Memory Lane (In my own language)

The National Emblem of Thailand…

is the Krut. It was officially adopted by King Wachirawut (Rama VI) in 1911. However, the mythical creature (Krut / Garuda) has been used as a symbol of royalty in Siam/Thailand for centuries. The Krut is depicted on seals which are used by the Kings and the Government of Thailand to authenticate official documents and as its primary emblem.

The Krut is a mythological beast of the Hindu and Buddhist tradition.

According to Hindu mythology, the Krut is the vehicle of the god Vishnu or Narayana (one of his avatar names). The ancient Kings of Siam believed in the divine kingship and considered themselves the incarnation of Narayana. Thus, the Krut came to symbolize the divine power and authority of the Kings.

The Krut is birdlike. He is formed as an enormous hybrid of half-man and half-bird creature with head, beak, wings and talons of an eagle while his torso is like that of a human man.

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The Krut's physical strength and martial prowess is described as the most powerful of all the winged-creatures and as such is regarded as the king of all the birds.

The Krut lives in the legendary Himalayan forest and is considered as semi-divine or supernatural. He is always portrayed as a righteous yet powerful being.

According to the ancient Indian epics, Mahaparata, the Krut was so powerful that no gods could defeat him in battle.

Eventually, Narayana intervened. Being impressed with his abilities, Narayana negotiated to make the Krut immortal and promised him a higher seat than that of his own. Henceforth, the Krut became the vehicle of Narayana and was allowed to sit atop the God's flagpole as a reward.

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The Krut's relationship with Narayana is especially significant and the doctrine of ancient Thai kingship was heavily influenced by those of India (Hindu).

So, accordingly, the king was nothing less than an ‘avatar’ or the incarnation of the God, just as Prince Rama of the epic Ramayana was the incarnation of Narayana. Thus, Narayana (or Rama) and the Krut have become the accepted symbol of divine and sacred kingship since ancient Thailand.

The Krut image is also adopted by the Royal Thai Government as its official emblem.

The Krut emblem appears on the letterhead of all official Thai government documents. The position of the king as the earthly personification of Narayana is symbolized through the use of the Krut.

This symbolism also illustrates the belief that the government (as represented by the Krut) is the vehicle (or instrument) of the king.

The figure of the Krut is also used as symbol of state properties and as such being displayed on government buildings, title deeds, boundary markers and in the uniforms of the Royal Thai Police and Royal Thai Armed Forces.

King Rama VI was the first to regulate the use of the Krut emblem by the government through legislation in 1911. The use of the Krut emblem was further regulated in an Act on the Garuda Emblem in 1991.

A penalty for the misuse and misrepresentation of the Krut is set to; imprisonment of no longer than one year, or a fine of between three and six thousand baht or both.

In 2001, the Office of the Prime Minister issued a guideline outlining the use of the emblem. The document recommends that the Krut figure should be treated with respect as it is considered a sacred symbol.

At first there was no fixed rule as to what posture the Krut should be depicted. King Rama VI eventually selected an attitude of the Krut dancing (wings displayed and elevated). However, no law has ever prescribed a specific design for use, as a result several designs are in use by various government departments.

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Private entities such as businesses may be granted permission to use and display the Krut emblem.

Deserving firms, such as those of good standings, could apply for a Royal warrant of appointment from the King through the Bureau of the Royal Household or the Prime Minister.

Once permission is given, the firm is then allowed to display a “store standing emblem” which is a large sculpture of the Krut, on all of their business premises. Receiving a Royal warrant is considered a great honor and a mark of distinction for any Thai company.

The Krut figure depicts the beast adorned with a golden crown and regalia, wearing a robe of blue and green, with wings outstretched. Underneath the figure is a ribbon with the phrase "By Royal Assent".

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When Krut's was mentioned, Nak's always follows...

In general view, Nak or Naga appear in various religious beliefs; Hinduism, Buddhism and more.

According to each religion, Nak’s definition varies. They can take forms as wholly human with heads and necks of snakes, common serpents, or as half-human half-snake beings.

But commonly, they hold cultural significance in the mythological traditions of many cultures in South Asia or South East Asia.

In Thai belief, the natural form of Nak is serpents with graceful shapes. They can shapeshift between Nak and human beings and considered the patronage of water. They are believed to live in caves under water.

According to a popular legend, Mekong River in northeastern Thailand and Laos is said to be created by two Nak kings slithering through the area, thus creating the shapes of Mekong and Nan Rivers.

Especially in Mekong River which is famous in the unexplained fireballs phenomenon which has long been believed to be created by Nak that dwell in the river.

Due to the strong relation with everything concerning about water, Nak in Thai belief also plays a role in rain control.

The Thai term “Nak hai num (Nak granting water)” is used for annual rainfall prediction. It is still practiced nowadays, during the Royal Ploughing Ceremony.

Being considered benevolent, Nak are also highly revered. The Buddhist Wats and palaces are always adorned with various postures of Nak.

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Now comes the reason why...

According to Brahmanism-Hinduism, Krut (Garuda) and Nak (Naga) have never been friends. The reason was dated back to their parents.

Krut (sing.) and Nak (sing. / pl.) though born from different mothers, they shared the same father, Kasayapa Muni.

Their mothers were sisters (Nak’s named Kataru and Krut’s named Winta) but they had fallen out with each other.

One day their husband, Kasayapa Muni granted his wives one wish each.

Kataru asked for a lot of children born with special powers. Later on, she gave birth to 1000 eggs and hatched out to be Nak.

