About the book:
In this book, the author – who is better known for his book Eight Years in Syria, Palestine and Asia Minor sets off to Bangkok from Singapore in 1840, where he resides in Bangkok. The book describes not only the customs and culture of the land, but also issues of the day, such as the Siamese military capabilities, relations between Siam and Cochin China, and a short History of Siam.
Contents include:
Departure from Singapore, Arrival at the Bar of Siam, etc
Paknam – Description, Paknam villages, Siamese ladies, description of houses, population of Bangkok, etc
Royal dockyards in Bangkok – Quarrels with Cochin Chinese, Names of Siamese ships of war
Marriage ceremonies – Siamese courtship – Funeral rites
Geographical description of Siam – Native wealth – Food of the Siamese – Description of the Monsoons
The Prince Chou-Faa – the Prince’s skill in making and repairing of watches – Visits of the temples of the White Elephants
Chanti Boon – Its situation and buildings – Monkeys and snakes – Siamese cookery – Feeding of the Cobra by the natives
Festival of the Peace Offering – Legend which has given rise to the festival
General character of the Siamese – their dress – smoking opium 0 education of children
Dispute between Governments of Siam and Cochin China
Trade of Siam – imports from China, excellent quality of Tea, treatment of bankrupts
Shooting Excursion – fishing for pomphlets – fire at Bangkok
A brief Sketch of the History of Siam
