Haile Selassie I in Thailand: The Lion Meets the Lotus

“True royalty lies in service, wisdom, and the unity of peoples.” — H.I.M. Haile Selassie I

Date of Visit: October 1959

Main city: Bangkok
Welcomed by: King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) and Queen Sirikit
Purpose: Strengthen African-Asian ties, promote peace, engage in cultural exchange between two monarchies

Background of the Visit

By the late 1950s, Ethiopia was actively reaching out across Asia, continuing the momentum of the 1955 Bandung Conference. Thailand, a neutral kingdom in the Cold War era, shared Ethiopia’s interest in non-alignment, cultural sovereignty, and development rooted in tradition.

This was a rare meeting of two ancient sovereigns:

Haile Selassie I, the Conquering Lion of Judah, Christian monarch of Africa
King Bhumibol, revered Buddhist ruler and symbol of Thai unity

Highlights of the Visit

1. Royal Welcome at the Grand Palace

Haile Selassie was received with full royal protocol at Bangkok’s Grand Palace.
King Bhumibol and the Emperor exchanged royal honors and gifts symbolizing spiritual and diplomatic kinship.

2. Cultural & Religious Exchange

The Emperor visited Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
He met with Buddhist monks and scholars, demonstrating deep respect for Thailand’s religious traditions.

“From Lalibela to Ayutthaya, our peoples have built their lives upon the spiritual foundation of eternity,”
— H.I.M. in a message to the Thai Royal Court

3. Educational Diplomacy

Haile Selassie addressed students at Chulalongkorn University, emphasizing:
- The power of education in nation-building
- Africa and Asia’s shared responsibility in shaping a new world order
- Ethiopia’s plans to send students to study in Asia, including Thailand

Diplomatic & Cultural Outcomes

Strengthened ties between two non-aligned monarchies.
Cultural exchange agreements signed:
- Thai medical and engineering scholarships for Ethiopian students
- Invitation for Thai officials and scholars to visit Addis Ababa
Commitment to mutual support in international forums such as the UN and Non-Aligned Movement.

Symbolism of the Visit

Marked a spiritual and cultural brotherhood between Africa and Southeast Asia.
Affirmed monarchy’s role in preserving peace, heritage, and national identity.
Seen by both nations as a step toward a multipolar, spiritually rooted world order.

“Let Africa and Asia show that ancient wisdom and modern purpose can guide humanity.”
— Haile Selassie I in Thailand, 1959

Visual Archives

Historical records, photos, and news coverage may be found through:

Thai Royal Archives
Chulalongkorn University Library
Ethiopian National Archives
Newspapers: The Bangkok Post, Thai Rath