Chulalongkorn University (Thai: จุฬาลงกรณ์มหาวิทยาลัย; rtgs: Chulalongkon Mahawitthayalai; pronounced [t͡ɕù.lāː.lōŋ.kɔ̄ːn mā.hǎː.wít.tʰā.jāː.lāj]), officially abbreviated as CU and commonly abbreviated as Chula (Thai: จุฬาฯ), is the oldest university under the Thai modern educational system, founded in 1917 by King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) who named it after his father, King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). It is one of the best universities in Thailand and Southeast Asia according to several university rankings.