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

undergone eye surgery by the American Dr. Wieler in the US in 1931, who had
recommended a second operation after two years. Documents about the
preparations for the trip reveal that there was supposed to be additional tooth

surgery as well.
Queen Rambai Barni wrote:

“… at that time, the government didn't want this trip to Europe and
the USA, but His Majesty is really very ill. According to the doctor, his
other eye is almost blind. An urgent treatment would be necessary,
hence this decision.”
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At first, the Siamese government approved the trip to Europe and the
United States (the trip to the US did not happen in the end). Then, however,
the government tried to prevent the tour. This has to do with domestic politics
in Siam after the revolution of 1932, right after the establishment of the first
constitution by King Prajatibok on 10 December 1932. The preparations by the

Siamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs reflect both the conflicts within the Siamese
government, especially among the members of the “revolutionary group”
Khana Ratsadon, after the 1932 revolution, and the radical differences in opinions
between the King and the government. The conflict was even worse especially
after the “Bavorndej uprising” on 11 October 1933.
The preparations involved the secretary of the royal court and foreign
minister Phraya Apibal Rajamaitri contacting the Europeans and Americans to

find suitable dates and places, which would also allow for medical treatment,
both for eye and tooth operations, for Their Majesties and all the hosts.
Unbeknownst to the public, the question was if the Siamese government would
allow this trip to happen or not. The above–mentioned conflicts led to a gradual
delegitimization of the Seventh King of the Chakri dynasty, as many European
emissaries in Bangkok confirmed, including those from Germany, Italy, and
France.

In: Diary of Her Majesty Rambai Barni, Wife of King Prajatibok, 2002. King Prajadhipok's Institute.
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