The King Mongkut Studies Initiative
King Rama IV online exhibition.
A Compilation of Exhibitions on King Mongkut
The New Face of Thai Education in the Reign of King Rama IV
Traditional Thai education prior to the arrival of Western influence followed a customary (or traditional) model known as “Jarit” education. It was structured around three key stages of learning…
Krom Luang Samorratana Sirichet
Her Royal Highness Princess Somawadi Sirattanaratchadida, Krom Luang Samorratana Sirichet,
was a royal daughter (Phra Chao Luk Thoe) born in the early reign of King Mongkut (Rama IV), to Chao Chom Manda Thiang.
The Siamese King Who Opened the Door to the Civilized World
His Majesty King Phra Paramendra Maha Mongkut, King Mongkut of Siam,
the fourth monarch of the Royal House of Chakri in the Rattanakosin era,
was originally named, according to the inscription in the royal Subannaphat, as…
His Vision for Civil Rights and Liberties
King Mongkut was deeply aware of the threats posed by Western imperial powers.
During his time in the monkhood, he pursued knowledge through newspapers and foreign texts, many of which he personally ordered or received as offerings. Through this self-directed study, he…
His Genius in Science and Technology
When referring to King Mongkut’s genius in science and technology, one naturally recalls the total solar eclipse on August 18, 1868, at Wa Ko, Prachuap Khiri Khan.
Social and Cultural Transformation in Siam
Prince Damrong Rajanubhab once noted:“…During the reign of King Nangklao (Rama III), there were five Siamese individuals who excelled in learning Western knowledge from the Americans…”
Siam Opens Its Doors to Trade in the Reign of King Rama IV: The Economic Foundations of National Development
King Mongkut was a monarch of the Rattanakosin Kingdom who actively pursued broad diplomatic and commercial relations with Western nations, becoming a “model” for modern Siamese engagement with the world.
His Genius for Learning
When we look back at the history of nearly every country in Asia, we find that most were once colonized by Western imperial powers with the notable exception of Thailand, which managed to preserve its sovereignty despite having to cede some territories along the way.
Photography in the Reign of King Mongkut
Photography during the reign of King Mongkut was considered a modern innovation of its time…
Scientists and Thinkers of the World during the Reign of King Rama IV
During the mid-Rattanakosin period, scientific knowledge became increasingly widespread, along with the emergence of several prominent figures of the time…
Unveiling Siam through Architecture: Tracing Landmark Sites from the Reign of King Rama IV
Phra Thinang Suthaisawan is a large royal pavilion located to the east of the Phra Aphinaun Niwet group of pavilions…
สยามเปิดประตูทางการค้า สมัยรัชกาลที่ 4 : รากฐานการพัฒนาประเทศทางด้านเศรษฐกิจ
พระบาทสมเด็จพระจอมเกล้าเจ้าอยู่หัวทรงเป็นพระมหากษัตริย์แห่งกรุงรัตนโกสินทร์ที่ทรงดำเนินนโยบายเปิดการติดต่อสัมพันธ์กับชนชาติตะวันตกอย่างกว้างขวาง และเป็น “ต้นแบบ” …