Bangkok Recorder (English) 1865-1867

The 1865-67 English language editions of the Bangkok Recorder are very different from the earlier 1844-45 printings:

• Content and Focus: The 1844-45 edition had a more academic and general knowledge focus, with articles on science, philology, and fables, but it contained very little information about Siam itself. The 1865-67 English edition is a true news journal, with a heavy emphasis on local life and current events. It includes editorials commenting on recent events and detailed chronicles of local happenings.

• Tone and Editorial Freedom: The earlier edition is extremely cautious and reserved, avoiding local political subjects due to the Siamese government’s policy of isolation and a general distrust of foreigners. The later English edition adopts a bold and independent tone, with opinions expressed freely and even criticizing high-ranking officials and foreign diplomats. This newfound freedom was a direct result of the political transformation under King Mongkut. However, the strong opinions expressed ultimately led to Bradley being sentenced for defamation against French Consul Aubaret and fined $100 in the American Consular Court.

• Purpose: The original publication’s conveyed “useful information” to the Siamese people, while the later English edition was a full-fledged news periodical covering politics, literature, science, and commerce. This shift in purpose also changed its format from a monthly publication to a bi-weekly (and later weekly) journal.

Project Notes

• The text is reproduced as faithfully as possible including archaic spellings, a few typos and some unusual typesetting. It is possible there may be some mistakes in the transcription that weren’t caught in proofreading. Contact me if that’s the case.
• Text lines are reproduced as per the original newspaper with line breaks, hyphenation etc as originally published.
• Some parts of the text are illegible in the source material due to age/condition of the document. These parts are instead represented with […] in this online version.
• A commonly used archaic expression relates to dates:
  • “inst” refers to the current month, e.g. on the 15th inst. means 15th of this month.
  • “ult” refers to last month, e.g. on the 15th ult. means 15th of last month.
• Note that a few articles discuss slavery (both in Siam and America). There are some graphic descriptions of how people were treated which may be distressing to some readers.
• A small number of articles in this historical publication includes language that reflects the era of its creation and is not considered appropriate today. It is presented verbatim as a historical record.

Quick Links

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1865

• January 16th
  Modernization & political change / Western influence & treaties / Foreign publications & travelogues critiques / Book reviews / Social change & attitudes toward foreigners / International news / American Civil War & slavery / Indigenous peoples & rural life / Satire, humor, & social commentary

• February 1st
  Royal ceremonies & court life / Rice famine & agriculture / American Civil War & Lincoln’s re-election / International news / Chinese & Siamese festivals & customs / Economic changes & trade opportunities / Oil discovery & industry / Community relations among foreigners / Social customs & multicultural influences

• February 15th
  Oil exploration / Modernization & advancement in Siam / Railroads & telegraph development / Social & political change in Siam / American Civil War & Lincoln’s re-election / International relations / Racial attitudes in America / Industrialization / Travel & rural life / Satire, humor, & anecdotes

• March 1st
  Oil exploration / Travel & exploration / Social & political change / Economic modernization / Financial reform / Education & literacy / International relations / American Civil War & Andersonville prison / French colonial administration in Cochin-China

• March 16th
  Romanization of Siamese place names / Travel in northern Siam & Laos / Topography & local customs of Siam / Philosophy & critique of metaphysics / Cambodian history & society / French colonial administration in Cochin-China / International politics & European leaders / Social commentary & satire / Modernization & infrastructure projects in Siam

• April 1st
  Weather, drought, & agriculture / Satire & public perception of editors / Paris & French historical architecture / Education & modernization / The Great Bengal Cyclone & disaster relief / Buddhist relics & temple legends / American Civil War military news / International diplomacy / Social conditions & famine in Bengal / Global political developments

• April 15th
  Siamese-French-Cambodian diplomatic conflict / Significance of the white elephant / Songkran festival & local customs / Gambling & social behavior / American Civil War generals / History of Tuileries & European royalty / Sugar production & steam mill / Drought & agriculture / Travel & politics in northern Siam & Laos / International telegraph & railway extension projects

• May 1st
  Siamese-French-Cambodian treaty / American Civil War military leadership / Travel & society in northern Siam / Canal & road construction / Agriculture & irrigation / Sugar industry & economic modernization / International news / Social customs & markets in Laos / Satire & anecdotes

