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 four clubs-the Bangkok United Club, the Bangkok Club, the British 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 over 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 following are the latest trade figures, the year ending 31st March-
Imports Exports
......
1902.
Total .....
Ticals 65,420,231
87,401,889
152,822,120
Imports Exports
Total
1903.
Ticals
65,417,702
74,464,417
.139,882,119
The British Consul in his Report for 1903 says:-"The exports to foreign countries for the year are valued in sterling at £3,955,922, as against £4,533,972 in 1902. Rice continues to be far and away the most important export of Siam-the country, in fact, lives upon it in every sense--and it formed about 76 per cent. of the total export. Over 13 per cent. more consisted of teak timber, and all other products combined amounted to less than 11 per cent. The value of imports from foreign countries was very high, as might be expected from the large rice export of 1902 which brought money into the country. In fact, the sterling value, £3,475,315, was the greatest that has hitherto been recorded, being £81,663 in excess of the year 1902, which was the previous record year. Deducting treasure from both years we find that the sterling value of imports of actual merchandise was, for 1902, £2,561,751, and for 1903 £2,957,171, giving a balance in favour of the latter year of £395,420.
In 1903 of a total steam tonnage cleared outwards at Bangkok of 518,917, there was a German tonnage of 328,373, the Norwegian was 86,810 and the British 59,661. 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.
Original from UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN