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78 Siam - Rising Sun Under King Prajadhipok

The close relationship between Siam and Japan continued to
evolve through various events and activities between the two countries

through the government sector, the private sector and other individuals.
When His Royal Highness Prince Prajadhipok Sakdidet Kromkhun Sukhothai
Thammaracha (His Majesty King Prajadhipok’s title at the time) made a

personal visit to Japan after graduating from France from 22 November
– 5 December 1924 A.D., a total of 14 days, the visit demonstrated the

willingness in growing the relationship between the two countries.

Until the reign of King Prajadhipok, the first visit to Japan as Head
of Siam occurred in 1931 A.D., and the places where His Majesty visited

implied the strong bond of the two countries and the respect for the
Siamese royal family as seen in the meeting with Emperor Showa and

Empress Kojun at Imperial Palace, the visit to Meiji Shrine, Royal Shrine,
Yasukuni Shrine, Japanese Army Shrine, Hibiya Park for Buddha’s birthday
ceremony (on April 8th of every year according to Japanese Buddhists’s

belief), and Kotokuin Temple Kamakura City to pay homage to Amitabha
(an outdoor bronze Buddha statue), to observe the pine trees planted

by King Rama VI, and to plant two pine trees as commemoration of his
visit in 1902 A.D. Although the second visit in the same year was not be
as informal as the previous time, it reflected the “intimacy” between

the two countries as seen in the visit to many important places such as
Nissenji Temple.

His Majesty King Prajadhipok led Siam to a major transition
through his various royal duties during his reign. All aspects were related

to one another and successful accordingly. Siam were benefited
from those especially in term of foreign affairs. Through ten years of

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