Directory_and_Chronicle_1920 — Page 1217

1112.

BANGKOK

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. Communication with Hongkong is maintained by special steamers running during the rice season, and several lines of steamers connect the kingdom with the Straits Settlements. The Nippon Yusen Kaisha also established a line between Bangkok, Hongkong and Swatow, and a rate war between the two companies existed until January, 1908, when the Japanese line withdrew on terms. satisfactory to both parties. At the present time the Chino-Siam Steam Navigation Company, Limited, maintains a certain amount of competition with several chartered: boats.

The public buildings and institutions include the Royal Museum, which is situated in the Wang Nah, Bangkok, and consists of two buildings; that on the left to the 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 (Christ) Church, the Pasteur Institute, opened in April, 1905, four Roman Catholic Churches, nine Hospitals (two being maintained by and for the accommodation of Europeans, with a staff of European nurses), and the Assumption College, managed by the French Roman Catholic Mission. St. Louis' Hospital, a large and spacious building, was opened in 1899, the Sisters of Charity being in charge. There is one first-class hotel, the Oriental, and several smaller ones, also three clubs the Bangkok United Club, the British Club, and the club of the Wild Tiger Corps (for Siamese, founded by the King). The King's palaces 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 sets of 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. A census of the population of Bangkok town was taken in 1909, when the total was found to be 628,675 (males, 379,118; females, 249,557). There are nearly 2,030 Europeans in Bangkok, and a couple of hundred at least in the provinces. The number of Asiatic British subjects in Siam is estimated at about 7,000.

The average mean temperature at Bangkok is 82°. The hottest months are February, March and April, when the highest temperature in the shade recorded averages over 100°. The lowest temperature averages 61° Fahr.

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.

Bangkok itself is improving greatly, new roads having been opened and shops and houses are being built. Gambling has been abolished and a new

system of assessing land has been instituted which provides a substitute for the revenue hitherto derived from those gambling farms. The opium and spirits monopolies are no longer farmed out, but are under Government administration.