Siam Samai 1882-1886

The จดหมาย เหตุ สยาม ไสมย (Chotmaihet Siam Samai) newspaper, or Siam Samai, was published from 1882 to 1886.

The title can perhaps be translated as “Siam Times” but it must not be confused with the another newspaper named Siam Times (สยาม ไตมส์) published in 1863. The word ไสมย is an archaic spelling of the modern Thai สมัย, meaning “era, time or period”. Bradley, in his contemporary Siamese Dictionary of 1873 defines ไสมย as:

ไสมย ฯ แปล ว่า กาละ ว่า คราว, ความ คล้าย กับ ระดู มี ระดู ร้อน เปน ต้น

Samai means time, period, or similar to season, such as hot season.

The content of สยาม ไสมย differs from Bradley’s earlier Bangkok Recorder which had been shut down following the loss of a liable case brought by the French Consul Gabriel Aubaret. While Bradley’s paper contained a lot of political and social reform commentary, Smith focused on more easily read subjects, literature and much less on “social crusades.” It was a safe way to gain an audience without offending diplomats or the palace.

Of the editor, Samuel John Smith, known to the Siamese people as หมอสมิธ (Dr. Smith):

Before leaving Burma, the Reverend and Mrs. Jones adopted an English boy, Samuel John Smith. Smith was sent to be educate in the United States, where he was ordained, joining the Baptist mission in Bangkok in 1849. From 1869, he operated an independent pressing office, where he edited and published in English the Siam Weekly Advertiser (1869-86), the Siam Repository (1869-84), the annual Siam Directory and (in Siamese) Sayam Samai (1882-86), an English-Siamese grammar, a Siamese-English grammar, an arithmetic textbook, a Christian catechism, a comprehensive Anglo-Siamese dictionary, and a comprehensive Siamese-English dictionary (which was ready for the press at the time of his death but was never printed). He printed Siamese prose and poetry in great quantities, making the printed page a very common commodity and selling presses and fonts of type to Siamese and Chinese job printers, who opened presses everywhere in Siam.

International Book Publishing: An Encylopedia. Altbach & Hoshino, 1995

Project Notes

• This newspaper has not (yet) been manually proofread. There are likely to be mistakes in the automated transcription.

• See this article for a guide to Thai Lunar dates.

ใบ ๑ — Volume 1

• เดือน ๙ ขึ้น ๒ ค่ำ, ๑๒๔๔ — 16th August, 1882 A.D.
  New newspaper launch and subscription details / King Rama V’s royal travels and activities / Grand National Exhibition showcasing Thai culture / Muslim religious celebrations and social gatherings / Concerns regarding public safety and armed robbery / Sun movements and seasonal weather patterns / Educating Thai youth on global geography / British military intervention in Egyptian conflicts / Global news via international telegraph reports / Political tensions and wars across various continents.

• เดือน ๑๐ ขึ้น ค่ำ ๑, ๑๒๔๔ — 13th September, 1882 A.D.
  Newspaper subscription and distribution logistics management / Royal ceremonies for the new Chakri Palace / Diplomatic relations between Siam and Great Britain / Public rewards for capturing dangerous local robbers / International conflict and war updates from Egypt / Maritime shipping incidents and rice harvest reports / Economic history and ownership of rice mills / Buddhist missionary journey from Siam to Lanka / Promotion of classical literature and educational books / Modern education offerings at Siam University Bangkok

• เดือน ๑๑ ขึ้น ๖ ค่ำ, ๑๒๔๔ — 18th October, 1882 A.D.
  Royal speech celebrating the King’s birthday / Administrative reforms for city and provincial security / Development of modern telegraph and canal infrastructure / Land surveys and agricultural documentation for citizens / Diplomatic expansion and permanent international embassies / Centennial celebrations of the Rattanakosin era / Global news reporting on the Egyptian war / Crime suppression and regulation of secret societies / Scientific observations and education regarding astronomical events / Historical record of the Ayutthaya Kingdom’s layout.

