EXCLUSIVE—An extraordinary story about a gown belonging to King Bhumibol Adulyadej

Andrew MacGregor Marshall‏บัญชีตัวจริง @zenjournalist 1 ชั่วโมง1 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

 

EXCLUSIVE—An extraordinary story about a gown belonging to King Bhumibol Adulyadej that has been found in Austria. In 1964, King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit visited Austria on a state visit. 1/10

They met President Adolf Schärf, toured the headquarters of the International Atomic Energy Agency, and — in the highlight of their visit — attended a special performance at the Vienna Concert Hall on 3 October 1964. 2/10

At the concert, which was broadcast live on Austrian radio, the N.O. Tonkunstier Orchestra played King Bhumibol's musical compositions Kinari Suite, Falling Rain, Love at Sundown, March Rajanavikayothin and March Rajawallop. 3/10

During their visit, Bhumibol and Sirikit stayed at Vienna's grandest hotel of that era, the legendary Hotel Imperial. 4/10



When the royal entourage returned to Thailand, one item was left behind in King Bhumibol's room. His servants had forgotten to pack one of the king's gowns. 5/10

 

The Thais never reclaimed the gown and it ended up being auctioned at the Dorotheum, the largest auction house of art and antiquities in central Europe. An Austrian lady, Herta Ritter, bought the gown, and it remained in her ownership for many years. 6/10

 

When she died, the gown was bequeathed to her grandson, Austrian artist Alex Kiessling. After researching the garment and discovering its extraordinary history, he realised the robe could be of great value to Thais who may want to acquire it. 7/10

 

He has asked an Austrian attorney, Dr Stefan Stoiber, to explore a possible sale. In a statement issued by his office, Dr Stoiber said: "Naturally, we plan to handle this matter with all the care, love and reverence it deserves." 8/10

 

Dr Stoiber has requested that anyone interested in acquiring the garment should contact him via his e-mail — stoiber@rawien.at 9/10

 

I don't have any connection with those involved, but found out about the story via a contact in Vienna who had heard that a gown belonging to Bhumibol had been discovered. It's a fascinating tale! 10/10