Narisa Chakrabongse, Henry Ginsburg, Santanee Phasuk and Dawn F. Rooney
ISBN: 9749863267
River Books
2006 - Paperback - 88 pages - 120 colour illustrations - 280 x 245 mm

Royal Maps of the Nineteenth Century

Historical maps are much more than geographical records. Often they provide insights into a country's politics, trade and war. In 1996, 17 large, hand-drawn and hand-coloured maps were discovered in the Prince Abhantri Paja Mansion in the Grand Palace, Bangkok. This magnificent collection is today in the care of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

Now, for the first time, Her Royal Highness has graciously allowed five of these precious maps to go on show at the Jim Thompson House, Center for Arts. Together with 80 other related items, the exhibition Siam in Trade and War - Royal Maps of the Nineteenth Century gives a fascinating picture of Siamese history and geopolitics during the first three reigns of the Chakri dynasty.