During the reign of General Chao Phraya Chakkri, founder of the ruling Chakkri dynasty, Bangkok became the capital of Siam (as Thailand was known before). The new capital moved the court from the west to the east bank of the Chao Phraya River. The city became a popular destination for U.S. military personnel, increasing tourism. After World War II, Bangkok has grown at an unprecedented pace, which has caused problems with transportation, communication, housing, water supply, drainage, and pollution.
They modernized the Siamese public, and American influences molded Bangkok into an enchanting, charming, soft, sophisticated, relatively orderly but accommodating city. Throughout Thailand, rapid changes occurred from the 1950s on. A free-wheeling social scene and free enterprise in commerce dominated the day. The pleasure-loving, gracious and hospitable Siamese made it easy for Americans to thrive here.
Here are some fascinating vintage photos that will take you back to Bangkok in the 1950s.
I miss the Thailand i found 30 years ago. it doesnt exist anymore
Not trying to dismiss your point, but neither does much else from 30 years ago.
Denge fever, what’s that? dead. STD’s, dead. AIDS, dead. Poverty next level. No nothing nothing. Education on nutrition, etc….. doubtful. Xenophobia, maybe. Wars still going on. Bombing of Japan probably still talked about. no internet. lol. no movies. entertainment limited. drinking probably super crazy. the poor likely abused next level horrible. But, yes, it’s a nice picture. probably better families, people, the real smile, good heart, hopes, dreams……but now there is iPhone 15, let’s go!!!
I wonder how Soi Cowboy looked like
Soi Cowboy didn’t exist back then. The first bar opened there in the 70s and Cowboy Edward, the guy it’s named for didn’t open his bar there until the late 70s.
Thanks, good to know. How would people find the girls before the bars existed? Or when Siam girls invented the “work”?
prostitution was born alongside with humankind
I’m sure there would be bars, restaurants, and clubs elsewhere that catered to foreigners. Patpong was developed in the 50s but that started out as a very modern area attracting big foreign companies to set up operations. There would have been a few bars and restaurants there but it was nothing like the tourist entertainment areas of today. They would have catered to businessmen, airline pilots, and foreign service employees. If I recall correctly there were more bars popping up in that area in the late 60s and early 70s to cater for US military personnel, which eventually led to Patpong becoming the biggest entertainment district from the mid 70s and onwards to the 90s.
Keep in mind that there weren’t an awful lot of tourists back in the 50s, You’re talking fewer than 10,000 people.
If you’re interested in Bangkok history then check out Bangkok Pat’s Youtube channel. He delves into the recent history of various areas of Bangkok in many of his videos.
So many people going barefoot. Were flip-flops unaffordable back then?
Flooded streets. Some things never change.