Page 28 - _21-0619 OK

The International Journal of the Royal Society of Thailand
Volume XII, 2020

1. Introduction

This research study is part of the series of new research projects on
King Prajatibok by the King Prajadhipok Museum, King Prajadhipok’s Institute,
to commemorate the 120 anniversary in 2013 of His Majesty's trip and received
th
an award from UNSECO. The series of new research projects is different from

previous ones by not primarily focusing on democracy and on the 1932 revolution
during the reign of Prajatibok (Rama VII).
3
The research topic King Prajatibok's Visit to Europe in 1934 has not been
studied in an academic fashion before. This article deals mostly with the trip to
Europe starting from 12 January 1934 to His Majesty's Abdication on 2 March 1935.

The visit to Europe in 1934 took place in a period of change and problems
after the First World War, a result of the first massive global economic and financial
crisis. Europe and Asia were affected by new factors that they both shared: the
gradual decline of the absolute monarchies, and scientific and technological

progress. Furthermore, both continents had to deal with the influence and the
expansion of the new political ideologies of Marxism/communism and Fascism.
This study is based on primary and secondary sources from Thailand and
documents from seven European countries—the Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy,
the Vatican, Denmark, Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland, which have been
systematically analyzed for the first time. The Siamese King and Queen Rambai
Barni visited nine European countries in 1934: France, Italy, the Vatican, England,
Denmark, the Weimar Republic (Germany), Belgium, Czechoslovakia, Hungary,
and Switzerland.

2. The Reasons for the Visit to Europe and the planned Visit to the United
States in 1934 – the Trip to Europe and Siamese Domestic Policy

The main reason for King Prajatibok's visit to Europe in 1934 was
definitely health. His Majesty urgently needed a second eye operation. He had

3 These are for example Yazukiji Yatabe (author), Eiiji Murashima and Nakarin Mektrairat
(translator)3 edition, 2004. Revolution and Change in Siam; Walwipa Charunrot (M.L.), 2005.
rd
The Political Plans of King Prajatibok: A Historical Analysis. Bangkok: King Prajadhipok Museum;
Preeda Vacharangkul, 1977. Prapokklao and Democracy, The Complete Biography of King Prapokklao
Chaoyuhua; etc.

20 A Modern Siam with Constitutional Monarchy - King Prajatibok, The Siamese
“Honourary Diplomat” in Europe 1934

5/1/2565 BE 09:03
_21-0619(019-054)3.indd 20
_21-0619(019-054)3.indd 20 5/1/2565 BE 09:03