Siamese Life Along the River in the Early Days

In this series of photos, explore everyday life for Bangkokians along Chao Phraya and Bangkok's numerous canals from the early to mid-20th century.

By Bangkok Art and Culture Centre

The National Archives of Thailand

The Siddhiphan Store (1868/1910) by The National Archives of ThailandBangkok Art and Culture Centre

An atmosphere of calm is evoked as one experiences the ebb and flow of everyday life in within the capital of Bangkok

The Chao Phraya River (1907/1917) by The National Archives of ThailandBangkok Art and Culture Centre

A boy and a Chinese stone figure (1907/1917) by The National Archives of ThailandBangkok Art and Culture Centre

children playing with Chinese stone figures at temples such as Wat Arun,

Wat Rajathiwat (1917/1927) by The National Archives of ThailandBangkok Art and Culture Centre

monks at temples which date back to the early Rattanakosin and late Ayutthaya periods

Wat Sai (1917/1927) by The National Archives of ThailandBangkok Art and Culture Centre

Tamnak Thong at Wat Sai, an Ayutthaya-era temple.

According to local lore, this wooden pavilion, once covered in golden detailing, was built by Phrachao Sua, an Ayutthayan king. The local community believe it to have been used as a rest house for the monarch.

Paknam (1907) by The National Archives of ThailandBangkok Art and Culture Centre

and the daily activity of people living alongside the Chao Phraya River.

Chao Phraya River at Paknam (1907) by The National Archives of ThailandBangkok Art and Culture Centre

The Charoen Krung and Mahachai Roads (1897/1910) by The National Archives of ThailandBangkok Art and Culture Centre

This is an act of intermission, a period of stillness before change and movement within the country become more pronounced.

Tap to explore

Walk through the exhibition space to enjoy
Calm Interlude in Siam

See wonderful moments of East-West encounters...
Credits: Story

The Ministry of Culture, Thailand
The Fine Arts Department
The National Archives of Thailand
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration
Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC)
Sirivadhanabhakdi Foundation
Thai Beverage PLC
The Royal Photographic Society of Thailand
The Photographic Arts Foundation
Wet Plate and Alternative Process Thailand

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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