King Chulalongkorn the Great was a son of King Rama IV or King Mongkut and Queen Debsirindra. He was born on September 20, 1853, and named Prince Chulalongkorn. At the age 9, he was appointed by this father as Krommuen Bighaneshavarasurasangkash and then Kromkhun Binij Prajanath at the age of 13.
The first coronation took place on November 11, 1868, under the title “Phrabatsomdech Phraparamindra Mahachulalongkorn Phra Chulachomklao Chaoyuhua.” Because he was only 16 years old, Somdech Chaophrayaborommaha Srisuriyavongse was appointed the King’s Regent. Prince Bovornvijaijan, the elder son of the Second King Pinklao was appointed the Viceroy under the title “Kromphrarajavangbovorn Vijaijan”
During the time of regency, King Chulalongkorn studied various branches of arts and sciences such as Royal Tradition, Public Administration, Archaeology, Pali, English, Military Science, Wrestling, Use of Weapons and Engineering. Moreover, he paid state visits to Singapore and Java twice and India once. It was an observation-tour to study the political systems and administration of the European Imperialists who came to govern the colonies in South Asia and Southeast Asia. In this way, he brought back new knowledge and technology to apply in Thai government. Royal tradition such as uniforms, haircuts and an audience with the king were reformed by the king.
He was ordained as a Buddhist monk for a short period from September 15, to October 11, 1873, and then was installed on the throne in the second coronation on October 16, 1873.