Siam Society is holding a one-day trip to witness the beauty, delicacy and legacies of the Rattanakosin kingdom at four of magnificent architectures in Bangkok on Sept 10.
Prince Chulalongkorn, the son of King Rama IV, became the fifth king of the Chakri Dynasty when he was only 15 years old. During his reign, he initiated many important social reforms.
The king abolished serfdom and the conscription of commoners for slave labour. He also reformed the government by applying the nation-state policy.
The central government would have the power to govern and administer its policies, creating unity within the nation as a result. At the same time, in 1892, he established 14 Western-style ministries.
Rattanakosin had been established for 100 years and celebrated its centenary in 1882. The city was quite developed and much changed. During his reign, Rama IV travelled twice to Europe in 1897 and 1907. Many houses and ministry buildings were built in European architectural styles.
Architects, engineers, sculptors and painters came from across Europe and contributed to Bangkok's developing landscape. Modern infrastructure systems of telegraph, telephone, train and tram were constructed.
Siam had to develop in modern ways so that no Western powers could claim the lack of civilisation as an excuse to colonise the country.
Under the leadership of Navamintr Vitayakul, the upcoming trip will take participants to visit four interesting venues constructed during the reigns of King Rama V and King Rama VI. They include:
 Nonthi House (Baan Piboontham), built in 1897 by King Rama V and given to Phraya Anurak Ratchamonthian (Mom Ratchawong Pum Malakul);
 Ruen Phraya Sri Dhammadhiraj, a noble house built during the reign of King Rama VI in a colonial style;
 Sunanthalai Building, a Neoclassic architecture built by King Rama V's order as a memorial hall for Queen Sunanthakumarirat and later changed into Rajini School up until the present; and
 Deva Manor, once the Grand Villa of Dheves Palace, tasked by King Rama V to Italian engineer/architect Carlo Allegri as a welcome home gift to the king's 12th son Prince Kitiyakara Voraluksana (prince of Chanthaburi) after his graduation from England.
The fee is 4,700 baht (4,200 baht for members). Email supanut@thesiamsociety.org or call 02-661-6470--3 ext 504 and 506.
