From Bangkok to the Far Side of the Pacific
The historic visit of the Siamese reigning monarch to Japan, Canada, and the United States of America in 1931
Prince Prajadhipok observing aeroplanes at Aldershot Camp (1914-05-16) by Queen Mary of TeckKing Prajadhipok Museum
A New Era of Exploration
The 1920s brought transformative changes in transportation, making global travel more accessible. Faster sea travel and emerging civil aviation allowed King Prajadhipok of Siam to embark on a remarkable journey across the Pacific.
King Prajadhipok visited Carlsberg Beer Factory, Copenhagen (1934-06-26) by unknownKing Prajadhipok Museum
King Prajadhipok's Purposeful Travels
Since his ascension to the throne in December 1925, King Prajadhipok used official royal visits as a means to observe the real state of people and the land. While domestic trips helped to plan governmental policies, overseas trips were purposefully planned for diplomacy.
King Prajadhipok at Borobudur (1929-09-11) by unknownKing Prajadhipok Museum
The Overseas Royal Visits of King Prajadhipok
After successful visits to different regions in Siam, King Prajadhipok made overseas royal visits almost annually: in 1929 to Singapore and the East Indies; in 1930 to French Indochina; in 1931 to Japan, Canada, and the US, and in 1934-1935 to Europe.
The Need for an Eye Surgery
King Prajadhipok's left eye suffered from cataracts in 1925. Unable to find a satisfactory solution in Siam, he planned a trip to the US for specialized eye surgery.
King Prajadhipok and Queen Rambhai Barni, filming (1934/1941) by unknownKing Prajadhipok Museum
The Preparations
King Prajadhipok's trip to the US was initially planned as a private visit for medical treatment. However, he saw an opportunity to engage in diplomacy, making part of the trip a state visit.
American news report to King Prajadhipok for the royal visit (1931-05-01) by Mr.Raymond B. Stevens, Chairman of the American Friends of SiamKing Prajadhipok Museum
Public Announcements at Home and Overseas
King Prajadhipok's historic visit to the US in 1931 was carefully orchestrated. Expert advisors, like Raymond B. Stevens and Ralph Hayes, managed public announcements and press releases, ensuring a smooth and positive media experience.
A Royal Visit amidst the Country's Economic Difficulties
King Prajadhipok's 1931 trip prioritized diplomacy while adhering to a strict budget. The Ministry of the Palace allocated 100,000 Baht, while the royal purse provided an additional 550,000 Baht for essential expenses.
Queen Rambhai Barni's Shoes (1949-05-24/1984-05-22) by Chareon Chitt, SilomKing Prajadhipok Museum
Budget and Expenses
King Prajadhipok's 1931 trip involved significant expenses, which were carefully managed through the Privy Purse. These included costs for travel, accommodation, and the entourage's needs.
King Prajadhipok and Entourage (1931) by unknownKing Prajadhipok Museum
The Entourage
Due to the distance and duration of this visit, numbers in his entourage were strictly limited. Only 13 names were listed: 2 nobles, a doctor, the lady-in waiting, an aide-de-camp, Lord Chamberlain, the Royal Secretary and his deputy, Keeper of the Privy Purse, 2 butlers, and 2 maids.
East Asiatic's passenger ship at Bangkok (1912) by unknownKing Prajadhipok Museum
Departure
The historic royal visit began on 19 March 1931 when the King boarded the Royal Yacht Maha Chakri at the palace's pier in Bangkok. The ship sailed to Koh Sichang, where passengers transferred to MS Selandia. The ship made a stop at Halong Bay for a brief visit.
Hong Kong
Upon arriving in Hong Kong on March 31, 1931, King Prajadhipok was greeted by the Governor and Chinese merchants. The royal party enjoyed a city tour and a lunch at the Peninsula Hotel before boarding the "Empress of Japan" for the next leg of their journey.