• May 16th
  Siamese-French diplomatic tensions & treaties / French colonial expansion / American Civil War military campaigns / Opium trade & law enforcement / Economic modernization: canals, railroads, & agriculture / Rachaburee & Nakawn-cheisee regional development / Social satire, anecdotes, & humor / International news / Obituaries

• June 1st
  Siamese-French-Cambodian diplomatic conflict / French colonial administration in Cochin China / Gambling mania / American Civil War & abolition of slavery / Travel diary: hot springs / Agricultural conditions & weather / Social customs & hospitality / Economic modernization / Entertainment, feasts, & multicultural society

• June 16th
  Assassination & legacy of Abraham Lincoln / End of American Civil War & Confederate armies surrender / Biographies of American generals / French Revolution / Robbery & foreigner’s legal disputes / Economic conditions / Travel diary: hot springs / International relations / Social anecdotes, satire, & community events

• July 1st
  Aftermath of Assassination of Abraham Lincoln / Trial of John Wilkes Booth / End of American Civil War & Confederate surrenders / Andrew Johnson’s policies on treason / International news / Economic conditions / Travel diary: hot springs / Social anecdotes, & community events / Obituary of Paul Schill

• July 15th
  American Independence Day celebration in Bangkok / Abraham Lincoln’s assassination & legacy / End of American Civil War & emancipation / Travel diary: hot springs / Ethnography & customs of the Karen people / Siamese royal births & titles / Counterfeiting & crime in Bangkok / Major fire & urban safety in Bangkok / French colonial policy & commerce in Cochin China

• August 1st
  Postwar United States politics / Emancipation & the status of freedmen / U.S. claims against Britain (Alabama claims) / Chinese rebellions & political instability / Agriculture & rice crop prospects / Gambling in Siamese society / Travel in northern Siam / Legal system & court practices / Ethnography & politics of the Karen people / Abraham Lincoln’s Funeral & legacy

• August 16th
  Chinese secret societies & rebellion in Bangkok / Political intrigue & banishment of conspirators / United States national debt / Canal construction / French Revolution / Aftermath of American Civil War in Charleston / Slavery, emancipation & social change in the American South / Ethnography & rural life in Sweden (Brothers Leinhardt) / Agriculture & weather in Siam / Counterfeiting & legal responses in Bangkok

• September 1st
  Rice export prohibition & famine concerns / Agricultural conditions & weather / Taxation & monopoly on coconut oil / Currency reform & counterfeiting issues / Horticulture & tropical fruits / Rice cultivation & agricultural practices / British parliamentary elections / European diplomatic relations & conflicts / Aftermath of the American Civil War in the South / Social commentary, anecdotes, & humor

• September 16th
  French-Siamese diplomatic conflict / International court cases / Agricultural practices & crop production / Garden culture, flowers, & horticulture / Social customs & daily life / European parliamentary elections & political developments / Execution of Lincoln assassination conspirators / U.S. postwar politics & President Johnson’s policies / Economic modernization & coinage reform in Siam / Anecdotes, social commentary, & humor

• September 30th
  Agricultural recovery & rice crop prospects / Irrigation & water management / Decline of Chinese rice mills & rise of steam mills / Chinese community & migration in Siam / Taxation & monopoly on coconut oil & trees / Currency reform, coinage, & counterfeiting / Elephant festival & royal ceremonies / Atlantic telegraph cable & global communications / International news / Social commentary, anecdotes, & humor

• October 14th
  Currency reform & introduction of new coins / Attitudes toward modernization & foreign advice / Art, history, & the Inquisition / Agricultural conditions & Petchaburi rice crop / Engineering & irrigation projects / Social change & philanthropy (The Brothers Leinhardt) / U.S. national debt & whiskey taxation / Economic priorities vs public welfare / American Civil War & its historical significance / Royal processions

• November 1st
  Social status & etiquette among foreign consuls in Siam / Jesuitism & the history of the Society of Jesus / Royal & temple ceremonies in Bangkok / Buddhism versus Christianity / Naming & development of new canals & roads / Agricultural prospects & rice crops / Commodity markets / Justice in the United States / Social customs, anecdotes, & humor / Photography & technological services

