Thread: Memory Lane (In my own language)

Gustave Rolin-Jaequemyns, born in Gent in 1835, was a renowned lawyer and a Belgian politician. Together with the Swiss Gustave Moynier, founding member of the International Committee of the Red Cross, he created in 1873 the Institute of International Law.

In 1904, this institution, which still exists today, received the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of its action in favour of arbitration among States, a peaceful means of settling disputes.

As former minister of Home affairs (1878-1884) and a reputed expert in international law, he was hired by King Rama V of Siam in order to contribute to the modernization of the country in 1892.

As General Advisor to the King, Rolin-Jaequemyns exercised for nine years the highest functions in the Siamese Cabinet. With the support of Belgian legal experts, he controlled the process in every department, reorganizing the judicial system, modernizing fiscal and military regulations as well as matters relating to ports, public works, police and foreign affairs.

He was also mandated by King Rama V to negotiate a compromise with the French government which resulted in 1893 in the Franco-Siamese Treaty through which Siam managed to maintain its independence.

His achievements for Siam were formally recognized by King Rama V when he elevated Gustave Rolin-Jaequemyns to the rank of Chao Praya, the highest non-royal rank in Siamese hierarchy. His full title was Chao Phya Abhai Raja Siammanukulkij (Note: The non-heredity title Chao Praya Abhai Raja was normally reserved for provincial governors and cabinet ministers).

Both in Belgium as in Thailand, he is seen as a great man. The Thai honour him as the man who prevented Siam/Thailand from becoming a colony while the Belgians voted him to place 373 of the list of "Greatest Belgians Ever" and (in academic circles) see him as one of the giants of the legal profession.

But his biggest achievement is his role in the founding of the Institut de Droit International. Its members and Rolin-Jaequemyns used their reputation, their knowledge and their practical experience to lay the foundation of modern international law and the International Court of Justice in which disputes amongst nations are now settled peacefully.

"The competence and gesture of this person, who was so important to the government of Siam, will be imprinted in our memory forever" — King Rama V.

Rolin-Jaequemyns left Siam in 1901 and died in 1902 at the age of 66 in Brussels, Belgium.