• เดือน ๑๒ ขึ้น ๕ ค่ำ, ๑๒๔๔ — 15th November, 1882 A.D.
  US Diplomatic Envoy Meets the Siamese King / Expanding Global Communication via New Telegraph Lines / Royal Participation in Traditional Buddhist Religious Festivals / International News Reports on Egyptian Military Conflicts / Concerns Regarding Local Flooding and Celestial Events / Importation of Foreign Livestock for Royal Use / Public Health Notices Regarding Cholera Medicine Ads / Growth of Local Printing and Educational Opportunities / Condemning Gambling During Local Community Boat Races / Reporting Regional Fires and Large Chinese Processions

• เดือน ๑ ขึ้น ๓ ค่ำ, ๑๒๔๔ — 13th December, 1882 A.D.
  Strengthening diplomatic ties with Western nations / King grants religious freedom to foreign missionaries / Global reports on colonial conflicts and politics / Modernizing Bangkok roads and improving urban infrastructure / Commemorating royal coronation anniversaries and religious rituals / Managing public safety, fires, and patrol duties / Moral campaigns against alcohol, opium, and gambling / Economic growth through exhibitions and international trade / Promoting formal education for future government service / Observing natural phenomena and scientific global exploration

• เดือน ๒ ขึ้น ๒ ค่ำ, ๑๒๔๔ — 10th January, 1883 A.D.
  Royal promotion of the King of Chiang Mai / The King’s royal excursion to the coast / Historical records of major comet sightings in Siam / Urban fires and fire brigade response efforts / Executions of violent criminals and local thieves / River patrols returning lost boats to owners / Rewarding students and promoting modern formal education / Public hardships and corruption in tax collection / Global political updates and international telegraph news / Commercial advertisements for books and banking services

• เดือน ๓ ขึ้น ๗ ค่ำ, ๑๒๔๔ — 14th February, 1883 A.D.
  Death of Somdej Chao Phraya Sri Suriwongse / Royal ceremonies and traditional Thai festivals / Maritime safety and modern torpedo technology / International diplomacy and foreign treaty negotiations / Expanding regional telegraph and communication networks / Surveying the potential Kra Isthmus canal / Global political conflicts and overseas news / Scientific explanations of Earth’s atmosphere / Economic notices regarding currency and trade / Educational opportunities and printing house services

• เดือน ๔ ขึ้น ๖ ค่ำ, ๑๒๔๔ — 14th March, 1883 A.D.
  Decree defining death terms by social rank / Career tribute to the late Siamese Regent / Expanding telegraph infrastructure connecting to Bangkok / Political turmoil and ministerial changes in France / International maritime regulations for the Suez Canal / British parliamentary debates regarding Irish civil unrest / Poetic description of a European royal wedding / Traditional dates for Siamese New Year festivities / Educational values and moral conduct for students / Commercial advertisements and local business service notices

• เดือน ๕ ขึ้น ๔ ค่ำ, ๑๒๔๕ — 30th March, 1884 A.D.
  Royal funeral rites for the Siamese Princess / Royal compassion toward foreign missionary families / Global political conflicts and civil unrest / Astronomical calculations for Thai New Year / Expansion of maritime trade and steamships / International economic shifts and trade tariffs / Reporting local fires and urban incidents / Diplomatic missions and European royal weddings / Commercial advertisements for photography and auctions / Promotion of modern education and literacy

• เดือน ๖ ขึ้น ๓ ค่ำ, ๑๒๔๕ — 9th May, 1883 A.D.
  German royalty visits Siam for diplomatic friendship / Elaborate royal funeral ceremonies at Sanam Luang / Reorganizing import and export tax collection systems / Violent crimes and river safety concerns addressed / Global political developments reported via international telegraph / Dangerous traditional fireworks during Songkran festive celebrations / Christian moral lessons regarding sin and redemption / The Royal Gazette returns to inform the public / Advertisements for photography and diverse book sales / Records of high-ranking officials and noble genealogies

• เดือน ๗ ขึ้น ค่ำ ๑, ๑๒๔๕ — 6th June, 1883 A.D.
  Royal appointments and granting of titles / Hosting high-ranking foreign dignitaries in Bangkok / Traditional ceremonies and royal elephant hunting / Natural disasters damaging palaces and temples / Arrival of British and French warships / Global news reported via international telegrams / Observations on Chinese immigration and labor / Public safety notices regarding lost property / Expansion and evolution of local print media / Emerging commercial services and educational opportunities

• เดือน ๘ ขึ้น ๗ ค่ำ, ๑๒๔๕ — 11th July, 1883 A.D.
  Royal cremation and biographies of monks / Readers praising newspaper’s impartiality and truth / Managing silver currency and international exchange / New laws for land and debt / Global telegraph news and military conflicts / French colonial expansion in Southeast Asia / Diplomatic missions and royal gift exchanges / Public health reports regarding cholera outbreaks / Religious and educational books for sale / Promotion of modern schooling in Siam

