Bangkok's 150th: A Nation in Transition

A look at the ambitious projects undertaken to commemorate the capital city's milestone.

Ayutthaya Elephants Monkolbopitr Temple (1910-02-08) by unknownKing Prajadhipok Museum

The Fall of Ayutthaya and the Rise of Bangkok

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.

View of Bangkok from Wat Arun, photo taken by John Thompson (1865) by John ThomsonKing Prajadhipok Museum

The Past Celebration of Bangkok's Anniversary

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.

Bangkok City Pillar by unknownKing Prajadhipok Museum

Bad Omen and Rumors

Legend has it that 4 snakes were buried under Bangkok's City Pillar in 1782, fueling a prophecy about the monarchy's fate. This ominous sign suggested the dynasty would endure for 150 years, but its downfall would be linked to the snakes.

The Four Zodiac Snakes (1929-04-01) by Bangkok Kan Mueang (ฺBangkok Politics) NewspaperKing Prajadhipok Museum

The Remedy of the Curse

The Celebration of Bangkok's 150th Anniversary was initiated by King Prajadhipok, who was born in the year of the snake, along with 4 other princes & princesses who were also born in the same zodiac year. Many people believed the celebration was a spiritual attempt to lift the curse

People gathered at the Memorial Bridge after the Opening Ceremony (1932-04-06) by unknownKing Prajadhipok Museum

The Initiation

Six years before the 150th anniversary, King Prajadhipok proposed a grand celebration. Public announcements in both Thai and English invited participation, showcasing a level of outreach never seen before in Siam.

Temple of the Emerald Buddha with Lighting Decoration during the 150th Anniversary (1932-04) by unknownKing Prajadhipok Museum

Restoration of the Emerald Buddha Temple

This royal temple within the walls of the Grand Palace was built along with the palace and the City of Bangkok in 1782. Restoring the temple is seen symbolically as national regeneration, and the Royal Court hosted the restoration and public donation for the anniversary event.

Empty Plaza and Sao Ching Cha in front of Wat Suthat, Bangkok (1956/1973) by unknownKing Prajadhipok Museum

Wat Suthat's Unbuilt Monument

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.

Imaginary Drawing of the Memorial Bridge (1929-06) by Officine SaviglianoKing Prajadhipok Museum

The Practical Monument

Prince of Kamphaengphet, the Minister of Commerce and Transport, proposed a grand and practical monument: Bangkok's first cross-river bridge, connecting the city with its historical counterpart, Thonburi.

A copy of the Memorial Bridge's blueprint (1929-06-30) by Messrs. Dorman Long & Co. Ltd., Middlesbrough, UKKing Prajadhipok Museum

To Kill Two Birds with One Stone

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.

Aerial View of the Memorial Bridge and the Surrounded Area (1932/1945) by unknownKing Prajadhipok Museum

Proclamation: The Creation of a National Memorial

"... 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..."

Royal Progress Crossing the Memorial Bridge (1932-04-06) by unknownKing Prajadhipok Museum

A Celebration Despite Economic Hardship

The 1920s saw economic hardship in Siam, but the 150th anniversary of Bangkok was still celebrated. King Prajadhipok, leading the effort, proposed a public memorial to King Rama I as a central piece.

Prince Purachatra led King Prajadhipok to Inspect the Under-construction Memorial Bridge (1929/1931) by unknownKing Prajadhipok Museum

Funding the Bridge and the Monument

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.

Royal Announcement: Donation for the Emerald Buddha Temple Restoration (in Chinese) (1931-01-09) by Prince Damrong Rajanubhab and Phra Chen Chin Aksara (Sudchai Tandakasa)King Prajadhipok Museum

An Invitation to All

The invitation to donate to Bangkok's 150th anniversary was printed in Thai, English and Chinese. This reflected the diverse Siamese population and signaled the government's inclusive approach to national events. Donors received bronze & silver medals as tokens of appreciation.