• November 15th
  Buddhism versus Christianity / King Mongkut’s reforms / Jesuitism & Catholic education / Weather patterns, floods, & agriculture / Social satire, anecdotes, & humor / P.T. Barnum’s Wine deception / American Civil War aftermath & Southern reconstruction / International news / Commodity markets & economic conditions / Industrialization & technological services in Bangkok

• December 1st
  Infrastructure development in Siam / Social customs & marriage anecdotes / Gambling & social consequences / Jesuitism & Catholic missionary history / Royal ceremonies, palace restoration, & royal deaths / Agricultural prospects & rice crops / International news / Economic modernization & public works / Social satire, poetry, & humor / Deaths, obituaries, & estate settlements

• December 16th
  Urban nuisances & public health / Taxation & regulation of dogs in Bangkok / Seri (fish) gardens & environmental impact / Agricultural prospects & rice crops / Flooding & weather effects on harvest / Economic hardship & business practices / Borrowed capital & cautionary tales / U.S. Consular Court & legal proceedings / Social satire, anecdotes, & humor / International news

• December 30th
  Reflections on the passing year / Health, mortality, & notable deaths in Bangkok / Royal births & deaths in the Siamese royal family / Social class, ancestry, & social commentary / Family reconciliation & Christmas traditions / Economic conditions, rice crop, & business outlook / Steam rice mills & industrial modernization / International relations / British & French political developments / Anecdotes, humor, & social satire

1866

• January 13th
  Publication and Journalistic Principles / Siamese Royal Affairs and Local Governance / International Geopolitics and Colonial Influence / Trade, Commerce, and Maritime Activity / Public Health and Epidemic Control / American Post-Civil War Politics and Civil Rights / Christian Missions and Religious Commentary / Social Customs and Justice in Siam / Law, Order, and Regional Security / Technological and Infrastructure Development / Global News and Current Events

• January 18th
  Technological Innovation and Impact / Societal Resistance to Change / Science versus Traditional Religious Beliefs / Critique of Biblical Narratives / Siamese Royal and Religious Traditions / International Diplomacy and Trade Relations / Economic Dynamics and Maritime Commerce / Social Injustice and Legal Systems in Siam / Urban Development and Public Health Initiatives / Entrepreneurship and Industrial Progress / Historical and Archaeological Discoveries / Local Business and Community Services

• January 25th
  Scientific observation and astronomical phenomena / Newspaper publication and editorial policies / Post-Civil War American political reconciliation / Abolition of slavery and the efficacy of free labor / Siamese royal hierarchy and traditional ceremonies / Siamese infrastructure development and modernization / Foreign relations and treatment of expatriates in Siam / Religious debate between Christianity and Buddhism / Growth and impact of Christian missionary work / Commercial activity and maritime trade in Bangkok / International political unrest and rebellion (Fenianism) / Agricultural economy and crop reports

• February 1st
  Siamese Royal Events and Traditions / Maritime Mutiny and Piracy / Post-Civil War American Politics and Social Justice / Sino-Western Relations and Chinese Governance / International Diplomacy and Geopolitical Tensions / Colonial Economic Management and Currency / Shipping and Port Operations / Natural Disasters and Maritime Accidents / Press and Publishing Industry / Technological Innovation and Crime Prevention / Social Narratives and Everyday Life / Legal and Judicial Proceedings

• February 8th
  Cattle plague prevention and quarantine measures / Advocacy for African American suffrage and civil rights / Analysis of British political leadership and economic policy / Theological debate on miracles and religious authenticity / Descriptions of Siamese royal ceremonies and history / Reporting on international diplomatic incidents / Updates on American political and social developments / Local economic activity, shipping, and industrial progress / Meteorological reporting and agricultural concerns / The role of the press in public information and debate / Anecdotes and social commentary

• February 15th
  Post-Civil War US Reconstruction / British Royal Engagement and European Politics / Bangkok Urban Development and Modernization / Christian Missionary Advocacy and Anti-Buddhism / Racial Integration and Post-Slavery Society / Suppression of Colonial Rebellions / Social Commentary on Intellect and Custom / Observation of Natural Phenomena / Commercial and Shipping Activities / The Power of Earnestness and Prayer / Anti-Catholic Sentiment in Ireland / Futuristic Technological Speculation