ใบ ๒ — Volume 2

• เดือน ๙ ขึ้น ๕ ค่ำ, ๑๒๔๕ — 8th August, 1883 A.D.
  King visits Bang Pa-In summer palace / Diplomatic mission sent to Queen Victoria / Royal appointments of high-ranking Buddhist monks / Grand merit-making ceremony honoring past kings / Royal princes ordain as Buddhist monks / Managing provincial governance and foreign relations / Official opening of the national telegraph line / Judicial reports on royal pardons and executions / International reports on disease and global conflicts / Commercial advertisements for photography and books

• เดือน ๙ แรม ๔ ค่ำ, ๑๒๔๕ — 22nd August, 1883 A.D.
  Royal ceremony honoring the King’s long reign / Establishing the national postal and communication system / Criminal justice, law enforcement, and public executions / Diplomatic relations with Western and Asian nations / Global news reports via international telegraph cables / Infrastructure debates regarding the Kra Isthmus canal / Commercial trade, steamboat transport, and public auctions / Public health monitoring and global disease outbreaks / Cultural representation at international exhibitions in Europe / Media industry updates and public service announcements

• เดือน ๑๐ ขึ้น ๔ ค่ำ, ๑๒๔๕ — 5th September, 1883 A.D.
  Postal service reduces rates for newspapers / Theft investigation at Smith Printing House / Conflict between palace guards and Europeans / Public health concerns regarding cholera outbreaks / Controversial legal case involving child pawning / Advocacy for banning gambling and opium / Infrastructure development and road paving projects / International political updates via foreign telegraph / Commercial advertisements for photography and shipping / Religious discourse on morality and hygiene

• เดือน ๑๐ แรม ๓ ค่ำ, ๑๒๔๕ — 19th September, 1883 A.D.
  Celebrations for King Chulalongkorn’s royal birthday / Expansion of telegraph and postal infrastructure / Royal pardons and judicial punishment reports / Economic criticism of wealthy elite hoarding capital / Reports on police misconduct and public grievances / Devastating Krakatoa volcanic eruption and disaster relief / Royal donations for international humanitarian aid / Development of national infrastructure and commerce / International news and global diplomatic updates / Commercial services including photography and steamships

• เดือน ๑๑ ขึ้น ๒ ค่ำ, ๑๒๔๕ — 3rd October, 1883 A.D.
  Royal birthday celebrations and the King’s speech / Economic growth in rice and teak trade / Mourning the death of a senior statesman / Modernizing national telegraph and postal services / Improving public safety and road infrastructure / Strengthening international diplomacy and trade treaties / Military preparedness against regional border threats / Regulating currency exchange and postal laws / Global news on French and Chinese conflicts / Promoting literacy through newspaper and book sales

• เดือน ๑๑ แรม ค่ำ ๑, ๑๒๔๕ — 17th October, 1883 A.D.
  Official promotions and administrative appointments in Siam / Prominent figures renouncing wealth for Buddhist monkhood / Report on severe illness outbreak in Chiang Mai / Legal disputes involving Chinese laborers and taxation / Role of journalism in Siamese national development / Global political conflicts and international telegram reports / Traditional moral proverbs and ethical life lessons / Expansion of postal and modern communication services / Commercial advertisements for books and professional services / Local crime reports involving stolen foreign goods

• เดือน ๑๒ ขึ้น ค่ำ ๑, ๑๒๔๕ — 31st October, 1883 A.D.
  Royal decorations and honors for officials / Official government appointments and rank upgrades / Traditional festivals and seasonal palace celebrations / The King’s annual Royal Kathin visits / Cultural impact of the Prince’s Theatre / International news reports via global telegraphs / Public grievances regarding trade and honesty / Moral proverbs and guidelines for conduct / Legal notices and disinheritance of family / Commercial advertisements for services and books

• เดือน ๑๒ แรม ๗ ค่ำ, ๑๒๔๕ — 21st November, 1883 A.D.
  Necessity of government for maintaining social order / Corruption and loopholes within the justice system / Global humanitarian aid for natural disaster victims / National defense and stability in remote regions / Balancing traditional faith with modern intellectual wisdom / International telegraph news and global political affairs / Challenges of establishing modern theater and entertainment / Promoting literacy through diverse educational literature sales / Public security and management of local conflicts / Commercial growth in photography and specialized services

• เดือน ๑ ขึ้น ๖ ค่ำ, ๑๒๔๕ — 5th December, 1883 A.D.
  Education and modern schooling at Suan Anan / Royal prohibition of fraudulent gambling practices / Public safety warnings against rising urban crime / Official royal appointments and bureaucratic promotions / Regulation and improvement of postal services / International disaster relief efforts for Java / Social impacts of debt and child slavery / Global political updates via international telegrams / Moral guidance and proverbs for common citizens / Commercial advertisements for technology and books

