Publishing in Thailand Trasvin Jittidecharak
How did the people of Thailand learn to read and write before the 20th century? In feudal society, boys and young freemen entered monkhood to be taught Buddhist doctrine. They learned to read and write from text written on khoi paper made from Mulberry bark, in accordion-style folded books, or on tied and bundled palm leaves. Writing surfaces were colour-coated to encourage ink to adhere to grooves made with sharpedged styli. Texts were reproduced by scribes for safekeeping in temple libraries and royal palaces. Education, clearly, was not for everyone. In 1796, during Rama I’s reign, Catholic priest Arnoud Antoine Garnaut set up a print shop in the Santa Cruz Church, Thonburi. The metal movable typesetting system used typefaces from Calcutta (Kolkata), and later from Singapore. It was not until 1841 that Siam produced its own type. Paper was imported from Europe, as locally produced khoi paper was too rough for mechanized printing. Illustrations, though rare, were created using lithography. Photographic reproduction was not introduced until after 1900. The first Thai-owned press was established at Boworn Temple in 1843 by monk-prince, and future king, Mongkut (1804–1868). After his accession, King Mongkut (Rama IV; r. 1851–1868) ordered the Government to set up a printing press to publish the Royal Gazette (Ratkitchanubeksa), administrative papers and records (chotmaihet), Royal Gazette (Ratkitchanubeksa)
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