daughters accepted as wives or concubines for the King. Procreation on a large scale was expected of a Siamese King, but like everything else Rama V accomplished, this strategy was only part of a larger plan. He ultimately sired 77 children (44 girls, 33 boys). The boys would be educated, well travelled and loyal to the King's vision, and would make perfect choices for key posts across the land.