Prince Paribatra, the renaissance man of Thailand.(Long article)
Char Karnchanapee
Field Marshal HRH Prince Paribatra Sukhumbhand of Nagor Svarga was
born on born on June 29, 1881 to King Chulalongkorn(Rama V)and Queen
Sukhumala Marasi. He received his early education at palace schools
before going to
England to study at the age of 13 as was the tradition then for royal
princes.
Two years later, he attended a military academy in Germany during the
time of Kaiser Wilhelm II, from where he graduated as a lieutenant in
Queen Augusta's
Royal Guards. He undertook further military and military related
education and training in Germany,including a period of time at the
army staff college, and gained promotion, as well as a number of
honours and distinctions including a special commendation from the
kaiser. After spending nine years overseas, he returned to Thailand.
His father, King Chulalongkorn entrusted Prince Paribatra with key
responsibilities in the modernisation of the Thailand's armed forces.
He spent a brief period in the Army,however, before being appointed to
head the fledgling Thai Royal Navy in 1904. He remained in this
position for over 16 years, which later on he's been transforming it
into a modern institution, with rules and regulations related to all
aspects of Thai naval service including command and control,
promotion, education, training, budget and discipline rules which are
still used to this day.
During the reign of King Vajiravudh (Rama VI), he moved back to
the Army, where he continued with his modernisation process. When King
Prajadhipok (Rama VII)succeeded to the throne, the prince became the
second most powerful figure in Thailand, chairing the millitary
Supreme Council of country, heading up both the Defence and Interior
ministries, and acting as regent during the monarch's frequent
absences from Bangkok.
During this period, he'd also helped to set up Thai Air Force
as a separate branch of the military where it was one of the first in
the world. When Thailand built her first military plane in 1927, it
was officially named "Paribatra" by King Prajadhipok(Rama VII)to
honour his half-brother.
At any rate on June 24, 1932, Thai absolute monarchy was
overthrown by a group of middle-level military officers and
bureaucrats. As the perceived strongman of the ancient regime, Prince
Paribatra himself had to leave his Bangkhunprom Palace (now the
location of the Bank of Thailand), and went into exile. He settled
down in Bandung, Java, Indonesia then was under the Dutch rule. He was
to remain there until his death in 1944.
After the end of World War II, however, in recognition of the
prince's great contributions to the country the governance and
development of the country, the Thai Government had a special
arrangement to send a special plane to bring back his body. It
received a royal cremation at the Pramane Grounds near the present
Grand Palace in accordance with his full status and the contributions
he had been contributed to the country.
Prince Paribatra could be truely called a Renaissance Man who
linked between his military might and his talents in music in addition
to Thailand, he spoke English, German, French and Dutch fluently. He
had extensive interests and in-depth knowledge of a number of
subjects ranging from food to orchids, on which he wrote the first
text book in the Thai language in 1916. His residence, Bangkhunprom
Palace, was in its heyday not only a seat of power but also an
important centre of learning, art and culture.
It's, however, very interesting to note that it was in his
highly tatent in music that Prince Paribatra became very well known
of. During his lifetime, he devoted what spare time he had to
composing, and training musicians
with new Western playing and singing techniques, building up
traditional Thai
Phiphat(wind) and Mhahori(string) ensembles, and developing Western
style brass
bands. His musical compositions comprised with both Thai classical
style and music and combinations of Thai and Western musical
traditions.
During his exile in Bandung, however, he'd chosen to live a
quiet and simple life, spending most of his time travelling with his
family, reading and composing music. When he died at the age of 63, he
left a priceless legacy of some 70 compositions of great Thai
classical music. His music reflects one of the greatest strengths of
Thai society, perhaps they've become no doubt the best to refect of
his best talents and ability to combine its own culture and traditions
with the best that the outside world has to offer, and make it work to
best advantage. All of his works eternally remains being admired and
studied by Thais in modern days without interuptions.
Sources. Prince Paribatra, the Renaisance Prince of Thailand and his
works. The Outlook (BKK Post)