Winta asked for only 2 children but may they have more powers than those of Kataru’s. Later on, she gave birth to 2 eggs.

Mother Winta had waited for 500 years for her eggs to hatch but there was no sign. Being so impatient and not want to wait any longer, she broke one egg of hers.

A male deity was born. Unfortunately, he did not come out whole for there was only upper half of his body. His name is Arun (= morning).

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Being angry with his impatient mother, Arun cursed her to, in the future to come, become a slave to Kataru, her opponent sister.

Soon he was calm down and regretted what he had done to his mother but there was no way to undo the curse being cast.

The only thing he could do was to predict over that curse. He predicted that in the next 500 years, the other egg of his mother’s would hatch. This second child of hers could break the curse. Then Arun flew up into the sky to work as a chauffeur steering the Sun’s carriage.

Winta was shocked and sad. She dared not even touch her second egg.

Time went by shortly, one day while God Indra was performing the Samudra Manthana (Hindu’s story about ‘Churning the Ocean’), during the procession, a divine horse was supposed to emerge from the Sea.

Two sisters, Kataru and Winta gambled on the horse’s color. The one who lost would be a slave to the one who won.
Winta gambled that the horse would be white while Kataru said it would be black.

Actually, Winta won the bet for the horse was born white but before it emerged from the Ocean, her sister, Kataru cheated by telling her children, Nak, to cast a spell on the horse so that it came out from the Ocean black.

Winta did not know this so she lost the bet and had become Kataru’s slave ever since.

Another 500 years passed. One day in due time, Winta’s second egg hatched and Krut came out.

It was said that when Krut came out from his shell, his body expanded so enormously that it covered the sky. Each time that he blinked it looked like lightning. When he moved his wings, no winds were around there.

Krut knew the reason why his mother had to become her sister’s slave. He tried to fix it and learned that the only way to break the curse was to bring the elixir back to Nak.

Krut flew up to get the elixir which was at the Moon. He did not just bring the elixir but took the Moon with him as well.

God Indra and his soldiers, knowing what just happened, followed him to claim his belongings.

The war began. No one could defeat Krut not even God Indra who used his renowned arrow to shot him but it gave no scratch.

Anyway, Krut was aware of this weapon. Mighty God Narayana had given it to God Indra. So, he shredded off one feather of his in order not to disrespect the very powerful weapon of the Mighty God’s and also not to humiliate God Indra.

Mighty God Narayana perceived this and intervened. Being impressed with Krut’s powerful abilities, the Mighty God made a truce and negotiated to offer him immortal and also promised him a higher seat than that of the Mighty God’s own.

Henceforth, Krut became the vehicle of Mighty God Narayana and was allowed to sit atop the Mighty God's flagpole as a reward.

Back to God Indra, after the war ended, he asked Krut to return the elixir and the Moon but Krut returned only the Moon not the elixir. He said that he needed it to save his mother from being her sister’s slave. If God Indra really wanted it, he could claim it back from Nak.

Then, Krut brought the elixir to Nak. He put the holder on a kind of grass (don’t know the English name for it) on the ground.

Upon placing it down a few drops spilled on the grass. This type of grass later became sacred and has always been a part in the process of the Hinduism- Brahmanism’s rituals.

Once getting the elixir, Nak were pleased and released Krut’s mother from being their mother’s slave.

While hurrying away to clean up their bodies before coming back to drink the elixir. God Indra took the opportunity to take the elixir back.

So, Nak had lost a chance to become immortal. Noticing some drops on the grass’s leaves, better than nothing, they tried to lick the fluid up. The grass’ leaves were sharp like blades and they cut Nak’s tongues. That was the reason why all the snakes have forked tongues.

Since then, Krut and Nak had always been sworn enemies. Whenever and wherever they met, Krut did not hesitate to catch them and eat.

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The first television broadcasting in Thailand started on 24 June 1955 on channel 4 which was located in Bang Koon Prom area (near Bang Lampoo). It was said to be the first in Asian Continental.

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To air the advertisements, merchandises had to be brought before the camera in the broadcasting room.

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In the old days when people got bitten and got rabies, it was a huge matter for there was no cure. Only people with money could be saved by getting treatment at Saigon, Vietnam (yes, I just knew it as well!).

Until 1912 in the reign of King Rama VI, conceived by the idea of a Prince, one of his uncles and with the money donated by his mother, Queen Mother Saowapa Pongsri, the Ministry of Interior established an institute focusing on the matter.

At first, it is called “Pa-ta-ra Sapa (Pa-ta-ra is ancient Thai pronunciation for “Pasteur”, last name of Louis’ the French biologist, microbiologist, and chemist renowned for his discoveries of the principles of vaccination and many more and Sapa = council)” but later on, was changed to “Satan (=general word for a place) Paster (improved Thai pronunciation)”.

Finally, it was moved to be a part of the Thai Red Cross Society and renamed as the “Queen Saowapa Memorial Institute” sited on Pra Ram IV Road near the Snake Farm.

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Ratchadamnoen Avenue was commissioned by King Rama V following his first visit to Europe in 1897. The construction took place from 1899 to 1903.

The road consists of three segments, named Ratchadamnoen Nai (= inner), Ratchadamnoen Klang (= middle), and Ratchadamnoen Nok (= outer).

It links Grand Palace to Dusit Palace and ends at the Royal Plaza in front of the Anata Samakom Throne Hall.

The pattern was inspired mainly by the Champs Elysees in Paris.

The King used the road as a route for grand royal parades (Ratchadamnoen literally means 'royal procession').

