Turbulent Times

First hand observations by a Thai prince written in the last four years of his life covering family infighting, the political turmoil of the time, and his divorce from a Romanov princess.
Following the success of Letters from St. Petersburg, which recounts the early years of Prince Chakrabongse’s life through his letters to his father, King Chulalongkorn, the diaries covering the last four years of his life are full of sadness and tumult. The Prince records all the facets of his daily life: his work as Commander-in-Chief of the army and his push to bring Siam into World War I, the conflicts within the royal family, the breakup of his marriage and the death of his beloved mother, Queen Saowabha. These diaries provide an invaluable first-hand insight into Siamese politics and governance at a turbulent time, as well as poignant glimpses of his personal life and divorce from his Russian wife, Katya.

Narisa Chakrabongse is the only grandchild of Prince Chakrabongse and is a writer and editor, as well as a visiting lecturer at SOAS.