• เดือน ๑ แรม ๕ ค่ำ, ๑๒๔๕ — 19th December, 1883 A.D.
  Enhanced public safety through police reforms / Promoting modern education and student achievements / Global political updates and international telegrams / Administrative changes regarding northern military campaigns / Commercial developments and imported luxury goods / Navigational challenges and improved river transport / Moral lessons through proverbs and fables / Cultural and agricultural news from Chiang Mai / Expansion of local journalism and subscriptions / Addressing urban crime and gambling disputes

• เดือน ญี่ ขึ้น ๕ ค่ำ, ๑๒๔๕ — 2nd January, 1884 A.D.
  Loyal service and contributions of high officials / Principles of balanced leadership and administrative justice / Winning subordinate loyalty through kindness and support / Advocating for social reform and media ethics / Promoting urban development and modern infrastructure growth / Encouraging real estate investment and economic foresight / Introducing Christian traditions and the Western calendar / Global political updates delivered via international telegrams / Educational advancement through English language studies / Commercial advertisements for modern goods and services

• เดือน ญี่ แรม ๔ ค่ำ, ๑๒๔๕ — 16th January, 1884 A.D.
  Ministers must uphold the King’s royal honor / Assess military strength and reward meritorious service / Discipline rebellious individuals like training wild animals / Respect and support elderly officials with kindness / Guide citizens toward virtuous and beneficial conduct / Reports on local crime and police negligence / Cautionary tales warning against deception and robbery / Debating the meaning of true national civilization / Telegram news regarding international wars and politics / Advertisements for commercial services and book sales

• เดือน ๓ ขึ้น ๓ ค่ำ, ๑๒๔๕ — 30th January, 1884 A.D.
  Expansion of telegraph lines to Kanchanaburi / Diplomatic social events and consular movements / Royal ceremonies and official palace travels / New regulations for river patrol safety / Protection and debate regarding ancient antiquities / International news on global military conflicts / Warnings about fire and dangerous explosives / Advertising modern medicine for liver ailments / Moral fables about pride and caution / Commercial advertisements for local printing services

• เดือน ๓ แรม ๒ ค่ำ, ๑๒๔๕ — 13th February, 1884 A.D.
  Reader feedback on newspaper reporting quality / Royal travels and preparations for provincial tours / Development of infrastructure and modern transportation / International political developments and foreign telegrams / Religious discourse on Christianity and Thai perspectives / Legal matters and treatment of enslaved people / Thai diplomatic missions and international relations / Advertisements for health products and medicines / Economic management of early printing houses / Commercial advertisements and business expansion news

• เดือน ๔ ขึ้น ๒ ค่ำ, ๑๒๔๕ — 27th February, 1884 A.D.
  Promoting virtue and abandoning evil deeds / Criticizing judicial corruption and legal bribery / Harmful social impacts of local gambling / Proposed tax reforms to replace gambling / King’s wise investigation into military misconduct / British colonial military conflicts in Sudan / Foreign scholars exploring regional geography and culture / Marketing of imported medicine and services / Promotion of literacy and published literature / Editorial guidelines for constructive public discourse

• เดือน ๔ แรม ค่ำ ๑, ๑๒๔๕ — 12th March, 1884 A.D.
  Royal movements and official state travels / Diplomatic missions to resolve regional disputes / Traditional religious pilgrimages and philosophical beliefs / Local festivals featuring boxing and theater / Maritime shipping news and river accidents / Social issues involving theater and slavery / International military conflicts in Egypt and Sudan / Expanding telegraph networks across Southeast Asia / Diplomatic relations with European and Asian powers / Commercial advertisements for medicine and services

• เดือน ๕ ขึ้น ๗ ค่ำ, ๑๒๔๕ — 14th April, 1883 A.D.
  Violence involving secret societies and fugitive slaves / Royal clemency for soldiers involved in unrest / Public dismissal of a high-ranking royal official / Debate over newspaper advertising and operational costs / Expansion of telegraph and telephone communication infrastructure / Arson fire causes major damage at dockyard / Observing traditional Thai festivals and royal rituals / International reports on colonial wars and politics / Encouraging Siamese participation in global trade fairs / Commercial advertisements for medicines and technical services

• เดือน ๕ แรม ๖ ค่ำ, ๑๒๔๖ — 16th April, 1884 A.D.
  Corruption and moral decay in cockfighting scandals / Grand funeral ceremonies for the Siamese Regent / Editorial pleas for morality and legal adherence / Diplomatic relations with Germany and French officials / Christian missionary activities and baptisms in Siam / International news transmitted via global telegraph lines / Modern commercial marketing for medicines and services / Urban development and economic progress in Bangkok / Publishing logistics for newspapers and local literature / Global political conflicts and royal family deaths

