Directory_and_Chronicle_1891 — Page 700

SIAM

The kingdom of Siam, of which Bangkok is the capital, extends from the latitude of about 23 deg. north to the Gulf called after itself. It is bounded on the west by Burmah and the Bay of Bengal, and on the east by the Lai Mountains. The kingdom proper lies in the valley of the Menam, the country of the true Siamese. The boundaries of Siam on the Bay of Bengal reach from Burmah in a southerly line to the boundary between Perak and Quedah in the Malayan Peninsula in the latitude of 5 deg, south. The island of Junck Salong, containing enormous deposits of tin ore, is included in the territories of Siam. The boundary line runs nearly east from Perak across the Peninsula in about the same latitude between the provinces of Tringanu and Pahang to the China Sea, thence north to the head of the Gulf of Siam. The kingdom also comprises the greater part of the ancient domain of Lao and the rich and valuable possession of Battambang, once a part of the kingdom of Cambodia. The various dependencies and outskirts are peopled by a variety of races, some sui generis, others illustrating every form and shade of the transition between the original race and the Annamites on the east, and the Malays and Burmese on the south and west. The former capital of Siam was Ayuthia, situated on the Menam river (literally the "Mother of Waters"), about 90 miles from its mouth. In 1767 a series of bloody and desperate combats between the Siamese and the Burmese culminated in the capture and destruction of that city by the victorious Burmese general and the consequent exodus of the conquered. They moved down the river about 60 miles and there founded the present populous and flourishing city of Bangkok. The chief of the Siamese Army rallied the scattered troops, and, building a walled city at Toutaboree, declared himself King under the title P'ya Tak. In 1782 the reins of empire were seized by one of his most distinguished generals named Yaut Fa, who founded the present dynasty, of which His Majesty the present King [the 40th reigning monarch in Siam of whom we have any record is the fifth in regular descent. The revenue of Siam is very large, and if properly collected would be enormous, but the inertness of the nobility and the frauds practised with the utmost boldness and impunity, have very seriously impaired it. The general revenue is farmed out to Chinese, and a triennial tax is also imposed upon all foreigners unrepresented by a Consul, such as Chinese, Annamites, &c. Siam entered the Universal Postal Union on the 1st July, 1885. A survey has been made and railways will no doubt soon be introduced in order to open up the country. A Company has been formed to make the first line, from Bangkok to Borapah, and the capital subscribed in Siam.

The army in time of peace is small, and is made up of the following. 1st.-The Royal Body Guard, which consists of one squadron of cavalry, two battalions of infantry, and one company of artificers and sappers. This body of troops is recruited from the sons of noblemen descended from the blood royal. 2nd.-The Palace Guard, which is composed of two battalions of infantry. 3rd.-The Royal Elephant Troops, 4th.- Royal Infantry, consisting of three battalions of four companies each. To this corps is attached a squadron of cavalry and a brigade of artillery. This branch is open to the sons of slaves, who gain their freedom after their term of five years' active service. 5th The Royal Marines, numbering about 400, who serve on board the Royal yachts. and gunboats.

The native population of Siam, with Laos, Tavoyans, Peguans, &c., excluding those under Consular protection, is variously estimated at from six to ten millions. The number of Chinese in the kingdom is estimated at about 1,300,000.

BANGKOK

The city of Bangkok is situated on both sides of the Menam about thirty miles from where this magnificent stream empties itself into the Gulf. On the east bank of the river is the city proper enclosed by a wall, the Royal palaces, the foreign hongs, the Consulates, the principal rice mills, and most of the Public Offices. The left is principally occupied by the Siamese, Chinese, and Mahomedan residents. The bulk of the business is transacted on the east. Here a road, not in all places passable for wheeled vehicles