Memories of a royal tutor

THE SECOND edition of “King Bhumibol and the Thai Royal Family in Lausanne”, as narrated by Lysandre C Seraidaris, the youngest son of Cleon, private tutor to Their Majesties King Ananda and King Bhumibol, was recently launched along with a collection of 40 rare historical photographs.

The launch event, which was held at Living Gallery on the third floor of Siam Paragon last week, was presided over by Khwankeo Vajarodaya, Lord Chamberlain of Bureau of the Royal Household, together with Daniel Brelaz, mayor of Lausanne, and Nitikorn Kraivixien, president of the Royal Photographic Society of Thailand.

The book, which has been translated from French into both English and Thai, has two parts. The first focuses on the memories of the tutor while the second covers the relationship between Lausanne and Thailand. It provides a chronology of the events in the older Seraidaris' life and comes with illustrations at the end of each chapter, making it easy to check back for reference. All photos in the book are from Seraidaris senior’s private collection and have rarely, if ever, been seen elsewhere. The first edition was published in May 2014.

Seraidaris senior was working towards his law degree at the University of Lausanne in 1935 when he was introduced to Princess Mahidol and her three children by his close friend Rasmi Suriyong, a Siamese Prince. Later, Seraidaris became a private tutor to King Rama VIII and the reigning King, His Majesty King Bhumibol. It is a story as fascinating as it is unique with Lysandre highlighting both personal and public events from a world not previously revealed. Out of loyalty and affection Cleon would not disclose the details of his service to the Royal Family. In response to the suggestion of HM King Bhumibol that these historical events and images be recorded and enjoyed, the author was encouraged to write this account. This unique testimony, abundantly illustrated with personal photographs and documents from the author's family archives, told from an intimate and family point of view, offers his father’s insight into part of the history of the Kingdom of Thailand.

The collection consists of 40 rare historical photographs of King Ananda and His Majesty King Bhumibol and other royal family members during their stay in Switzerland from 1933 to 1951.

“The photo exhibition and the launch of the book are organised in honour of His Majesty and to disseminate the never-heard-before stories of King Rama VIII and IX and other royal family members while living in Switzerland,” Nitikorn told guests during the launch.

 

On the page

 

- “King Bhumibol and the |Thai Royal Family in Lausanne” is priced at Bt699 at all |branches of Asia Books.

- A part of proceeds will go |to the King.