Damrong Rajanubhab Day in Thailand Date in the current year: December 1, 2024

Prince Damrong Rajanubhab was the son of King Mongkut and one of his wives. He was born on June 21, 1862 and was educated by private tutors. At the age of 14 he received a formal education in a special palace school. When Rajanubhab was 18, he was appointed the commander of the Royal Guards Regiment. In 1887 he was chosen to become the Minister of Education.

Rajanubhab's ministry is known for its reforms. He united minor provinces into larger ones. He also created a new administrative union, the monthon, that covered several provinces. The provincial governors lost most of their autonomy when the post was converted into appointed and salaried by the ministry.

Prince Damrong Rajanubhab is often called to be the founder of modern Thai educational system: he obliged all ministers and authorities to receive an education and spent much time building schools.