Ayutthaya — On 23 October 2026, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University (MCU), Wang Noi District, Ayutthaya Province, organized the "King Chulalongkorn Memorial Day 2026" event to express profound gratitude for the royal benevolence of King Chulalongkorn (King Rama the Fifth). The ceremony was warmly attended by the university board of executives, faculty members, staff, students, and the general public.

The morning activities began with a wreath-laying procession led by a marching band, moving from the front of the 48th Birthday Anniversary Building (MCU Hall) to the Tipitaka Museum Building to pay homage to the statue of King Chulalongkorn. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Surapol Suyaprom, Vice-Rector for General Affairs, presided over the wreath-laying ceremony, read a eulogy, and presented royal tributes. He was joined by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suwara Nakayot, President of MCU Alumni Association, along with representatives from various internal and external organizations.

Following this, Most Ven. Prof. Dr. Phra Brahmawatcharatheeracharn, Rector of MCU, presided over the religious ceremony, lighting the candles to worship the Triple Gem and leading the dedication of royal merit (Dakshinanupadana), during which 10 monks performed the funeral liturgy (Sadabpakorn).

In the afternoon, the university hosted the "Four-Region Great Jataka Sermon in Honor of Royal Merit." Assoc. Prof. Dr. Surapol Suyaprom presided over the opening ceremony and lit the sermon candle at the pulpit. The event featured the recitation of the Great Jataka (Vessantara Jataka) in four regional Thai dialects across 13 cantos (Kands). Attendees listened to the sermons and participated in making merit, with opportunities provided for host sponsors to donate to the Buddhist Management Foundation.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Surapol Suyaprom stated "Today's Four-Region Great Jataka Sermon not only preserves a valuable, long-standing Buddhist tradition, but it is also a meaningful occasion for executives, faculty, staff, and students to collectively make royal merit for King Chulalongkorn. His Majesty bestowed immense benevolence upon the Thai people, laid the foundation for national education, and founded Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University. Listening to the Great Jataka Sermon yields great spiritual merit while highlighting the virtues of giving and self-sacrifice for the public good, following in the footsteps of the Great Beloved King."

The event concluded successfully, standing as a testament to the university community's loyalty and remembrance of King Rama V’s royal benevolence, while preserving the rich cultural heritage and wholesome traditions of Buddhism for future generations.