Vajiravudh

As Rama VI, Vajiravudh served as Siam's sixth king of the Chakri dynasty. He governed from October 23, 1910, and his death in 1925. The main contributions of King Vajiravudh to Siamese nationalism are his creation and promotion of it. Siam made further strides toward democracy during his rule, and the country had very little part in World War I. He founded the nation's first institution, Chulalongkorn University, and had a deep interest in Siamese history, archaeology, and literature as well as in economics, politics, and international affairs.

Thai and English were first taught to Prince Vajiravudh in the royal palace. His complete siblings included Chudadhuj Dharadilok, Tribejrutama Dhamrong, Asdang Dejavudh, Asdang Manimaya, Siriraj Kakudhabhand, and Prajadhipok, who succeeded him as King Rama VII. When Vajiravudh's half-brother Crown Prince Vajirunhis passed away in 1895, he was named the new monarch of Siam. After graduating from the Royal Military College, Sandhurst in 1898, he continued his study in Britain and received a captain's appointment in the Durham Light Infantry, which he served for three months of training in the south of England. Being from a royal family, he attended Christ Church in Oxford in 1899 to study law and history while also being a member of the prestigious Bullingdon Club. However, he had appendicitis, which prevented him from receiving his diploma in 1901.