BANGKOK
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approach contains the natural history collections and ethnological exhibits from Japan, China, Java, etc., that on the right (formerly a royal building) contains the Siamese ethnological collection. There are also the Protestant Church, four Roman Catholic Churches, two Hospitals, a Ladies' Library, and Assumption College, managed by the French Roman Catholic Mission. St. Louis' Hospital, a large and spacious building, situated near the German Legation, was opened in 1899, the Sisters of Charity being in charge. There is one first-class Hotel, the Oriental, and several smaller ones, also two clubs-the Bangkok United Club and the German Club. The King's palace and the temples are magnificent and on a large scale; the architecture is of a kind peculiar to the country; and there is much more of novelty and interest to be witnessed by passing travellers in Bangkok than can be found in Chinese cities. The roads have been greatly improved. The tramway was introduced in 1888, and has proved financially successful, there being now two lines, both driven by electricity. The city throughout its principal streets as well as all hotels and principal shops are lighted with electricity, incandescent lights being universally in use. The population of Bangkok is estimated at 400,000. There are aver 1,000 foreigners in Siam, most of whom are resident in Bangkok. The number of Asiatic British subjects in Siam is estimated at about 7,000.
The harbour and island of Koh-si-chang, which lie some 20 miles from the bar and about 50 miles from Bangkok, are places of importance. The harbour, formed by a strait of sea running between islands, offers a fine anchorage for vessels loading rice and teak during the south-west monsoon (from April to the end of October.) The largest ships can take shelter there. A lighthouse serves to enable vessels to make the
entrance.
The British Consul in his Report on the Foreign trade of Bangkok during the year 1902 remarks:-"Notwithstanding the low average rate of exchange, the total value of the foreign trade of Bangkok has exceeded in sterling value that of any previous year. The imports and exports combined show å total of $91,693,271 (£7,927,646). This latter sum is an increase of £755,293 over the sterling value of 1901, and if the difference in exchange, 24d., between 1901 and 1902 be taken into consideration, it will be een that the silver value of the trade in 1902 shows a still greater proportionate increase over that of 1901. This increase is partly explained by the large amount of treasure imported this year in contrast to the very low figure appearing under that heading in 1901; for after deducting from the totals of 1901 and 1902 the amounts of treasure imported respectively in those years, the actual superiority of 1902 stands at only £215,201. The exports to foreign countries amounted to $52,441,133 (£4,533,972), an increase of £167,000 over last year's total; 48 and 38 per cent. of this total appear as export to Hongkong and Singapore respectively, 3 per cent. to India, a similar pro- portion to Germany, whilst 'other countries' share the remainder. Practically 80 per cent. of the total export value is represented by rice. The 1902 export of this com- modity exceeds that of 1901 by 113,563 tons and in value by £139,722. It proves to be the greatest year on record, 798,487 tons being exported, valued at £3,623,985. During the last five years the average export has been 569,163 tons, bearing an average value of £2,840,093.”
The following are the latest trade figures, the year ending 31st March
1901--1902.
Imports Exports
Total.
Ticals
50,258,341 80,905,391
.131,163,732
1902-1903.
Imports Exports
Total
Ticals
69,716,074
85,815,920
.155,531,994
In 1902 of a total steam tonnage cleared outwards at Bangkok of 628,155, there was a German tonnage of 334,491, the Norwegian was 149,457 and the British 91,803. As to labour, the Chinese coolies continue to be masters of the port, and the position in regard to them grows worse, for the supply is insufficient, and they can impose what terms they please. Bangkok itself is improving greatly, new roads having been opened and shops and houses being built. A great and much-needed reform is the substitution of some other source of revenue for the present gambling licences which are farmed to Chinese. The public recognition of gambling fosters improvidence and crime of every kind.