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Pra Ram Ratchaniwet Palace ...

… is a former Royal Palace located in Petchaburi Province. It was commissioned by King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) in order to serve as an alternative country residence to the, already existing, Royal Palace of Pra Nakhon Keeree siting on the hilltop whose area was becoming inconvenient and rather dangerous in rainy season.

Construction commenced in 1910, unfortunately the King died the same year, before its completion. The construction still continued and was completed in 1916 in the reign of his successor, King Wachirawut (Rama VI), who named it Pra Ram Ratchaniwet. It is also commonly known as Ban Puen Palace after the name of the village it is located in.

The Palace, designed by a German architect Karl Dohring, is a two-storey building in Jugendstil or German Art Nouveau style. It has rectangular floor plan with a high mansard roof. The front facade features a large fractal, and a domed circular hall is attached to the right wing. A central courtyard, said to have housed the first badminton court in Thailand, today features a fountain.

The Palace now serves as a museum operated by the 15th Military Circle of the Royal Thai Army. The building is a registered ancient monument and received the ASA Architectural Conservation Award in 2000.


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The first image of post #433 is clearly taken long before 1895.
Footbridges over the klongs [might be a clue] are quite evident in this particular pic, as road bridges weren't developed along this klong triangle until mid 1880s.
This is many, in a series, of well known time framed photos at the conjunction of Klongs Saen Saeb, Banglamphu and Maha Nak.....all shot from circa 1875-1880 obviously taken from Phu Khao Thong [Golden Mount] at Wat Saket looking across to the Fort Mahakan community

Sir Henry Norman didn't make his way to Siam until the late 1890s.

Nonetheless, keep up the good work.
Cheers, Nat!

:)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by HuangLao

The first image of post #433 is clearly taken long before 1895.
Footbridges over the klongs [might be a clue] are quite evident in this particular pic, as road bridges weren't developed along this klong triangle until mid 1880s.
This is many, in a series, of well known time framed photos at the conjunction of Klongs Saen Saeb, Banglamphu and Maha Nak.....all shot from circa 1875-1880 obviously taken from Phu Khao Thong [Golden Mount] at Wat Saket looking across to the Fort Mahakan community

Sir Henry Norman didn't make his way to Siam until the late 1890s.

Nonetheless, keep up the good work.
Cheers, Nat!

:)

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My apology, I was mistaken (again). The year 1895 was the year that Sir Henry Norman published his book titled “The Peoples and Politics of the Far East”.

Source said that that photo was included in the book.

About who took it and when, I cannot find out.

About his arrival in Siam, I understand that it was early in or sometime before 1895, the year that he published that book.

Note: According to the University of Cambridge Digital Library: "...Norman retired from journalism in 1899..."

Thank you for your remark.


The evolution of "Panfa Leelad Bridge" and "Maha Kan Fort"
(This photo looks clearer than the one I have erased)

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Pra Nakhon Kheeree …

… is a historical park in Petchaburi Province siting on a hill overlooking the province area. The name Pra Nakhon Kheeree means 'holy city hill' but locals know it better as “Kao Wung” which means 'hill with palace'.

The park consists of three building groups on the three peaks of the 95 m. high hill. This complex was built as a summer Palace by King Mongkut (King Rama IV; 1804-1868). It was finished in 1860.

On the western peak is the King’s Palace which consists of the Throne Hall, the King’s personal living quarters, a private place for his worshiping and his observatory tower.

Apart from these, there are a number of smaller buildings used as stables, quarters for the guards and servants and a kitchen. The Palace was protected by a fort on each corner of the complex.

The central peak holds a 40 meter high white chedi called Pra Tat Chom Pet. The chedi is believed to contain relics of the Buddha. This peak is a great place to view the Royal Palace on the Western peak and the Wat Pra Kaew Temple on the Eastern peak.

The Eastern peak is where the Wat Pra Kaew is located. It was built in the same style, but smaller, as the Wat Pra Kaew in the Grand Palace in Bangkok (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha) and is therefore in classical Thai architectural style. The huge red pagoda, Chedi Daeng, is very recognizable and can be seen from far away.

The complex was registered as a historical park on 27 August 1979, with two of the palace buildings now housing a branch of the Thai National Museum.

Getting to the top is easy. There is a cable car service that costs some Baht for a round trip. Walking to the top is another option but this can get pretty hot quickly in the heat of the day.

Also, on your way up you will probably encounter some monkeys that live on the hill. Be careful not to show food, as they are pretty cheeky and might try to grab it.

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Taken in 1946


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If I recall correctly, this is where King Rama IV was bitten by a mosquito and later died of Malaria. He was an amateur astronomer and had predicted that this would be the best place to view an upcoming eclipse. He made a special trip out here with his court, but fell ill and died soon afterwards.

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Originally Posted by qwerty

If I recall correctly, this is where King Rama IV was bitten by a mosquito and later died of Malaria. He was an amateur astronomer and had predicted that this would be the best place to view an upcoming eclipse. He made a special trip out here with his court, but fell ill and died soon afterwards.

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The locale was Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.....a little further south.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by qwerty

If I recall correctly, this is where King Rama IV was bitten by a mosquito and later died of Malaria. He was an amateur astronomer and had predicted that this would be the best place to view an upcoming eclipse. He made a special trip out here with his court, but fell ill and died soon afterwards.

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K.HuangLao was right. The 2 provinces are connected to each other as shown here:

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As for him being "an amateur astronomer" I seriously doubt. What those farang astronomers mentioned about his work is shown here...


