[Thai Language]. [Newspapers]

[Royal Gazette]

[Bangkok: Royal Publishing House, ca. 1874-1876]. Two volumes. 448; 442pp. Large quarto. First volume in contemporary quarter sheep and pebbled boards; second volume in later library buckram. Even tanning, heavier to second volume. Scattered chipping, small closed tears, worming, and moisture damage to second volume. Together, good plus. Item #5677

A substantial and complete two-year run of the Royal Gazette, a rare, landmark Thai newspaper. "The Royal Gazette was first published in 1858 during the reign of King Rama IV. It was launched because ‘the traditional practice of manually copying various announcements was slow’. The content included government announcements, legal regulations, and statements that countered misinformation in relation to government news, as well as notifications of births and deaths. It was distributed to various ministries and provinces, coming to be regarded as the first newspaper published by the Thai people" -- Suveeranont.

The first version of the gazette lasted for about a year before it was discontinued, but the paper was revived in 1874 by King Rama V, also known as King Chulalongkorn. The present volumes represent the first two years of this second incarnation of the Royal Gazette, complete with forty-eight issues each.

Price: $3,750.00