Siam Through the King's Eyes

From the period in which King Mongkut reigned (1851-1868), we start to see a shift not only within the lives of Siamese people but also within the lives of Siamese monarchs and their families.

Interest in and interaction with Western customs and beliefs contributed towards a personalization and humanization of Kingship in Siam

And strict royal traditions, which had previously governed the lives of “divine-like” Siamese monarchs and their families, began to loosen and relax.

The royal family rarely traveled outside of Bangkok in the early Rattanakosin (Bangkok) Era

However, beginning in reign of King Mongkut, Kings and their families traveled for the purpose of relaxation and wellness,

and palaces were constructed as residences outside the capital of Bangkok, such as Khao Wang (Phra Nakhon Khiri) in Phetchaburi and Bang Pa-In in Ayutthaya.

During the subsequent reign of King Mongkut’s son, King Chulalongkorn, this shift became more evident as the King traveled outside of Bangkok with his family throughout Siam,

The mood was light and whimsical, and most importantly: personal and warm.

We are taking a journey rooted in the present, traveling in parallel with King Chulalongkorn as he and his family enjoy the sun and salty air of Si Chung Island,

and as they travel to Kamphaeng Phet wherein they explore historic sites, such as the ruins of this stupa at Wat Chedi Chet Yot in the ancient city of Traitrung, Kamphaeng Phet.

Remains of a Buddha image, Wat Phra Kaew, in the ancient city of Traitrung, Kamphaeng Phet.

And in Nakhon Sawan where they perform theatrical productions amongst one another, such as this scene from the historical annals of Ayutthaya, performed by H.R.H. Prince Prachaksinlapakhom, H.R.H. Prince Sanphasat Suphakit, and Phraya Boran Buranurak

In any case, both royal trips within Siam took place towards the end of King’s reign in 1904 and 1906. And it was during this period that King Chulalongkorn suffered the loss of many of his children including H.R.H Prince Urubhongse Rajasombhoj.

Prince Urubhongse was born later in His Majesty’s reign, and the two shared a close and affectionate relationship. The King had referred to the Prince as his reliable staff, or cane, which he would take with him wherever he went. The King took the Prince on his trips both in Siam and abroad.

When Prince Urubhongse passed away at a young age, the King mourned deeply.

This temporary structure was built for the cremation of Prince Urubhongse at Suan Misakawan when he passed away in 1909.

The King stated, “I am no longer able to stand being in Bangkok any longer, as I feel incredibly unwell. I am leaving for Petchaburi, and I will only return when I feel better.”

King Chulalongkorn passed away one year following the death of the Prince.