A total solar eclipse occurred on August 18, 1868, also known as "The King of Siam's eclipse"

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King Mongkut (Rama IV) was able to calculate and predict the solar eclipse two years earlier. The calculations were correct as to the place, the time and the type of the solar eclipse that would happen.

The eclipse took place at Tumbon Wakoh, Prachuab Keereekun Province, precisely as the King had predicted. The total phase lasted 6 minutes and 46 seconds.

In fact, his calculations were better — by about two seconds — than those of the French astronomers, who acknowledged his accuracy.

Unfortunately, at the time over there the King was exposed to malaria then developed chills and fever. He died on October 1, 1868.

According to the Thai Astronomical Society and NASA, this eclipse is known as "The King of Siam's eclipse".


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(King Mongkut and party viewing a solar eclipse on the 18 August 1868. The King is seen seated at the center in the middle of the pavilion, Sir Harry Ord (Governor of the Straits Settlements at Singapore) and the British party stand around, included are royal officials kneeling.)


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Computer colored versions of B&W photographs

Princesses born from King Rama V’s cousin with his commoner wife (circa 1907)

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Uniform of the high ranking officers of Wung (= palace) Ministry (known today as the Bureau of the Royal Household) in the reign of King Rama V (circa 1902)

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Some of King Rama V’s important sons including the first crown prince (the eldest one holding his cousin, Prince Chakrapong Puwanad (his story told in the miniseries)) and the second crown prince (left), the future King Rama VI; both (the two crown princes ) were from different mothers (who were siblings).

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King Rama V when being a teenager (middle) with his younger brothers from the same mother (Queen Consort); (1868)

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King Rama V in his monkhood (1873)

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Kuman Tong/Loog Krok

Kuman Tong/Loog Krok is a household divinity of Thai folk religion. It is believed to bring luck and fortune to the owner if properly revered.

Kuman (= sanctified young boy) Tong (= golden)/Loog (= offspring) Krok (= dry)

Generally, the difference between these two is Kuman Tong is obtained from a baby boy who dies after being born while Loog Krok is a still born baby boy in its mother’s womb.

The authentic of these two originated in a practice of necromancy. The witch doctors were said to have the power to invoke these two and adopt them as their children. Then use them to help in their endeavors. However, they can make these two by order for high price in exchange, in black market of course.

According to ancient Thai manuscripts used by practitioners of black magic, first, the dead baby (Kuman Tong) or unborn fetus being surgically removed from the womb of its mother (Loog Krok) will be taken to a cemetery for the conduction of the proper ritual to invoke a Kuman Tong/Loog Krok.

The body will be roasted until dry whilst the witch doctor would chant incantations of magical script. Once the rite is completed, the dry-roasted baby will be painted with a kind of lacquer then covered another layer with gold leaf.

However, this method is much less common at present because it becomes widely ethically inappropriate so another option is considered, creating a small statue of a boy dressed in ancient Thai costume. The statue can be made of soil gathering from cemeteries (usually 7) or carved out of some certain kind of woods or even metal.

Once obtaining a Kuman Tong/Loog Krok, the owner will take care like taking care of a real boy. Meals, juice especially red juice, toys and etc. will be provided without fail.

If all goes well, the Kuman Tong/Loog Krok can be benevolent. He will give protection, bringing fortune from business or warning when danger approaches but if something goes wrong such as neglecting of provision said above, he can become a great nuisance.

Note: The veneration of Kuman Tong/Loog Krok though popular in Thailand, the practice is highly condemned by mainstream Buddhist practitioners to especially Buddhist monks who act as necromancers performing such evil magic.

Kuman Tong

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Loog Krok

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An advertisement of manufacturing tiles in the reign of King Rama V (not the layout design!)

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The photo of the first concrete road in Bangkok, Chakpet Road (closed to the Memorial Bridge); circa 1930s

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It seems Golden Mount was photogenic in those photographers’ eyes. This one was shot in, circa, 1888.

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The Royal Yacht “Maha Chakri”

Built in Leith, Scotland by Ramage and Ferguson Shipbuilder (1877-1934) in 1892 and arrived in Bangkok around 2 months later.

The design looked like a patrolling ship with 299 ft. in length and 40 ft. in width. The deep waterway requirement was 14 ft. and 2,600 tons for gross tonnage (hope I chose the right terms). It could make the fastest speed at 16 knots.

When need be, sails could be operated and for self-defense, a lot of lethal weapons were equipped.

The interior of the ship was fixed magnificently including the electricity generating units, ice machines, fresh water machines and etc. as it belonged to the King’s.

This ship (yacht) had served the King for a lot of missions including his first European visit in 1897.

The ship was decommissioned in 1916 and sold to the Kawasaki Dockyard Co., Kobe, Japan (except the engine) who was ordered to build the second “Royal Yacht “Maha Chakri”” using the old engine.

This second yacht later was destroyed during the WWII.

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A tale from little birds...


Princess Ying Yaowarak (1852-1886) was King Mongkut (Rama IV)'s one of the eldest and the most beloved daughters. She was one of the very few royalties who was assigned to have education with Anna Leonowens and gained her favourite.

All the three eldest daughters of King Mongkut’s which included Princess Ying, though still young but, gained trustworthiness to be allowed to officially help him welcome noble guests.

