SIAMESE KING’S DEATH

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24899, 12 June 1946, Page 7

SIAMESE KING’S DEATH

CASE NOT ONE OF SUICIDE

PALACE OFFICIAL’S STATEMENT

LONDON, June 10. The death of King Ananda Mahidol of Siam was caused by a pistol shot in the forehead above the left eye. “The Director-General of the Palace, after a six hours’ investigation, said that it was not a case of suicide,” reports the Bangkok correspondent of the “Daily Mail.” “The Director-General emphasised the King’s well-known enthusiasm for playing with revolvers and pistols. There were three in his bedroom, which were always loaded, with the safety catches released,” he said. “The King apparently had a smell armoury in his bedroom. He, in addition to pistols, had a Bren gun, a

tommy-gun, a carbine, and special light-weight weapons which the clandestine forces in Siam used during the war.”

“King Ananda Mah idol’s death brings to a climax a series of palace bickerings and intrigues.” says the Bangkok correspondent of the Associated Press. “Siam is already involved in a territorial dispute with France, and now is faced with the possibility of having to cope with an archist. movement.” The body of King Ananda Mahidol is lying in state in the magnificent Dusit Hall of Kings, while sll Siam mourns his death. The Government has decreed national mourning for one year. After the Buddhist funeral ceremonies, the body will be kept in a golden urn for 100 days before cremation. Parliament has again named Phanonyong as Prime Minister to form a new Government in the next few days.