• February 22nd
  US Post-Civil War Reconstruction / Siamese Governance and Judicial Authority / International Diplomacy and Conflicts / Global and Local Economic Activity / European Expatriate Social Life / Infrastructure Development and Planning / Public Health and Major Disasters / Race Relations and Freedmen’s Rights / Maritime Piracy and Security / Press Freedom and Government Control / Siamese Royal Family News

• March 8th
  Religious Faith and Moral Conduct / Technological and Infrastructure Advancement / Government Policy and Administration / Maritime Trade and Security / Social Critique and Reform Movements / Post-Civil War American Political Landscape / Journalism, Publication, and Media / Education and Missionary Endeavors / Philosophical Reflections on Life and Progress / Local Bangkok Affairs and Urban Life / International Relations and Conflicts / Commercial Enterprise and Services

• March 15th
  Siamese Royal Family and History / The Bangkok Recorder Operations and Business / Post-Civil War American Reconstruction and Racial Injustice / European Political and Diplomatic Developments / Justice, Corruption, and Social Inequality / Public Health Crises / International Trade and Shipping / Social and Cultural Commentary / Photography Services and Ethics / Local Commercial Infrastructure and Services / Financial Markets and Economic Anxiety

• March 22nd
  Regional Conflict and Instability / Colonial Administration and Critique / Maritime Piracy and Security / Social Vices and Moral Decay / Religious Faith and Skepticism / Economic Affairs and Commerce / Infrastructure and Technological Advance / Military and Naval Readiness / Justice, Rights, and Repression / Journalism and Editorial Life / Health, Disease, and Lifestyle / Personal Ethics and Human Character

• March 29th
  Economic Development and International Trade / Siamese Royal and Cultural Traditions / Colonialism and Foreign Influence / Social and Political Reform / Individual Perseverance and Achievement / The Value of Labor and Intellectual Pursuit / Government Accountability and Justice / Moral and Philosophical Discourse / Importance of Education / Local Conditions and National Aspirations / The Impact of Miscommunication / Maritime Security and Piracy

• April 5th
  International Politics and Diplomacy / Commerce and Industry / Infrastructure and Technology / Colonialism and Western Influence / Religious Missions and Debates / Government Policies and Law / Social Justice and Civil Rights / Journalism and Public Information / Biography and Personal Endeavor / Local Community and Expatriate Life / Natural Phenomena and Environment

• April 12th
  Modernization and Infrastructure Development / International Relations and Diplomacy / Social Commentary and Morality / The Role and Influence of the Press / Education and Intellectual Development / Siamese Politics and Royal Affairs / Commerce and Maritime Activities / Law Enforcement and Anti-Piracy / Technological Advancement and Engineering / Cultural Exchange and Western Influence

• April 19th
  Parenting and child development / Personal character and moral conduct / Post-Civil War American racial justice and reconstruction / International relations and diplomatic protocol / Critique of governmental and colonial oppression / Local Siamese governance, law, and public safety / Siamese cultural practices and beliefs / Historical progress and societal change / Religious and philosophical contemplation / The role and responsibility of journalism / Practical wisdom and observations on life / Wealth and true happiness

• April 26th
  Religious Faith and Morality / Critique of Religious Dogma / Racial Injustice and Post-Slavery Issues / Colonialism and International Relations / Commerce and Infrastructure Development / Journalism and Public Discourse / Domestic Life and Relationships / Peril, Resilience, and Heroism / Observation of Nature and Local Culture / Reasoning and Human Fallibility / Social and Political Commentary

• May 3rd
  International Geopolitics and European Affairs / Domestic Political Instability and Security Measures / Colonial Administration and Accountability / Philanthropy and Social Welfare Initiatives / Post-Civil War US Reconstruction and Civil Rights / Siamese Governance, Administration, and Justice / Religious and Philosophical Debates / Journalism, Press Freedom, and Editorial Policy / Ethnographic Descriptions and Cultural Practices / Commerce, Shipping, and Local Business Services / Public Health Crises and Disease Management / Promotion of Science and Intellectual Development

