HOCHBAHN NACH SIAM
(Skytrain to Siam)


“Hochbahn nach Siam” is a half hour HD documentary originally commissioned by the German embassy in Bangkok. Its focus is the history of friendship between Thailand and Germany whose official relations go back 151 years, when HRH King Rama V. signed a joined trade agreement in Germany.

The story begins with the first signing in 1858 and lays out the most important agreements and treaties that followed, defining the relationship between Thailand and Germany. Thailand found in Germany a staunch ally helping to preserve her independence against the colonial ambitions of Britain and France in South-East Asia.

“Hochbahn nach Siam” showcases German technology transfer. Examples are the construction of the Thai railway system, the installation of a national communication system, a library system and the foundation of the Thai Health Care system. The cooperation continues until this day, where the Germans just contributed to the new Bangkok airport, elevated highways, subway, skytrain and new airport link. 

The documentary also focuses on the long cultural exchange. One little know example is the Thai national anthem whicht was composed by German Peter Veit. The exchange has always been a two way track -  Thai food in Germany, German food in Thailand, travelers to both destinations, mixed marriages, education, and many more aspects of this historical relationship.

Archive material from sources in Germany and Thailand are used to illustrate historic visits of Thai Royals, starting with King Chulalongkorn and highlighting the first visit by King Bhumiphol and Queen Sirikit in 1969.

Interviews were conducted with the president of the Thai Privy Council, General Prem Tinsulanonda, German ambassador Hans Schumacher, former German Foreign Minister Hans-Dietrich Genscher and many more interesting partners who are involved in the exchange between the two countries.

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