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The International Journal of the Royal Society of Thailand

Volume XVI-2024 (Special Issue)

Status of Science in Thailand before the arrival of westerners in the early

Rattanakosin period
The Thai name “Witthayasatra” for science first appeared on the Daily Mail Siamese Edition

issued on 31 May 1913. Previously, other names were used for science, for example, “Satra”

or “Witthya,” used for the courses assigned by the Ministry of Education in 1895 and 1898,
respectively. There were some scientific articles such as “Witthayanubhap” in Vajirayan Wises
book in 1889 written by Prince Prajak Silpakom or “Kitchakarn Rueng Thammada Satra”

in Vajirayan book in 1896, the first part written by Khun Maha Wichai (Chan) and the other two

by Nai Arun Preecha, elaborating scientific phenomena in the style of question and answer,
similar to what appeared in “Nangsue Sadaeng Kitchanukit (A Book on Various Things)” written
by Chaophraya Thiphakorawong (Kham Bunnag) to educate children, published in 1868.

This particular book is considered the first science teaching book in Thailand. (Sukpanichnant, 2022)

Western-styled science was brought in the reign of King Rama III by American missionaries
who successfully introduced education, printing, and medicine to Thai people. Back in Ayutthaya
period, King Narai the Great welcomed foreigners who brought in scientific knowledge and

technology such as telescope and certain medical practices but they had no influence at that

time due to the closing of the country to foreigners at the end of his reign. (Office of Literature
and History, the Fine Arts Department, 2014)
King Rama IV is considered the first Thai scientist. He calculated the timing of eclipse with

great precision at Waghor subdistrict in 1868 (Orchiston and Orchiston, 2021) and was consequently

named “Father of Thai Science.” He was open to science and new knowledge including western
cultures, English and Latin languages, as well as making contact with foreigners who arrived in
the reign of King Rama III. He hired English teachers for his children and children of his high-ranking

officers. There are documents indicating serious study of science in the Royal Institution and

their followers such as the aforementioned “Nangsue Sadaeng Kitchanukit.” (Sukpanichnant, 2022)

The Royal Institution and advancement of science in Thailand

King Rama V was aware of the importance of science education in the country. Consequently,

he established the Phratumnuk Suankularb School in 1882 to teach chamberlains. Thereafter,
the school expanded to provide education to all government services in 1884 and it moved
to a new location in 1893 and renamed “Suankularb College.” The date 8 March 1882 is then

considered the date of establishment. (Wattanakiri et al., 1995) Moreover, King Rama V established

the first primary school at Wat Mahannappharam in 1885 and in 1887, established Department

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