Thailand’s royal glass plates: A window into Siam’s past
A photograph of women from Kamphaeng Phet, taken in 1906 during the reign of King Chulalongkorn, is part of one of Thailand’s most important photographic archives — a collection that preserves a visual record of Siam from the mid-19th to early 20th century. The photograph is held in the Royal Photographic Glass Plate Negatives and […] The post Thailand’s royal glass plates: A window into Siam’s…
Thailand's royal glass plate negatives and original prints collection, containing over 35,000 negatives and 50,000 prints, chronicles Siam's transformation from the mid-19th to early 20th century. This UNESCO-inscribed archive, maintained by the National Archives in Bangkok, documents the nation's societal, political, and cultural shifts.
The collection showcases royal ceremonies, royal family members, foreign visitors, and life across Siam, from the capital to rural provinces. It also highlights the progression of photography within the royal court, with five principal consorts mastering the art form. Beyond notable events and figures, the archive preserves everyday life through images of clothing, crafts, religious items, and architectural features.
This visual record of Siamese history continues to inform and educate future generations about Thailand's rich cultural heritage.
Written by urgent.news from Khaosod English's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