Once Sir Harry Ord, a British colonial administrator who was once assigned by the Colony to deal the affair with the Malay Sates, paid King Rama IV a visit and saw those 3 young Princesses welcoming guests, he noted on his memo that:

“...The three eldest daughters of the King’s all possessed the royalty’s gracefulness. Their English was very good but it was a pity that they all dyed their teeth black from chewing betel quid which was according to Siamese tradition…”

Princess Ying Yaowarak was the only one daughter who stayed with her father until his last breath.

She was also King Chulalongkorn (Rama V)'s elder sister though from a different mother.

The Princess had done the most scandalous action that disgraced the Siamese Dynasty in that time.

During that period, the Royal Household (the Wung Ministry) would invite a group of Buddhist monks from wats around Bangkok to come, regularly, inside the Royal Palace and perform chats/sermons at Wat Pra Kaew.

Princess Ying was the one who was never absent from this noble ritual. One day at her bloom of youth, at one of her Buddhist ritual attendances as usual, she met a new young monk and suddenly felt attracted.

One thing led to another. A love affair occurred and finally Princess Ying was pregnant.


“Wait, wait… You skipped a part”

What part?

“The ‘fu….'”

Tut… tut…

“What? … Oh, sorry. The ‘sexual intercourse’ part I mean’”

What about?

“At the time that the two were performing it, the man had already left his monkhood. So even though he was absolutely guilty but religiously, he was not considered blasphemic. He had left for quite some time and stayed at a place where the Princess rented it for him. The place where they did it was at the Princess’s inside the Royal Palace. He disguised himself as a woman.”

Okay, thanks for the remark. Since you have already told them, I will continue.


Because no secrets existed in the world, the news spread around and one day, far into the Palace and hit King Rama V’s ears.

The King was so much angry for this was a matter of extreme disgrace to the Royal Family. A female of high-ranking royalty had an affair with a male commoner and the incident happened inside the Palace.

After the discreet investigation, the King’s verdict was to have the Princess and the once a monk including the Princess’s personal maid who was involved whipped for 90 times before executed by decapitation. As for the Princess, her royal tile was stripped of and also her royal insignia was forfeited.

But later on after the anger subsided, the King remembered how his half-sister, the Princess, was dearly to his father, King Rama IV. Also he remembered that his father, once long time ago, called him in and told him that “In the future after you take the throne there will be a time when one of your sisters did something immensely wrong, spare her life”.

That softened his heart and he changed the Princess’ verdict to have her royal title stripped of and also her royal insignia was forfeited. Her maid was whipped for 90 times and both were grounded in the innermost area of the Royal Palace.

Ying died there as a commoner at the age of 34. No one knew the future of her ‘son’ who was taken away as soon as he was born.

From that scandal, the Royal Household rearranged some of the royal rules by stating that the group of monks coming to chant/sermon inside the Royal Palace had to be over 45 years of age and also the female royalties who attended the ritual had to be over 40 years of age.


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Postcards from the past...

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Somewhere, some time in Bangkok

Klong Bangkok Yai; 30s

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WWII; 40s

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Silom; 50s

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Us and 'Buff'; 50s

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Tang Chang Wat; 60s

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Daily life; 1890s & 1970s

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Is Wat Cheng the same as Wat Arun?

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Originally Posted by Shutree

Is Wat Cheng the same as Wat Arun?

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Yes, it’s the same. Wat Cheng is the original name having been called among the local since the beginning.

It was an ancient Wat built since the period of Ayuthaya Kingdom.

In the reign of King Rama II of Ratanakosin Kingdom, the Wat was renovated and given the official name as Wat Arun Rachataram.

King Rama III added the giant “prang (kind of stupa)” which has become the signature of the Wat.

King Rama IV gave it a big renovation and changed the name to Wat Arun Rachawararam (… and more …).

Because of the long name, people cut it short to just Wat Arun.

So, the Wat has two names.

Note: Come to think of it, this Thai word ‘cheng’ as in Wat Cheng, for accurate Thai pronunciation, should be written as “chaeng”.

However, the word ‘cheng’ as in Wat Cheng and the word ‘arun’ as in Wat Arun (again, should be written as ‘arune’), both, on a certain occasion, mean the same, ‘dawn / daybreak … sort of’.

So, King Rama II changing the name of this Wat from Wat Cheng to Wat Arun, he just changed only the words. The meaning stayed the same.


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^Thank you Nathaniel. I did not know that.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Shutree

^Thank you Nathaniel. I did not know that.

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My Pleasure...

The incredible economic expansion which happened due to Siam opening its door to farang in the west that had started since the reign of King Rama IV and boomed in the reign of King Rama V had caused the shortage of money circulation.

The government had continued to explore several avenues to tackle the shortage of money so as to be able to provide sufficient money supply.

So, it considered issuing paper money and announced it to be money of the country replacing money issued by commercial banks.

In 1890, the government prepared to issue the paper money called Ngoen (= money) Kradat (= paper) Luang (= royal) or Treasury Notes by placing an order with the Giesecke & Devrient, Germany. There were 8 denominations in various colors and sizes.

The currency shown in 6 languages: Siam, English, Chinese, Arab Melayu, Laotian and Khmer.

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Unfortunately, these notes were never put into circulation because only 1 day (in 1893) before the official announcement, the Franco-Siamese War caused by the conflict between the French Third Republic and the Kingdom of Siam occurred.

Venice of the East…

Of all the great floods that happened in the history of Ratanakosin Kingdom, 1942 is said to be the 7^th.

The flood started first from the northern part of Siam. It reached Bangkok in late September. The level of water in some places rose up to over 2 meters.

Though around that time, Siam was in the middle of WWII but its people seemed not care much. They spent their daily life merrily because they were in the “Land of smiles”.

