Pure as the Sun, Illuminating the World: The Genius of King Chulalongkorn through the Royal Writings Klai Baan (Far from Home), Volume II

Abstract

This article, Pure as the Sun, Illuminating the World: The Genius of King Chulalongkorn through the Royal Writings Klai Baan (Far from Home), Volume II, aims to examine the intellectual brilliance of King Chulalongkorn as reflected in Klai Baan, Volume II, a collection of royal letters composed during his second visit to Europe (1906–1907). The study reveals that this royal work is not merely a travelogue but also a testament to the King’s multifaceted genius—as a folklorist, anthropologist, and historian—demonstrated through his meticulous observations, inquiries, and records of the ethnicities, cultures, and arts of various nations. Moreover, the work highlights his literary mastery, both as a writer and as a poet, capable of producing vivid and profound descriptions. These qualities provide invaluable historical, cultural, and social reflections of Europe more than a century ago. The outcomes of this journey contributed to transformative changes in Siam, including architecture, fine arts, lifestyles, fashion, and the acceptance of Western influence in national reforms. Thus, Klai Baan stands as an important literary and historical document, reflecting the King’s intellectual capabilities and his royal undertakings in laying the foundations for Siam’s modernization to be on par with other nations.