"Srikrung" Vynil Gramophone Record: Film Soundtrack "Thai-Chinese Unity" (1952) by Srikrung Sound FIlm StudioKing Prajadhipok Museum
Shanghai Waterfront
On April 3, 1931, King Prajadhipok's ship docked in Shanghai. He received a warm welcome from local dignitaries and the Norwegian Ambassador. He explored the city by boat.
Guests of the Emperor of Japan
King Prajadhipok's arrival in Japan was met with a warm welcome by the Empress, followed by a grand dinner hosted by the Emperor at the Imperial Palace. This display of hospitality symbolized the strong diplomatic ties between Siam and Japan.
Token of Friendship: The Pine Tree at Kamakura
On 9 April 1931 , the King visited the Daibutsu at Kōtoku-in Temple in Kamakura. During this visit, he planted a pine tree to commemorate his visit next to the one previously planted decades ago by Prince Vajiravudh, his older brother. Both trees live on until today.
Through the Vast Land of Canada and the Midwest
The Empress of Japan arrived in Victoria on the evening of 16 April 1931. The next day, passengers transferred to the train departing from Vancouver, across the border at Portal, North Dakota, and arrived at Scarborough, New York on 22 April 1931.
Aerial view of Ophir Hall, New York (1910/1940) by unknownKing Prajadhipok Museum
The Ophir Hall near White Plains, New York, was chosen to be the primary royal residence for the king's surgery and recovery. The House was generously offered by Mrs.Elisabeth Mills Reid, wife of the late Mr. Whitelaw Reid, former U.S. Ambassador to the Court of St. James's.
Time Covers - The 30S (1931-04-20)LIFE Photo Collection
The Press Interview
On April 27, 1931, King Prajadhipok granted interviews to American newspapers at Ophir Hall. He discussed Siam's political landscape, demonstrating his fluency in English and gaining positive press coverage.
King Prajadhipok and President Hoover (1931-04-29) by unknownKing Prajadhipok Museum
Guests of President Hoover
Their majesties visited Washington D.C. taking a special train on 29 April 1931, and met with President Robert Hoover at the residence of Mr. & Mrs. Larz Anderson on Massachusetts Avenue. A state banquet hosted by President Hoover took place at the White House the same evening.
A Token of Friendship: the Siamese Silver Niello Bowl
This traditional silver niello bowl with gold trimming and a royal cypher enamel was presented to President Herbert Hoover.
The bowl is now kept at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, USA, and the collection is part of the Great and Good Friends Exhibition, 2018.
A Token of Friendship: Diamond Portrait of King Prajadhipok
This enamel portrait of King Prajadhipok in a gold frame with Cartier diamonds was presented to First Lady Lou Henry Hoover.
The portrait is kept at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, USA, and was part of the Great and Good Friends Exhibition, 2018.
A Token of Friendship: Johns Hopkins University
On 30 April 1931, King Prajadhipok received the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws from George Washington University at the Pan American Union Building, Washington D.C., witnessed by representatives of 7 other American universities, among them was the Johns Hopkins University.
A Token of Friendship: Harvard University
Representatives from Harvard University were also present at the awarding of the Honorary Degree to King Prajadhipok at the Pan American Union Building, Washington D.C., on 30 April 1931.
This document is on display at the King Prajadhipok Museum.
Golden Key of White Plains, New York (Obverse) (1931-05-02) by City of White Plains, New YorkKing Prajadhipok Museum
Token of Friendship: the Golden Key
The city of White Plains, New York, presented a golden key to King Prajadhipok on May 2, 1931, symbolizing his freedom of entry. The key features the Garuda, the Siamese national emblem, and White Plains' symbol and motto.
Golden Key of White Plains, New York (Reverse) (1931-05-02) by City of White Plains, New YorkKing Prajadhipok Museum
A Token of Friendship: the Golden Key
The key was also inscribed with the flag of the city, its motto "Semper Fidelis" - "Always Faithful". It is also inscribed with important years of the city's history: 1683 - the arrival of first settlers, 1776 - national independence, and 1915 - the establishment of the municipality.
King Prajadhipok and Queen Rambhai Barni's Public Audience at New York (1931-05-04) by unknownKing Prajadhipok Museum
Greetings to the American People
On May 4, 1931, King Prajadhipok and Queen Rambai Barni arrived in New York City. They were greeted by Mayor James J. Walker, city officials, and cheering crowds at City Hall.
King Prajadhipok wearing glasses after eye surgery (1933/1934) by unknownKing Prajadhipok Museum
The Eye Surgery
The culmination of King Prajadhipok's journey to the US arrived on May 10, 1931, with a successful eye surgery performed by Dr. John M. Wheeler. This marked a turning point in the King's health and a moment of relief for his entourage.
King Prajadhipok and Queen Rambhai Barni with Babe Ruth, Jack Ruppert, and Amelia Earhart (1931) by unknownKing Prajadhipok Museum
Recovery and Other Activities
The eye bandage was finally removed on 26 May 1931. In June and July, the King and Queen visited a radio station, the Empire State Building, a power plant, Paramount Film Studio, West Point Military Academy, museums and art Galleries, theaters, boarded an airship and more.
Meeting the Inventor
King Prajadhipok's 1931 visit to Thomas Edison's lab was a significant meeting between two influential figures. The King was greeted by the inventor's son, Charles Edison, who led him through the facilities.
King Prajadhipok taken photograph of a caught fish (1931) by unknownKing Prajadhipok Museum
The King in Canada
The King and Queen left the US on 29 July 1931 by train to Montreal, Ottawa (visited the Parliament Hill and dined with the Governor of Canada), Banff National Park, Harrison Hot Springs, Qualicum Beach and Victoria, where they set sail on the liner "Empress of Canada".
King Prajadhipok Planting a Tree in Mayor’s Grove, Beacon Hill Park, Victoria, Canada (1931-09-12) by City of Victoria, CanadaKing Prajadhipok Museum
Token of Friendship: the Commemorative Tree
On 12 September 1931, just before leaving Canada, the royal couple were invited to Mayor’s Grove in Beacon Hill Park, as per the tradition of the city, to plant an Oregon white oak tree in commemoration of their visit.
The tree lives on in Mayor’s Grove, Beacon Hill Park till today.
Commemorate Envelope for King Prajadhipok's visit to Hawaii (1931-09-17) by U.S. Postal Service (USPS)King Prajadhipok Museum
The White Sandy Beach of Hawaii
The liner "Empress of Canada" arrived in Honolulu on 17 September 1931. The Governor took the monarchs for a town visit. The royal couple watched people surf board at the Waikiki Beach and had dinner with the Hawaiian Princess Kawanakoa. The ship departed the next day for Japan.
Souvenir Book Commemorating King Prajadhipok's return to Siam (1931-09) by Newspaper Group of SiamKing Prajadhipok Museum
Home Sweet Home
King Prajadhipok and Queen Rambai Barni's return to Bangkok on 12 October 1931, marked the end of their remarkable journey. The Siamese monarchs had traveled farther than any of their predecessors, and their arrival home was met with a celebratory welcome.
Newsreel and Reports of the Royal Visit
Witness King Prajadhipok's historic 1931 visit to Canada and the US in this Fox Movietone News film. Get a glimpse into the king's diplomatic journey and the era.
King Prajadhipok visited Child Care Center of Employees. (1933-03-16) by UnknownKing Prajadhipok Museum
Impact of the Visit
King Prajadhipok's visit to Japan, Canada, and the US was a success, furthering international relations and increasing Siam's global visibility. This journey helped solidify diplomatic ties between Siam, Japan, and the US, impacting Siam's foreign policy in the following decade.
King Prajadhipok and Queen Rambhai Barni on Board (1933) by UnknownKing Prajadhipok Museum
To Travel the World in King Prajadhipok's Time
What was it like to travel the Pacific and North America with the King in the 1930s?
More details about this historic royal visit of King Prajadhipok awaits to be revealed at King Prajadhipok Studies Centre, part of the King Prajadhipok Museum.
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.