The level of the flood began to fall in the end of October and completely dried in November, just in time for the cold weather.

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(Sala Chalerm Krung or Chaloem Krung Theater, the first modern movie theater in Bangkok built in 1933, the reign of King Rama VII)


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(Ministry of Public Health (Thai letters spelt in old style))


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(Criminal Court, old location)


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(The statue of King Rama I at Memorial Bridge)


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(Grand Palace)


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(Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall on Royal Plaza)


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(Rachadamnern Road)


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(Democracy Monument)


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(Somewhere out there)

San Pra Poom (Deity Shrine) in a nutshell

A deity shrine is a small building built in Thai style which mounts on a platform which itself sits on a pillar. They can vary in styles and range in sizes from small ones to big shrines large enough for a size of human being to enter.

The reason to build a deity shrine is to offer a deity a shelter so he/she can reside there and give protection to the area where a construction (building, house) is located.

The location of a shrine is chosen after the consultation with a Brahman priest. Inside a shrine, regularly, contains an image or a carved statue of deity in human form sometimes with more statues, of human beings and animals, that represent his/her subjects. Various decorations and elaborate installations of each shrine are up to the opinion of each owner of that shrine.

Offering for the deity is common; food and drink. According to Brahman ritual, any menus of food made of pork are not allowed. Incense sticks, candles and fancy garlands are also used for worshiping.

At the same time, negligence or lack of proper procedures of such said worship could cause problems for the people who reside in that building.


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The Kingdom of Toneburi was established after the downfall of the Ayuttaya Kingdom by the Burmese invaders. Historians estimated that it took them 15 days to burn down everything, starting from the Royal Palace, to the ground.

Among the Siamese that scattered away, Sin, a nobleman of Chinese descent and a capable military leader, was able to retake Siam from the Burmese for only seven months after the fall.

Ayuttaya, the capital of Siamese authority for hundreds of years, was so devastated that it could not be used as a government center. Sin, then, founded a new city of Krung Toneburi Sri Mahasamut on the west bank of the Chao Praya River. After finished, he crowned himself in late 1767 as King Taksin (1734-1782) and tried to salvage Siam back to its glory once more.

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Unfortunately for in 1782, He was taken in a coup d'tat and executed and succeeded by his long-time friend named originally as Tong Duang who later abandoned the Toneburi Kingdom and found the Ratanakosin Kingdom.

He, also, moved his capital across the Chao Praya River to the east side to the village named "Bang-Koh" or "Bang-Kok"

(while some say "Bang-Koh for it means "place (= bang) of the island (= koh)", some others say that it should read "Bang-Kok" for at the time the place were full of olive trees (=ma kok)).

This capital, however, was named Bangkok. After finished, he sat on the throne as King Praputayodfa Chulalok or King Rama I, the first king of the Chakri Dynasty and ruled Siam ever since.

Krung Toneburi Sri Mahasamut remained as Toneburi, a city, and later, a province, until it was merged into Bangkok in 1971.

In recognition for what King Taksin did for the Siamese, he was later praised with the title of Maharaj (The Great).

Thus Krung Toneburi Sri Mahasamut had been the capital of Siam/Thailand for only 15 years.

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(The statue of King Taksin the Great at Wongwian Yai, Toneburi)


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(Pra Ratchawang Derm (= old palace), the Royal Palace of King Taksin, now used as the Royal Thai Navy's HQ)


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(Siam in the reign of King Taksin the Great)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by nathanielnong

In recognition for what King Taksin did for the Siamese, he was later praised with the title of Maharaj (The Great).

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Pity that he did not get the gratifying message before the execution... (was it by sandalwood?)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Klondyke

Pity that he did not get the gratifying message before the execution... (was it by sandalwood?)

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Yes, by a sandalwood cudgel. Thanks for your interest and now, I am inspired of a new article.

The execution of the high ranking Thai royalty in the ancient time

Researchers found that, in the ancient time, there were various kinds of executing high ranking royalty such as kings, queens, their off springs, close relatives and etc. or those from former dynasty, different royal bloods and etc. who were convicted mostly of political matters.

The most mentioned style of all was to put him or her in a red sack and, in some occasion, hung above the ground from a tree.

A sandalwood cudgel was used to hit upon the neck or stomach for a number of times until the convict was dead. The body together with the sandalwood cudgel then was put in a hole in the ground and guarded for 7 days to make sure that he or she was really dead.

This kind of execution was highly regarded as being sacred and honored. It was performed in Thai history known far back since the Ayuttaya period to the initial period of Rattanakosin (around late 1300s - early 1900s).

In 1881, the execution has officially been abolished by the first Criminal Code of Thailand promulgated by King Chulalongkorn (King Rama V).

A renowned Thai academician gave an opinion that:

"I don't know how to translate this magnificently elegant ceremony of executing royalty into any foreign languages.

In English there exists a term derived from Latin, 'regicide', the literal meaning of which is an act of killing a monarch. The foreigner uses this word in such direct meaning, namely, knifing a monarch to death as being on a par with an act of Macbeth, or decapitating a monarch with guillotine which is not a royal guillotine as it can be used for every kinds of person from prostitute to royalty.

Therefore, the Thai style of executing a monarch can daze and dumbfound foreigners (and some Thai people who do not understand the Thai history).”

