Thailand: 'The Way of Approaching Superiors'. Illustration from Sir John Bowring's (17 October 1792 - 23 November 1872) book 'The Kingdom and People of Siam', 1857. King Chulalongkorn (Rama V, r. 1868-1910), abolished prostration in 1873, noting: 'The practice of prostration in Siam is severely oppressive. The subordinates have been forced to prostrate in order to elevate the dignity of the 'important person'. I do not see how the practice of prostration will render any benefit to Siam. The subordinates find the performance of prostration a harsh physical practice.'

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Size: 5200px × 3427px
Photo credit: © Pictures From History / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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