THAILAND-BANGKOK
B139
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The last census was taken on May 23, 1937, when the total population of Thailand was found to be 14,464,489, as compared with 11,506,207 in 1929, when the previous census was taken. Detailed particulars of the subdivision by race of the population are not yet available.
On June 24, 1932 a successful coup d'état took place in Bangkok, the result of which was the acceptance by the King of a form of constitutional govern- ment. Dissatisfaction with the policy of the new Ministers led to a second and equally bloodless coup détat on June 20, 1933, headed by Colonel Phya Bahol, who held the position of Premier until he was succeeded by Colonel, now Major-General Luang Pibul Songgram, the Prime Minister of Defence at the end of 1938. In October of the same year, an armed revolt organised by reac- tionary elements was suppressed by the government. The Constitution provides that the King is the Head of the State; he exercises legislative power by and with the advice and consent of the People's Assembly, executive power through the State Council, (which corresponds to a Cabinet), and judical power through the Courts duly established by law.
On March 2, 1935, King Prajadhipok abdicated, and H.M. Ananda Mahidol was proclaimed King, a Council of Regency being appointed to act during the King's minority.
BANGKOK
The city of Bangkok is situated on both sides of the Menam about 23 miles from where this magnificent stream empties itself into the Gulf. On the left bank of the river is the city proper, enclosed partly by a wall. The Royal palaces and Government Offices are within the wall, the foreign *hongs, and the principal rice mills being adjacent to the principal or main street of the city. The right bank is principally occupied by Thai, Chinese and Mahommedan residents. The bulk of the business is transacted on the left. Here a road, called New Road-in Thai, Charurn Krung-extends from the Palace walls to Bangkolem, and the electric tramway runs along it for a distance of about six miles. Another electric tramway to Samsen has a length of four miles. Other lines opened in 1906, traverse the city and its environs in various directions, the total length being about 12 miles. All the tramway services are in the hands of the Thai Electric Corporation, Ltd. except the railway to Paknam which was purchased this year by the State. Various new streets and roads have been made recently, and its immediate suburbs have now some 400 miles of carriage roads. There is now also a road running from Bangkok to Don Muang (22 Kilometers) and thence to Lopburi (135 Kilometers) and one run- ning South to Paknam (21 Kilometers). Bangkok is in direct wireless com- munication with Europe. The principal trade of Bangkok and the foundation on which not only its prosperity but its actual existence mainly rests, is rice. This article is drawn in immense quantities, not only from the innumerable fields which line the fertile valley of the Menam, but from the adjacent rivers which flow into the Gulf from the enormous watershed of the mountain crescent which fringes the northern extremity of the kingdom. The output of this grain in favourable years is scarcely to be calculated. It not only furnishes support to the native population of Thailand and the Malay Peninsula, but largely contributes to the supply of China, Manila, the Straits, Java and Sumatra; a large amount is also sent to Europe and even to South America. There is also a large trade in teak-wood and ivory, with very many other minor articles of native produce which are exported to China and the Straits. Butterfield & Swire steamers give a regular weekly connection with Hongkong and Swatow; and the Straits Steamship Co. has a weekly service with Singapore. The Bri- tish-India S. N. Co. also maintains a frequent service between Singapore and Bangkok. The Osaka Shosen Kaisha maintains a connection with Singapore