Bangkok's 150th: A Nation in Transition

The rich history of the Ayutthaya kingdom ended in 1767. Bangkok's founding in 1782 marked a new chapter, as the city became the symbol of Thailand's enduring legacy.

The celebration of the capital city of Bangkok has been conducted on various occasions: the first was when the city was established in 1782, then the centenary of the city in 1882. The 150th anniversary in 1932 also marks an important milestone of national progress.

Prince Naris, the Supreme Councillor of State, envisioned a monument in an allegorical form of a Thai angel, in front of Wat Suthat which was established by King Rama I. The plan also includes landscape planning of a great square in the front. This symbolic tribute aimed to honor the city's rebirth.

According to the Prince of Kamphaengphet, the new bridge would signify the role of King Rama I as a city founder while  boosting economic activities on both sides of the river. The King supported this idea and offered to grant the crown's land to build the bridge and a monument.

"... The Memorial whereby the people of Siam, both Siamese and those of other nationalities who reside and derive benefit in this country, may show their sympathy by contributing towards its realization, with their own free will..."

The 150th anniversary of Bangkok saw a unique blend of public and royal funding. The government committed to the bridge, while a monument was to be funded by public donations, signifying a shared responsibility for the city's future.

The Prince of Kamphaengphet, known for his expertise in construction, believed in the bridge's success, drawing on the experience of building the Rama VI Rail Bridge. This project reflected the nation's rising engineering confidence.

Documents of correspondences between the Prince of Kampaengphet, the Minister of Commerce and Transport, and foreign agencies revealed main specifications for this new bridge which "shall be a drawbridge, about the same length as Rama VI Bridge, and wide enough for 4 cars to pass at the same time."

Despite the government's fiscal consolidation, the celebration was planned to be grand. The total budget is summed as follows:
- Construction of the bridge and the monument, including temporary structures:  3,830,016 Baht and 13,000 Pounds
- Ceremonies and pageants: 132,076 Baht

The court astrologer gave the auspicious time for the laying foundation stone ceremony on Thursday 9 January 1930 between 17:57-18:45. The ceremony was simplified from the previous ones due to the government budget. Courtiers, government officials and foreign guests were invited.

At the ceremony, ten monks were invited to bless the foundation of the bridge before the foundation stone was laid by the King. The stone was laid along with the 20x6x6" airtight lead box containing 5 silver plate inscriptions, the bridge's blueprints, and the coronation medals.

Congratulatory messages from foreign lands were sent via telegram to King Prajadhipok for the occasion. These included telegrams from monarchs & heads of state of Great Britain, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Belgium, Japan, Sweden, the USA, and more.

Commemorative items like medals, stamps, and books were produced to mark Bangkok's 150th anniversary. This pocket knife, featuring images of King Buddha Yodfa (Rama I) and King Prajadhipok (Rama VII), exemplifies the era's patriotic sentiment.

The celebration was successful and the incident which was rumored to have happened during the events did not in fact happen. However less than 3 months later, the military revolt eventually happened during the early hours of Friday 24 June 1932.