Moments of East-West Encounters in Siam

Westerners, ranging from Christian missionaries to school teachers, have been present in Siam since before the reign of King Chulalongkorn (1868-1910)

Students and teachers of St. Gabriels’ College in Bangkok. This photograph was taken in front of the Martin de Tours Building

Phra Ratchewethi (Rum Phromchotiko), Wat Benchamabophit’s first prelate, with students of the Pali Waiyakon School.

However, it was during this King Chulalongkorn's reign that one sees an increase in the integration of Westerners into the daily life and culture of Siamese people.

King Chulalongkorn introduced Europeans with a plethora of skills and abilities, such as architects and artists from Italy,

doctors and nurses,

bringing them into the country to work in conjunction with Siamese people.

This ‘east meets west’ continued, reaching its zenith during the reign of King Chulalongkorn and his sons, King Vajiravudh and King Prajadhipok.

We move to and fro, exploring the daily lives of Westerners in Siam

and how they worked and interacted with Siamese people in the early 20th century.