Thread: Siam, Thailand & Bangkok Old Photo Thread

HM Queen Siikit visits with Col. William McKean and US Ambassador to Thailand, Kenneth T. Young, Jr near Korat during an excersize for the US Army's 27th infantry.

Originally Posted by Rural Surin

Originally built in 1914 as the residence of Luang Jitlamnongwanich. In 1927 it became the Royal Hotel until 1948, where it was transformed into the property of the Soviet/Russian Embassy {1948-1999}. Abandoned until 2005, where the extensions of Sathorn Square gobbled it up.

I was always wondering what this place was when i took skytrain on silom line. It's still there! When the BTS turns by rajadamri to Surasak, you can see this place on your right hand side.

Originally Posted by Rural Surin

That pic got me thinking !
Didn't realise they were involved

Google tells me that they got there to help the French as part of their Indo China effort .
Got there - trained and then the bloody war ended before they could actually do a lot !
All got a medal though.
Some died and there is a memorial to them in Bangkok !

90th Anniversary of World War I. This Is The History of Siamese Volunteer Crop. « Thai Military Information Blog

Interesting link.

Originally Posted by notanameleft

Originally Posted by Rural Surin

Originally built in 1914 as the residence of Luang Jitlamnongwanich. In 1927 it became the Royal Hotel until 1948, where it was transformed into the property of the Soviet/Russian Embassy {1948-1999}. Abandoned until 2005, where the extensions of Sathorn Square gobbled it up.

I was always wondering what this place was when i took skytrain on silom line. It's still there! When the BTS turns by rajadamri to Surasak, you can see this place on your right hand side.

Glad to hear that it's still in tact. History, history....

Originally Posted by Happyman

Originally Posted by Rural Surin

That pic got me thinking !
Didn't realise they were involved

Google tells me that they got there to help the French as part of their Indo China effort .
Got there - trained and then the bloody war ended before they could actually do a lot !
All got a medal though.
Some died and there is a memorial to them in Bangkok !

90th Anniversary of World War I. This Is The History of Siamese Volunteer Crop. « Thai Military Information Blog

Interesting link.

My understanding was that the Siamese involvement was a token and diplomatic gesture at most. Some 5,000 volunteered but only 1,300 were sent. A late start into the war, they saw nominal or no action.

Thanpuying Vichitra, widow of the late Field Marshall/PM Sarit Thanarat, celebrates her 54th birthday at the Royal Cliff Beach Hotel's Grill Room. To her left is her son, Lt-Col. Somchai Thanarat.