• May 10th
  International Geopolitics / US Post-Civil War Reconstruction / Racial Equality and Civil Rights / Colonialism and Imperialism / Social Ills and Reform / Siam’s Modernization and Foreign Relations / Nationalist Movements and Internal Unrest / The Role of Law and Governance / Trade, Commerce, and Economic Development / Personal Resilience and Overcoming Adversity / Freedom of Speech and Press / Cultural and Artistic Development

• May 17th
  Journalism and the Power of the Press / Political Instability and Conflict / Trade and Economic Challenges / Social Injustice and Inequality / Human Resilience and Achievement / Moral and Ethical Conduct / Religious Faith and Changing Theology / Colonialism and International Relations / Local Bangkok Life and Environment / The American Reconstruction Debate / Public Services and Infrastructure

• May 24th
  Journalism and Local Affairs / British Politics and Imperial Relations / American Post-Civil War Reconstruction / Philosophical and Intellectual Discourse / Science, Religion, and Creationism / Siamese Cultural Practices and Traditions / Economic Modernization and Commerce in Siam / Colonial Injustice and Human Rights / Theological and Spiritual Reflection / Entrepreneurship and Industrial Innovation / Social Commentary and Morality / Natural History and Scientific Inquiry

• May 31st
  Spiritual and Philosophical Reflections on Creation / Appreciation of Nature and its Moral Influence / Comparative Societal Structures and Lifestyles / Geological Observation and Modern Scientific Theory / International Geopolitics and Conflicts / Post-Civil War American Politics and Racial Justice / Monetary Policy and Economic Stability / Maritime Industry and Incidents / Critique of Governance and Societal Corruption / Personal Morality and Business Ethics / Importance of Family Dialogue and Education / Local Commerce, Services, and Urban Development

• June 7th
  Christian Morality and Salvation / Critique of Rigid Social Norms / Ineffectiveness of Colonial Justice / International Law and State Neutrality / Development of Commerce and Infrastructure / Challenges in Cross-Cultural Translation / Regional Political Instability / The Ethics and Impact of Journalism / Principles of Study and Self-Improvement / Lessons from the Natural World / Colonial Economic Administration / Public Health and Diplomatic Representation

• June 14th
  International Relations and Imperialism / Missionary Work and Indigenous Cultures / US Post-Civil War Politics / Siamese Governance and Culture / Travel and Geography in Siam / Moral and Ethical Conduct / Lifelong Learning / Urban Demographics and Social Life / Technological and Scientific Progress / Commerce and Local Economy / Press Freedom and Legal Principles / Cultural Observations and Personal Anecdotes

• June 21st
  Global Political Tensions and Military Readiness / US Post-Civil War Politics and Reconstruction / European and Indian Financial Crisis / British Imperial Engagement and Colonial Boundaries / Public Health Epidemics and Disease Control / International and Local Trade and Shipping Developments / Missionary Activities and Social Life in Siam / British Domestic Politics and Statesmen Profiles / Philanthropy and Social Welfare Initiatives / Advancements in Military Technology / Socio-Cultural Commentary on Public Morals / Regional Developments in Japan and Southeast Asia

• June 28th
  Geopolitical Conflicts and Alliances / Justice, Mercy, and Human Rights / Faith and Religious Practice / Education and Scholarship / Monarchy and Governance / Community and Local Journalism / Public Health and Social Issues / Personal Courage and Family Devotion / Infrastructure and Economic Development / Political Extremism and Social Reform / Travel and Natural Scenery / International Trade and Maritime Commerce

• July 5th
  Impending European War / United States Reconstruction Challenges / Widespread Financial Crisis / Colonial Power Dynamics and Interventions / International Crime and Violence / Diplomatic Maneuvers and Treaty Disputes / Siam’s Modernization and Foreign Relations / Local Social and Community Life / Public Health and Medical Advances / The Role of the Press and Communication / Native Governance and Indigenous Rights / Cultural Exchange and Education

• July 12th
  Public Health and Disease Management / Government Corruption and Reform in Siam / Indigenous Mythologies and Beliefs / International Financial Crises / Development of Communication and Shipping Infrastructure / Foreign Diplomacy and Consular Affairs / The Role and Influence of the Press / Famine and Social Hardship / Post-Civil War US Political Tensions / Comparative East Asian Modernization / Local Commerce and Market Information

