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King Chulalongkorn, the "Royal Buddha", the "Great Beloved King" was ruler of Siam from 1868 to 1910. His reign oversaw a great deal of social progress and modernization in Siam. His astute statesmanship also ensured that Siam remained the only country in Southeast Asia not colonized by European powers. Some territory was ceded to the British in Burma and the French in Indochina but through skillful diplomacy, dealing with foreigners in Siam and making trips abroad King Chulalongkorn ensured the survival and independence of his country. He built railroads, reformed the system of taxation, modernized the military and reformed the judicial code, getting rid of torture and he abolished slavery and forced labor. For all of this he is revered by the Thai people still to this day and is considered one of the greatest and most beloved kings in the history of Thailand.