Democratic Sentinel, Volume 18, Number 15, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 April 1894 — ODD CUSTOMS IN SIAM. [ARTICLE]

ODD CUSTOMS IN SIAM.

Executions are Celebrated by a Hod—day. Among the curious customs observed in Siam, and that still maintain to the present day, though modified in some cases through recent contact with Western nations, the following may be of interest: Me* are often subjected to severe punishment for trivial offenses, says the Pall' Mall Budget, and the many modes adopted, though intensely painful and galling, are borne with apparently complete indifference. It is not an uncommon occurrence for the King to sentence two men to be chained together, who are then compelled to go about, perhaps for years, yoked in this manner, as no one dare release them without the King’s permission, and of course he soon forgets the circumstance. An instance of this character occurred not very long ago, when one of the prisoners died, and the other unfortunate wretch was seen dragging the body of bls late companion about beside him, unable to escape from his horrible yoke. The European consuls in the city, shocked by the sight, endeavored to obtain his immediate release, but, during the delay occasioned by the absence of the King, the poor follow became insaiuv and soon afterward died. Executions are of frequent occurrence, and the method of execution i* interesting, although revolting in detail. The locality mostly used for this purpose is situated in a valley a short distance from the city. The morning is the time generally adopted, when crowds of natives may be seen moving toward the spot, arrayed la their gayest colors. The executioner approaches, dressed in red rags and armed with a large “dah” or sword. The condemned num is led up by an escort conducted by a Prince, who has charge of the entire affair, and is responsible to the King: for the successful carrying out of hi* The headsman next proceed* to shackle the prisoner’s ankles together, bind his hands behind hi* back, stuff his ears with clay, and bandages his eyes. He then place* him in a kneeling position, and draw*, a mark upon his neck with some colored earth, to indicate the exact spot, to strike. Going to a distance of about twenty paces, he now commences to leap and caper about, uttering cries and brandishing hia. “dah,” all the time advancing rapidly toward his victim, until within striking distance, when he raises his sword as if to give the fatal blow, but doe* not do so. Again he returns to the same place as before and goes through, a similar performance, which he repeats for the third time, when, rushing suddenly forward with one sweep of his weapon he severe the head from the body, amid the appluuae of the assembled multitude, who during the proceedings are engaged laughing and apparently greatly? enjoving themselves.