Assoc. Prof. Dr. Saravudh Sutummasa, Acting Vice-President for Special Affairs, led a group of STOU personnel in honoring the statue of King Rama V with a commemorative wreath on the occasion of Chulalongkorn Day on 23 October 2012. This day celebrates the memory of King Rama V, also known as King Chulalongkorn (r. 1868-1910). His strong leadership and wise diplomacy were instrumental in ensuring that Thailand was not colonized by the Western powers that were exercising authority in the region at that time, and his progressive domestic administration elevated the quality of life of the Thai people. Because of the extraordinary accomplishments of his 42-year reign and his status as one of the most beloved of Thai kings, King Rama V was also given the name “Phra Piya Maharat”, which means the Great Beloved King.