However, there exists in Section 176 of the Palace Laws under the Three Seals Law, King Praputtayodfa Chulalok (King Rama I; 1737 – 1809)’s Revision Edition, that:

If capital punishment imposed on a person of royal blood, he or she shall be delivered to Inner titled Nai Waeng to be put to death at "Koak Praya (The name of an ancient Wat believed to be located near the Golden Mount)" .

In the execution, Nai Waeng shall sit behind Khun Dap, the Grand Officer who shall preside over such execution. Muean Taluang Fan shall ceremonially pay homage three times then hit the prisoner with a sandalwood cudgel. The deceased will be buried in the cavity.

Upon the execution, a cushion shall be placed under the prisoner to protect his or her blood, if there is any, from falling on the ground as it is considered too noble to be mingled with dirt.

Any Nai Waeng or Muean Taluang Fan seizing royal apparels or golden rings (of the buried, deceased prisoners) shall be liable to capital punishment.


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(A sandalwood cudgel)


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(Believed to be the ruin of Wat Koak Praya)


<font size="4"><em>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HGwk-fUJCI

A tale from little birds

“I don’t think it’s a good idea. It will create controversies”

“It’s already been. Come on, it’s fun. Probably none of your readers knows it”


For 7 months after the Ayuttaya Kingdom was destroyed and Siam was taken over by Burma, Nai Sin (known in the future as King Taksin the Great of the Thonburi Kingdom) along with his best friend Nai Tong Duang (known in the future as King Rama I, the first reign of the Chakri Dynasty of the Ratanakosin Kingdom) led their people liberating their land from the Burmese in 1767.

At that time, Siam …


“Let us interrupt a little bit: It actually is not conclusive about what we called ourselves back then for the word “Siam” has just been official since the reign of King Rama IV… Okay, continue”


… was in deep shit. Everything focusing on the capital, Krung Sri Ayuttaya, was ransacked and demolished. It was beyond renovation.

The 2 buddies, then, abandoning the ruins, gathered their people and moved down south. They stopped at a deserted city which sited on the west bank of the Chao Praya River.

Judging it a good area, they decided to build the new capital there.

To make long story short, when all was done (‘would do’ to be precise), everyone needed a king and Nai Sin was elected as the new king named King Taksin (the ‘the Great’ was much later added) and the newly built capital was named “Krung Thonburi Srimahasamut” or “Krung Thonburi” for short or known today as “Thonburi District”.

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King Taksin’s coronation


His best buddy, Nai Tong Duang was elevated as the King’s right hand with a noble title (omitted as usual but I will just mention him as Nai Tong Duang, his original name).

Back when they were trying to build the new kingdom (yes, focusing on the capital) on a deserted land, it required a lot starting from manpower, materials and everything including the most important factor ‘money’.

Since they were so damn poor, the very possible thing to acquire it was to borrow from someone. And someone at that time was their loaded friend, China.

When problems were arranged, the construction began. It was very hard time because they did not just ‘build these and those’ smoothly. They had to prepare themselves to be ever ready for the upcoming wars from every direction. Those ‘hungry neighbors’ who, after hearing, deemed them weak like a larva, would take an opportunity to invade and take the land.

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King Taksin’s Thonburi Kingdom


Finally when the new kingdom was established, it was time to focus on paying back. Since the amount was immensely plus interest through time, they saw no future when the payback would be over.


Now, all told above was the real situation. The following was told among our good old little birds. You might never hear it before.


After thinking about the solution thoroughly, King Taksin privately called in Nai Tong Duang, his most trusted right hand.

It was at night. Back then there was no electricity which was the source of everything, so, it was dark and quiet.


“Except sounds from crickets, cicadas and etc.”


Nai Tong Duang wondered why he was privately called for before the King in the middle of the night which did not look good if this scene was spread around.

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Before entering the Palace’s threshold, he stripped off his swords, which was normal practice for every soldier at the time of wars, and placed them outside. Then, on his four, he crawled inside and stopped humbly before his beloved friend, the King.


“Good job, Nong!”


The two buddies started discussing the extremely serious matter.

King Taksin mentioned that with the normal way of paying debt to China, they would see no future when it would end. The said debt was not just upon them but upon everyone on this land. Plus, since no one could predict the future, they would never knew how China would think of them. What if China might want their land or something worse?

Then the King revealed his solution which had been thoroughly thought. The best way was to ‘change hands’.

“This reign must be discontinued and you will start the new reign. This way, the two reigns are not connected in anyway. So you as the new reign don’t have to carry the burden the former reign is doing. Thus, our debt will be nullified”

After hearing the King’s plan, Nai Tong Duang knew immediately the meaning of “This reign must be discontinued”. So, he was against head-on because it meant treason.


“I heard that he also cried a river”

“Don’t be such a dramatic queen, bitch!”


So, after the long argument, the plan which was known among a few trusted people, was finally set.

While Nai Tong Duang was sent on a mission far away, rumors would be arranged inside the Palace and spread to his ears that the capital city was in chaos due to the King who was so religious went lunatic.

Nai Tong Duang then, had to come back and see to it. Since he deemed that the King was not capable of ruling the land and also might cause harmful to any situations in the future, he had to take care of the King, for the better good, and that was to have him killed by beheading.


"Another interruption… Historians discovered that there were various styles of executing the monarchs in the ancient days. The case of King Taksin, they found that he was beheaded"


Since a part of the traditional process of executing the Kings and other high royalties, around that time, was to cover them with royal sacks, so, while the real King was hidden somewhere, a stuntman was arranged.

The stuntman was selected from an inmate whose stature resembled the King and who had performed serious crime that had already been sentenced to death in anytime soon.

