Thailand, Kingdom. A Bangkok Centennial Medal, Ii Class Silver Grade, C.1882

Instituted in 1882. In silvered bronze, measuring 62.8 mm in diameter, contact marks, scattered silvering wear, on its original full-length neck ribbon, very fine.

Footnote: The National Exhibition or Bangkok Centennial Exhibition was the first exhibition ever held in Siam as a part of the Bangkok Centennial Celebrations in 1882. It was held in Sanam Luang, the grounds between Wang Luang and Wang Na in the old city moat area, and lasted for one hundred days from April to July 1882. Sanam Luang was the most suitable exhibition ground at that time because of its large space and location. The exhibits were displayed in temporary buildings and artificial gardens, built on the barren field of Sanam Luang. Precious objects and royal regalia were conveyed from Wang Luang to the exhibition ground. The Exhibition could be considered as entertainment because there were things to be seen in the 54 exhibition rooms and one theatrical hall, both for knowledge and for pleasure. The Exhibition was to glorify the Chakri Monarchs who governed the kingdom to the hundredth year by displaying the King and Queen’s treasuries and costumes; tributes from the tributary states; and natural resources of all kinds. The progress of modern Siam could be seen as displays of new technologies from the West (telegram and telephone instruments) and the potential of Siam to become modernized (raw materials in various exhibits).

The National Exhibition confirmed the importance of the Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha Temple as the nucleus of Bangkok, with canals as major forms of transportation. The Grand Palace was the King’s residence and office while the Emerald Buddha Temple was the Holy Spirit for the city and the kingdom. Sanam Luang was a place for all purposes. Many ceremonies were held there, namely, the laying of the foundation stone of the King Rama I memorial, the laying of the foundation stone of the Palace of Justice [Ministry of Justice’s building] and the bone relic ceremonies. The bone relic ceremonies were to venerate the royal ancestors, with a series of Siamese entertainments held in Sanam Luang in June 1882, amidst the Exhibition. A lot of people went to see various performances, free for the public, during the bone relic ceremonies and some bought tickets to see the Exhibition as well, which crowded Sanam Luang. The laying of the foundation stone of the Palace of Justice signified modernized administration in Siam with proper office. After the administration reform in 1887, more government offices were removed from the Grand Palace for the bigger space. Even the King had a new residence built in the suburban area and this may signify the expansion of Bangkok.