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Foreign News
May 10, 1821
Kentucky Gazette
Lexington, Fayette County, Kentucky
What is this article about?
Cholera morbus devastates Siam, killing 40,000 in Bangkok. Populace resorts to vultures for burial. King consults priests who blame evil fish spirit; massive noise-making and diving fail to stop it, with 7,000 more bodies found next day.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
Siam has been desolated by the cholera morbus—40,000 had died of the disease in the city of Bangkok only! and the populace are said to have opened their houses that the vultures might perform the offices of interment! The king held a council with the priests and other wise men on the subject—they attributed the disease to the presence of an evil spirit in the form of a fish that had lately visited them, and advised that it should be driven away by making a great noise. Accordingly, an innumerable multitude assembled with guns, gongs, crackers, &c. &c. and made a tremendous uproar, and thousands dived into the river to disturb the fish! But next day, 7,000 dead bodies were found on the beach, in the water, or in the vicinity of the river!
What sub-type of article is it?
Disease Or Epidemic
What keywords are associated?
Siam Cholera
Bangkok Epidemic
Evil Spirit Fish
Vulture Burial
River Disturbance
What entities or persons were involved?
The King
Priests And Other Wise Men
Where did it happen?
Siam, Bangkok
Foreign News Details
Primary Location
Siam, Bangkok
Key Persons
The King
Priests And Other Wise Men
Outcome
40,000 died in bangkok; 7,000 more bodies found next day
Event Details
Cholera morbus ravages Siam, with 40,000 deaths in Bangkok; people use vultures for burial. King consults priests who blame evil fish spirit and suggest noise to drive it away. Multitude makes uproar with guns, gongs, crackers; thousands dive into river. Next day, 7,000 dead bodies found near river.