So, on the execution day, though it was said to be packed of crowd but back then everything was wild and raw, no one really knew who was exactly covered with the royal sack. The plan was accomplished smoothly.

Official rumor was spread that the King went lunatic and was beheaded.

This rumor, in the end, has become our official history telling the life of King Taksin the Great.


More tales follow that…

After the big day, the real King Taksin was secretly taken away from the Palace and Krung Thonburi, the capital he had built with his own hands, to embark on a junk boat and sail down south.

He disembarked at a pier in Nakorn Sritummarat which was considered far from him being a familiar face there. He, as a religious man, went on to become a monk at a wat named Kao Koon Panom and stayed under the monkhood there until his death at the age of 91.


“If you don’t believe, go to Nakorn Sritummarat and you will see the traces of the existence of King Taksin here and there”

Attachment 62310


Back to Nai Tong Duang, after doing as his beloved friend had ordered, continued on his mission to nullify the reign of his friend then abandon the only 15 year old former capital and lead his people across the Chao Praya River to the east bank and built a new one there.

He then took the throne as King Rama I, beginning the new era of the new kingdom, Ratanakosin Kingdom.

For China, it had followed the news and figured out what was going on. It arranged a fleet to come to collect the debt but that was unfortunate for, being aware of it beforehand, King Rama I was prepared and he with his men fought back the Chinese vigorously.


“Hence King Taksin’s plan was successful. The debt was invalidated”

“I have a question”

“Shoot!”

“To build a new city, I mean Krung Ratanakosin, didn’t they have to find money as well?”

“Okay, we will compile you some factors and you do the match.

1. Having to go all the way to China, They definitely did not just borrow, say, a cup of sugar. It had to be a lot of money plus everything. Then focus on Krung Thonburi, King Taksin’s new city, which had been built for 15 years but up until now there have been no traces of more evidence of any constructions except his Palace and its vicinity of which the style was so simple and that’s all.

2. King Rama I’s new city, Krung Ratanakosin, the area was selected just opposite site of the Chao Praya River from Krung Thonburi’s. Metaphorically said “Just a stone throw away”. Don’t you think that it was so convenient to “transport/move things"?

3. And look at the Krung Ratanakosin after being built, didn’t it look elegant? This time, they didn’t borrow from anyone then how and where did they get the resource then?

Prehistoric paintings (around 32 of them) in Thailand at Wat Kao Chan Ngam, Umper See-Q, Nakorn Ratchaseema Province dated 3,000-4,000 years ago.

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Here and there in Bangkok

Lumpini Park (50s)

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Suriwong Junction (50s)

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Yaowarat (70s)

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What did they do to become rich in the reign of King Rama V.

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The very nice view of Ban Moh Road (in the area of Paklong Talad and Pahurad, close to the Memorial Bridge) in the reign of King Rama V.

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Detail under the photo says “Avenue of Bangkok with the military barracks and the Emperor's Palace, 1900 ca”

Note: Sanam Luang seen only its corner is on the right. Opposite, at the corner of the Palace’s wall, was Padej Dasakorn Fort which was later renovated to be looked like (don’t know what they call in English) in the second photo.

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My wife, who's mother is from Bangkok and who's father is from Nakhon Sri Thammasat, has also told me that story about King Taksin becoming a monk.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by qwerty

My wife, who's mother is from Bangkok and who's father is from Nakhon Sri Thammasat, has also told me that story about King Taksin becoming a monk.

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The little birds beam and ask me to say, on behalf of them, 'Thank you for your support!'

Nam Man Prai (Prai oil)

‘Nam man prai’ is a term used for all kinds of magical oil based potions in Southeast Asian Necromantic Sorcery. There are various kinds of ‘nam man prai’. Some of which are necromantic in their creation and empowerment methods. Others are from the plant kingdom but still considered necromantic as they are involved with people’s unnatural causes of death, such as death by hanging or death by being raped beneath, that create traumatic atmosphere which are believed to have been haunted.
Hence, ghosts/spirits are involved in ‘prai oil’ Sorcery.

In Modern times, it is very rare to encounter true necromancy for it breaks various laws. So, most necromantic amulets these days are not made using the ancient black magical methods anymore. Rather they use auspicious alternatives to achieve the same results. But most of all, it’s up to you. If you truly believe it will work, it will work.

There are, however, exceptions. Still, in black market such genuine stuff can be obtained from witch doctors who are secretly involved with necromantic practices.

There are various kinds of ‘nam man prai’. The very popular one is ‘nam man prai’ made from ‘pee (= ghosts) tai hoeng (= death by accidents)’.

This kind of ‘nam man prai’ is extracted from under the chin of a corpse of a person who meets horrific death before his/her time or in unnatural circumstances; may it be by accidents or during childbirth and such.

The ritual will perform in the cemetery by the coffin in the middle of the night. After subduing the spirit, by some magical procedures including chanting, the corpse will be raised from the coffin in sitting position.

The witch doctor will use a candle flame to heat under the chin of the corpse and extract the oil into a small receptacle. When done, more black magic will be performed in order to make sure that this stuff is sufficient.

Because this kind of oil is black magic so it is more effective when being used illegally or unethically such as adultery, burglary and etc.

As having said above, because of it being illegal, you have to sneak into a cemetery to find a corpse and yet, there is more work to do that is how to know which one is a ‘pee tai hoeng’.

So, the oil costs extremely high.

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‘Nam man prai’ made from ferocious animals


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Black magic ritual

A change of air once a while...

Vintage photos show what air travel looked like in every decade

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