• July 19th
  Religious Faith and Conversion / Moral Character and Virtue / Public Health and Hygiene / Political Debate and Governance / Indigenous Culture and Mythology / Commerce and Local Economy / Social Norms and Critiques / Language and Literature of Siam / Self-Reliance and Industry / The Nature of Wealth and Happiness / Divine Creation and Natural Phenomena / Overcoming Adversity and Resilience

• July 26th
  Ethnographic study of Karen culture and beliefs / Christian missionary work and its influence / British colonial impact and modernization in India / Siamese royal protocols and succession / Descriptions of Thai geography and agriculture / Newspaper publishing and local commerce in Bangkok / Critique of language and social conventions / Philosophical reflections on human endeavor / Political analysis of the United States government / Buddhist religious ceremonies and local traditions / European presence and cross-cultural observations in Siam / Science and natural phenomena

• August 2nd
  International Geopolitical Conflicts / European Political and Diplomatic Crises / Colonial Administration and Imperial Expansion / Public Health and Humanitarian Crises / Infrastructure and Technological Development / Philanthropy and Social Reform / Domestic Social and Moral Commentary / Local Siamese Affairs and Development / Commerce and Shipping / Maritime Safety and Navigation / The Role of the Press

• August 9th
  Personal Morality and Spiritual Discipline / Political Rivalry and Governance / Social Justice and Equality / Economic Dynamics and Local Commerce / Industrial Innovation and Technological Progress / Philanthropy and Responsible Wealth / Cultural and Religious Observation / Practical Life Skills and Self-Reliance / Law Enforcement and Crime / The Urgency of Time and Purposeful Living / Community Building and Mutual Support / Journalism and Public Discourse

• August 16th
  Post-Civil War Political Tensions / Urbanization and Public Health Concerns / Faith and Moral Resilience / Siam’s Economic Development and Modernization / Regional Diplomacy and International Relations / Ancient History and Archaeological Exploration / Socio-Economic Inequality and Happiness / The Role of Journalism and Communication / Challenges to Governance and Efficiency / Historical and Contemporary Christianity / Practical Wisdom and Philosophy

• August 23rd
  European Geopolitical Conflicts / International Communication and Infrastructure / American Post-Civil War Society and Politics / Siamese Royal and Local Affairs / Global Trade and Economic Activity / Cultural and Social Observations / Scientific and Practical Innovations / Philanthropy and Global Exploration / Journalism and Publishing Business / Colonial Administration and Reform / Military Technology Advancements / Archaeology and Ancient Civilizations

• August 30th
  European Geopolitical Conflicts and Peace Efforts / Global Disasters and Public Health / Infrastructure Development and Communication / Military Technology and its Impact / Siam’s Internal Governance and Development / Archaeology and Ancient Southeast Asian Civilizations / Ethnographic Studies and Local Customs / Christian Missions and Moral Discourse / International Colonial and Political News / Commerce, Finance, and Business Notices / Advances in Science and Engineering / The Role and Operations of the Press

• September 6th
  European Geopolitics and Warfare / Military Technology and Innovation / American Post-Civil War Reconstruction / Colonial Accountability and International Diplomacy / Siamese Internal Affairs and Social Conditions / Global Economics and National Debt / Public Health and Wellness Advocacy / Evolution of News Reporting / Regional Geography and Demographics / Local Commerce and Shipping / Literary and Philosophical Commentary / Natural History and Linguistic Observations

• September 13th
  Austro-Prussian War consequences and German unification / Italian independence and annexation of Venetia / Protestant missionary expansion into Northern Siam / Tension between press freedom and Siamese government / Prevalence of bribery and official corruption / Western modernization efforts by Siam’s Second King / Royal rebellion and political instability in Burma / Bangkok commercial shipping, exports, and market rates / Social benefits of universal public education / Global spread of cholera and health concerns / British colonial governance and the Jamaica Rebellion

