Commemorative Medal for the Cholera Relief Award, Reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V)

History

Awarded to those who helped nurse cholera patients during the severe epidemic in the third month of the Year of the Rooster, 1881 (B.E. 2424). During this grave event, King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) ordered that treatment be given by modern methods in place of the religious ceremonies customarily performed in the past. This began with the establishment of a temporary hospital and treatment centre at Tambon Wang Lang, on the bank of the Chao Phraya River on the Thonburi side (later to become Siriraj Hospital). The King also commanded Prince Sai Sanitwong, then Director of the Department of Physicians, to devise methods of preparing medicines similar to Western ones. This medal is found in two metals: copper, which is more common, and silver, shown in the illustration, which is less often seen. The silver medals were awarded to those who assisted in this effort, with the recipient's name inscribed on the garland. A list of the titles and names of recipients of the named medals totals 48 persons, awarded from 22 September 1881 (B.E. 2424).

The King further reflected that the royal family and the royal officials had shown loyal devotion in establishing the cholera hospital in time, as His Majesty had wished, which was a great merit and service to the King. He therefore graciously commanded that a silver medal be awarded as a commemorative prize, accompanied by a diploma. The text of the diploma is transcribed as follows.

The King reflected that (Prince Chaturonrasami, Krom Luang Chakkraphatphong, the King's younger brother) had, in service of the King's royal authority and virtue, arranged the establishment of a hospital for cholera patients in Bangkok in the eighth and ninth months of the Year of the Dragon, third decade, out of loyal devotion to the King and compassion for fellow human beings. His Majesty therefore graciously commanded that a silver medal bearing the figure of a deity holding a garland, inscribed with the recipient's name and recording the event, be awarded as a keepsake of the work undertaken on this occasion. May he enjoy happiness, well-being and prosperity.

Awarded from Thursday, the fourteenth day of the waning moon of the tenth month, Year of the Dragon, third decade, C.S. 1243, being the 14th year, or the 4,700th day (as given in the source), of the present reign.

The text of the diploma is the same in every copy, with only the name of the recipient changed. The recipients were: Prince Chaturonrasami, Krom Luang Chakkraphatphong (1); Prince Phanurangsi Sawangwong, Krom Luang Phanuphan Wongworadet (1); Prince Krom Muen Phichit Pricha-kon (1); Prince Krom Muen Phuthet Thamrong Sak (1); Prince Krom Muen Prachak Sinlapakhom (1); Prince Kamalasana Leosan (1); Prince Kasem Sri Suphayok (1); Prince Krom Muen Thewawong Woraprakan (1); Prince Wannakan (1); Prince Disworakumarn (1); Prince Sri Saowaphang (1); Prince Sonbandit (1); Prince Sawatdi Sophon (1); Prince Sai Sanitwong (1); Prince Khachon Charatwong (1); Chao Phraya Yommarat (1); Chao Phraya Mahinthra Sak Thamrong (1); Phraya Phaskorawong (1); the wife of Phraya Phaskorawong (1); Phraya Thep Prachum (1); Phraya Anuchit Chanchai (1); Phraya Nonratana Ratchamanit (1); Phraya Chotuek Ratchasetthi (1); Phraya Rattanakosa (1); Phraya Chaisurin (1); Phraya Mahamontri (1); Phraya Samutburanurak (1); Phraya Samutsakhoranurak (1); Phraya Damrong Ratchaphonkhan (1); Phra Inthrathep (1); Chao Muen Waiwaranat (1); Chao Muen Samoe Chairat (1); Phra Phithet Santara Phanit (1); Phra Siam Nonthakhet Khayan, Deputy Governor of Nonthaburi (1); Luang Sitthi, orderly (1); Luang Det, orderly (1); Luang Narutrat Ratchakit (1); Luang Rattha Yathibanbanchaa (1); Khun Sri Suphan (1); Muen Sathan Phraichon (1); Muen Sawatdi Phak (1); Saming Chamnan Banchi (1); Dr. Peter Gowan (1); Mr. Frederick Solomon (1); Nai Sun, younger brother of Phra Chonlathan (1); Mr. Bernhard Grimm (1); Babu Ramsami, Brahmin (1). Total: 48 persons.

Obverse: a flying deva holding a sword in the left hand and a garland in the right hand; on the left is the inscription "ปีมแสงตรีศก ๑๔" (Year of the Dragon, third decade, year 14), and on the right the inscription "จุลศักราช ๑๒๔๓" (C.S. 1243).

Reference 1: Royal Gazette (Ratchakitchanubeksa), C.S. 1243, pp. 50–52.