• เดือน ๖ ขึ้น ๖ ค่ำ, ๑๒๔๖ — 30th April, 1884 A.D.
  Media role in educating and informing society / Cultural competition between traditional and modern drama / Abuse of power against female theater performers / Judicial corruption and bribery in legal system / Comparing Christian theology with local religious beliefs / Legal consequences of trespassing in royal residences / Injustice and violence against domestic servants / International news on global conflicts and politics / Commercial advertising for medicine and diverse services / Promoting public literacy through printed materials

• เดือน ๖ แรม ๕ ค่ำ, ๑๒๔๖ — 14th May, 1884 A.D.
  Expansion of domestic and international telegraph networks / Posthumous royal honors and royal family obituaries / Editorial guidelines for public discourse and ethics / Global news updates via international telegraph lines / Concerns regarding public safety and local robberies / Advertising patent medicines and health-related products / Educational books and printing house publication lists / Official movements of diplomats and high-ranking ministers / International military conflicts and foreign political affairs / Commercial advertisements and theater entertainment in Bangkok

• เดือน ๗ ขึ้น ๔ ค่ำ, ๑๒๔๖ — 28th May, 1884 A.D.
  Criticism of monks wearing improper pleated robes / The social and economic impact of gambling / Ethical duties of officials and modest celebrations / Diplomatic celebrations for Queen Victoria’s royal birthday / Legal disputes regarding false advertisements in newspapers / Foreign news summaries from Europe and Africa / Corruption and the need for judicial reform / Economic hardships of farmers due to livestock laws / Medical treatments and marketing for liver diseases / Commercial advertisements for printing and plating services

• เดือน ๗ แรม ๓ ค่ำ, ๑๒๔๖ — 11th June, 1884 A.D.
  Royal appointments for substitute judicial court administrators / Standardized fees for royal military registration documents / Citizens petitioning against corrupt extortion by officials / Official clarifications regarding recovered stolen buffalo procedures / Global reports on international conflicts and finance / Commercial announcements for ice sales and socialites / Advertisements for liver medicine and metal polishing / Sales of official post office directory books / Publication and sale of diverse Thai literature / Subscription policies for the Siam Saimai newspaper

• เดือน ๘ ขึ้น ๓ ค่ำ, ๑๒๔๖ — 25th June, 1884 A.D.
  Global philanthropy and free hospital construction / Comparative religious debates on god and suffering / International news on foreign conflicts and uprisings / Siamese diplomatic missions to the Western world / Royal warnings against superstition and infectious diseases / Infrastructure development and telegraph communication expansion / Commercial trade in medicine and industrial goods / Educational advancement through foreign language translation / Colonial tensions and French influence in Indochina / Legal prohibitions against slavery and human trafficking

• เดือน ๘ แรม ๒ ค่ำ, ๑๒๔๖ — 9th July, 1884 A.D.
  Official response to labor conscription disputes / Praise for professional theatrical costume design / Surveying railways to connect Siam and China / Global reports on international conflicts and treaties / French colonial expansion into the Cambodian kingdom / Citizens complaining about local banditry and corruption / Commercial advertisements for imported medicine and pills / Updates on local newspaper subscriptions and delivery / Refurbishing services for metal and luxury goods / Catalog of available Thai literature and textbooks

• เดือน ๙ ขึ้น ค่ำ ๑, ๑๒๔๖ — 23rd July, 1884 A.D.
  New regulations for provincial official certificates / Royal warnings against rumors and public panic / Tracking cholera mortality rates in Bangkok / The King’s royal journey to Bang-Pa-In / Geopolitical conflict between France and China / Farmer petitions regarding land and canal disputes / Maritime collision between Siamese and British vessels / Siamese diplomatic mission to the United States / Commercial advertisements for imported patent medicines / Sales of diverse literature and educational books

• เดือน ๙ แรม ๗ ค่ำ, ๑๒๔๖ — 13th August, 1884 A.D.
  Defense of Buddhist monks against public criticism / Royal patronage and religious devotion of King / Proposed railway connections from Bangkok to China / Tribute to Henry Alabaster’s contributions to Siam / International news summaries via telegraphic reports / Advertisements for liver pills and fever cures / Diplomatic tensions over Siamese and Cambodian borders / Newspaper subscriptions and Thai book sales catalogs / Reports on cholera spreading throughout European cities / Official royal movements and government appointments

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