• September 20th
  Christian evangelism and domestic religious conversion / Progress of global telegraphic communication systems / British colonial governance and administrative appointments / Siamese treaty obligations regarding foreign property / Royal cremation ceremonies and Buddhist funeral rites / Missionary critique of Buddhist priesthood and idols / Local crime, police corruption, and judicial failure / Political significance of the Siamese Second King / Prussian military victories in Seven Days’ War / Geopolitical relations between Britain and America / Commercial shipping notices and local business advertisements / Western influence on Japanese military training

• September 26th
  Christian missionary work and biblical encouragement / European peace treaties and border disputes / Global communication via the Atlantic Telegraph / American reconstruction and civil rights debates / Corruption within the Siamese judicial system / Geographical and historical account of Hawaii / Commercial shipping, insurance, and local advertising / Biography and policies of King Mongkut / Local travelogues and descriptions of Ayuthia / Spread of cholera and public health / Moral lessons illustrating conscience and duty / Meteorological observations and the solar eclipse

• October 4th
  Account of violent royal rebellion in Mandalay / Invention rendering gunpowder safe using ground glass / Success of Atlantic Cable connecting Europe and America / Military and population statistics of Austria and Prussia / Call for educational reform and literacy in Siam / History of infanticide and kings in Sandwich Islands / Political analysis of British influence in Burma / Observation of traditional Laos medical practices and cures / Skeptical report on Buddhist superstitions and alleged miracles / Local Bangkok news regarding accidents and court cases / Post-Civil War political tensions between US and Britain / Commercial shipping advertisements and market price currents

• October 11th
  Missionary efforts to subvert Siamese idolatry / Political shifts and liberalism in Great Britain / Decline of Papal temporal power in Europe / Infrastructure improvements and road construction in Bangkok / Local crime and need for police protection / Advocacy for women’s education and social elevation / Health warnings regarding tobacco and alcohol use / Political instability and rebellion in neighboring Burma / Geopolitical shifts within the German Confederation / Religious reflections on death and the afterlife / Commercial growth and shipping updates in Siam / Critique of fashion and dress reform advocacy

• October 18th
  Peace treaties following the Austro-Prussian War / King of Siam’s birthday and diplomatic etiquette / French political pressure and encroachment on Siam / Modernization via gas lighting and steam mills / Natural history description of the Tookkaa lizard / US political reconstruction and cholera epidemic updates / Insurrection in Candia against Turkish rule / Violent piracy and murder near Hong Kong / History of missions in the Sandwich Islands / Critique of polygamy in the Siamese monarchy / Italian unification and acquisition of Venetia / Religious services and local commercial advertisements

• October 25th
  Christian missionary work and Protestant church services / Criticism of President Johnson and Reconstruction policy / Carlyle’s tribute to John Knox and Puritans / Siamese Buddhist holidays and traditional river festivals / Bangkok market prices and commercial shipping reports / Critique of royal polygamy and harem customs / Impact of telegraphy and modern military weaponry / Description of fish curing and rice hulling / Accounts of natural curiosities like two-legged hogs / Reports on New Orleans riots and Lincoln’s assassination / Severe famine conditions reported in Orissa, India / Local events regarding Prince Chula Longkorn’s ordination

• November 1st
  Post-Civil War racial tension and education efforts / Protestant missionary activities and religious conversion / Modernizing Siamese legal and administrative systems / Political character and demeanor of William Gladstone / Spiritual reflections on death and the afterlife / Bangkok commercial shipping and economic development / Personal integrity and moral courage in daily life / Natural history observations of Siamese wildlife / Skepticism regarding Roman Catholic miracles and practices / Total abstinence and strict religious observance / Diplomatic relations and cooperation between nations / Religious and social debates regarding slavery

• November 8th
  European political shifts after Austro-Prussian War / Conflict between President Johnson and US Congress / Rebellion and royal power struggles in Burma / Civil war and political transition in Japan / Siamese economic potential and resource management / Corruption and injustice in Siamese legal system / Expansion of telegraphs and global communication / Fenian raids causing alarm in Canada / French and British rivalry over infrastructure projects / Instability and French involvement in Mexican politics / Promotion of health resorts and sea bathing / Commercial shipping and local merchant advertisements

