2020

Siam began its relationship with France during the Ayudhya Period (16th Century). The Franco-Siamese War (1893) in the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama IV) served as a pivotal turning point and the relationship between both countries became tense. It was not until 1921 in the reign of King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) that the tension lessened as then-Prince Prajadhipok decided to pursue a military career and study at the School of Military Affairs (École de Guerre) in France. The Siam-France relations vastly improved in the reign of King Prajadhipok as he was “an alumnus” from France who had to hold his status as a leader of a free country among the colonies of other western power such as France, England, and the Netherlands. His connection with France remained throughout his life both in his personal and official capacity, for example, his visit to France’s Indochina (Vietnam and Cambodia) in 1930 and his official visit to France as the Siamese Monarch in 1934.

The exhibition told the stories and displayed unique items such as albums of photographs from when King Rama VII observed the military barrack in the city of Nancy in France, Chevalier dans l’Ordre de la Légion d’honneu, the Royal decoration from France, and the schedule from his visit to France’s Indochina dated 14 April – 8 May 1930.