Today marks the anniversary of the death of King Rama V who is regarded by many people as one of the most important monarchs in recent Thai history. Every year, on the 23rd October, Thai people remember him on this day which is known as Chulalongkorn Day or Piya Maharaj Day in Thai. King Rama V is credited with abolishing slavery and also pushing forward reforms that helped modernize the country. Every city in the country has their own statue of King Rama V. On this day people gather at the statue to commemorate his life and also to lay a wreath at the foot of the statue. In Samut Prakan the Governor lays a wreath at three different statues. At the City Hall, the Navy Academy and Phra Chulachomklao Fortress.