• November 15th
  Protestant missionary activities and weekly religious services / Rise of Prussian military power and influence / Southern loyalists’ appeal against President Johnson’s policy / Condemnation of gambling, lotteries, and alcohol consumption / King of Siam’s royal temple visitations and processions / History of Christian missions in the Sandwich Islands / Bangkok market prices, shipping news, and trade / Proposed telegraph line construction through Malay Peninsula / Critique of government corruption and debt slavery / Public demand for a Bangkok Post Office / Delays and speculation regarding T’achcen Canal construction / Spiritual poetry and reflections on personal influence

• November 22nd
  US Reconstruction politics and conflict with President Johnson / Social evils and mechanics of Bangkok lottery gambling / Critique of Royal polygamy and call for reform / Urgent need for improved Bangkok roads and infrastructure / Naval experiments testing heavy guns against turret ironclads / Historical accounts and legends of the Buddha Gaudama / Humorous poetic depiction of chaotic house cleaning / Local steamship accidents and loss of royal timber / Cultural observations regarding Dutch and French cleanliness / Moral admonitions and Christian advice for daily living / American ladies expedition detained by Spanish fleet / Commercial advertisements for local Bangkok businesses and services

• November 29th
  Post-war treaties and territorial annexations in Europe / Christian evangelism and conversion in rural China / Missionary influence on Hawaiian civilization and culture / King of Siam’s perspective on American politics / Promoting commercial development and infrastructure in Siam / Social ruin caused by legalized gambling farms / Reconstruction politics and unrest in America / Insurrection in Crete and Turkish military response / Madness and diplomacy regarding Mexican royalty / Maritime regulations, shipping news, and piracy / Local Bangkok religious services and community events / Commercial advertisements for local Bangkok businesses

• December 6th
  French exploration of the Mekong River region / Success of transatlantic telegraph cable communication / Political critique of Austrian and Prussian relations / Post-Civil War reconstruction challenges in America / Steamship lines connecting America with Asia / History and geography of Siamese Shan lands / Editorial defense regarding Siamese language usage / Detailed mechanics of traditional Siamese ox carts / Constitutional history of the Sandwich Islands / US consular and naval strategy in China / Local Bangkok commercial and agricultural news / Christian religious instruction and mission updates

• December 13th
  US political conflict over post-war reconstruction / International political updates and military telegrams / Bangkok local events, social gatherings, and regulations / Reports on maritime piracy and violent crimes / Christian missionary activities and religious service announcements / Siamese royal decrees and government administration news / Scientific exploration, travelogues, and technological progress / Educational progress and literacy in Sandwich Islands / Maritime statistics, shipping news, and naval specifications / Moral essays, literary excerpts, and philosophical questions / Commercial advertisements, market reports, and business notices / International diplomatic relations and consular affairs in Siam

• December 20th
  Protestant church services and missionary activities / International political updates from Europe and America / French consular aggression against Siamese administration / Advancements in ironclads and naval artillery / Commercial and geographical tour of Bangkok river / Philosophical reflections on aging, character, and childhood / Persecution and propaganda against Jews in Russia / Descriptions of Cambodian ruins and Shanland geography / Biography and political rise of Count Bismark / American post-war elections and reconstruction politics / French naval expedition and conflict in Korea / Local shipping, business advertisements, and legal notices

• December 27th
  Protestant religious instruction and missionary activities / Political criticism of American Reconstruction violence / Reports on mistreatment of American freedmen / Geographic descriptions of Bangkok riverfront architecture / Notice of the newspaper’s impending suspension / Moral guidance on marriage and domestic duties / Temperance warnings against the dangers of alcohol / Accounts of international conflicts in Korea and Abyssinia / Local commercial shipping and business advertisements / Local community social events and obituaries / Christian theological essays on salvation and surrender / Humorous anecdotes, poetry, and literary excerpts

1867

• January 16th
  Global political unrest and military movements reported / Geography and economic resources of Borneo described / Detailed survey of Bangkok riverfront and architecture / Proposals for Bangkok urban planning and modernization / Editor’s farewell and gratitude to subscribers expressed / Public apology regarding libel suit by French Consul / Arrival and specifications of US frigate Shenandoah / Essays regarding human character, gait, and morality / Christian missionary movements and religious moral instruction / Local commercial advertisements and shipping intelligence provided / Regional news updates from China and Japan / Diplomatic relations and foreign consulates in Siam

Statistics