King Prahadhipok and Princes inspected the Memorial Bridge (1929/1931) by unknownKing Prajadhipok Museum

The Memorial Bridge

The Committee transferred all works related to bridge building to the Ministry of Commerce and Transport, which specialized in the engineering and construction of bridges. The Committee would only focus and be responsible for fund raising and designing the monument.

King Prajadhipok and Queen Rambhai Barni inspected the construction site of the Memorial Bridge (1929/1931) by unknownKing Prajadhipok Museum

The Road's Impact on Land Ownership

The road's construction led to changes in land ownership. Those losing over half their land received government compensation. Landowners retaining more than half were considered beneficiaries and received no compensation. 

King Prajadhipok and Queen Rambhai Barni Inspected the Memorial Bridge Under Construction (1929/1931) by unknownKing Prajadhipok Museum

Construction of the Bridge

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.

Traffic on the Memorial Bridge (1932) by unknownKing Prajadhipok Museum

Bridge Specifications: A Modern Necessity

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."

Drawing of the Memorial Bridge (1930) by Dorman Long & Co., Ltd.King Prajadhipok Museum

Securing the Contractor

Construction companies from the UK, France, Germany, Belgium, the USA, the Netherlands, and Italy were invited to survey and bid for the project. The bridge construction project was awarded to Messrs. Dorman Long & Co.Ltd from Middlesborough, UK, on 1 November 1929.

Lighting Decoration at the Memorial Bridge (1932-04) by unknownKing Prajadhipok Museum

The Budget for the Celebration

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

King Prajadhipok Laid the Foundation Stone of the Memorial Bridge (1930-01-09) by unknownKing Prajadhipok Museum

Laying the Foundation Stone

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.

Monks Blessed the Memorial Bridge during the Opening Ceremony (1932-04-06) by unknownKing Prajadhipok Museum

The Time Capsule

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.

The Royal Progress Cross the Memorial Bridge (1932-06-06) by unknownKing Prajadhipok Museum

The Celebration, April 1932

The state event consisted of 3 parts: 

I. The Celebration of the Capital, 4-8 April 1932 (5 days)
II. The Celebration of the Chakri Dynasty, 8-9 April 1932 (2 days)
III. Buddhist Ceremony Commemorating the Erection of the City Pillar, 23 April 1932 (1 day)

The Ceremonial Marquee at Sanam Luang during the 150th Anniversary of Bangkok Celebration (1932-04-04) by unknownKing Prajadhipok Museum

The Auspicious Time

The royal astrologer had given an auspicious time to begin the celebration which was between 08:05 - 08:21 in the morning. The early morning weather was cooler and the tide was high - ideal for the parade and the royal barges procession.

The Live Event in Motion

The live details of the event were recorded by Sri Krung Sound Film Studio. Being one of the first sound films in Siam, it was narrated with inter-title cards in the same manner as silent films. The narration was done in 3 languages: Thai, English and Chinese (Teochew dialect).

Cover of Le Miroir du Monde, with photo of King Prajadhipok in the Royal Progress (1932-05-07) by Le Miroir du MondeKing Prajadhipok Museum

Blessings of Friendship

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.

Commemorate Pocket Knife for 150th Anniversary of Bangkok (1932) by unknownKing Prajadhipok Museum

The Memorabilia

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.

Bronze Commemorative Medal of 150 Anniversary of Bangkok (1932-04-01) by Mrs. Sa-ard SirisampanKing Prajadhipok Museum

Memorabilia: The 7 Kings Medal

Mrs. Sa-ard Sirisamphan, a Thai goldsmith, designed this medal and donated the sales profits to the Emerald Buddha Temple renovation funds. The King was pleased and endorsed her design. This was an example of a commoner's participation to the national event.

The Royal Barge Procession pass the Memorial Bridge on the Opening Day (1932-04-06) by unknownKing Prajadhipok Museum

Road to the Siamese Revolution

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.

Announcement on Economic Difficulty (1932-06-05) by The Royal Gazette (Thailand) and King PrajadhipokKing Prajadhipok Museum

Discover more with us

How were the glorious days of the Chakri Dynasty turned upside down overnight?

Find out more with us at King Prajadhipok Studies Centre, part of the King Prajadhipok Museum.

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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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