In 1897 we welcomed Chulalongkorn I, the King of Thailand, then called Siam. He came to Madrid in October 1897 at the age of 44, and his visit revolutionised the capital.
The fifth monarch of the Chakri dynasty was immensely wealthy, spoke French, English and German, wore a British-made frock coat and greeted people by ceremoniously removing his hat. It is said that the working-class people of Madrid called him «the Great Chulón».