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SIAM-BANGKOK
The next section, Lopburi-Paknampo (118 km.), was opened to traffic in Novem- ber, 1905, and the section to Pitsanuloke is now open. The line running south- west to Petchaburi, vid Ratburi, 152 km. long, was opened to traffic in the early part of 1903. The Eastern line from Bangkok to Vetriew is now practically com- pleted. The total length of State railways open to traffic is 574 km., and there are under construction 295 km. The private railway companies comprise the Tabuan. Taclim, Mehlong and Phrabad Companies. These lines have together a total length of 106 km. Surveys have been carried on between Utaradit and Nakawn Lampang in connection with the Northern State railway. A fleet of steam launches runs from the metropolis in all directions up-country, to the east and west.
The Army is small, but in recent years great progress has been achieved in military matters. Under the new organization the following four regiments are stationed in Bangkok, viz., the Royal Bodyguard, the 1st Infantry of the Line (old Royal Guards), the 2nd Infantry of the Line (old Palace Guards), the 3rd Infantry of the line (old Barge Guards). There are in Bangkok a regiment of artillery, another of cavalry and a battalion of engineers. In the interior some seven military divisions have now been properly organised, and in each there are from two to three regiments of infantry, a regiment of artillery, and a battalion of transport troops. In addition in some divisions there are cavalry and engineers. A form of conscription is in force in the seven divisions referred to.
The Royal Military College in Bangkok has been one of the principal factors in the improvements effected, and young officers trained in this institution are also in great demand for the work of the civil administration of the interior. The Navy is small but efficient, and additions are constantly being made to its strength.
The native population of Siam, with Laos, Cambodians, Peguans, &c., excluding those under Consular protection, is variously estimated at about seven millions. The number of Chinese in the kingdom is estimated at about 2,500,000.
BANGKOK
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The city of Bangkok is situated on both sides of the Menam about twenty- five miles from where this magnificent stream empties itself into the Gulf. 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, the Consulates, and the principal rice mills being on the principal or main street of the city. The right bank is principally occupied by the Siamese, Chinese and Mahomedan residents. The bulk of the business is transacted on the left. Here a road, called New Road-in Siamese, 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. Both these are the property of the Siam Electricity Co., Ltd. The lines of the new Siamese Tramway Co., Ltd., opened in 1906, traverse the city and its environs in various directions, the total length being about twelve miles. Various new streets and roads have been made recently, and Bangkok has now over 100 miles of carriage roads. A telegraph line connects the Lighthouse at the Bar beyond the mouth of the river with the business portion of the city. 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 Siam 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. The steamers of the North
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