"Can Do No Wrong"

Though Siamese scrapped the divine rights of their smart little King Prajadhipok last year he managed to keep his throne, popped out of the revolution a constitutional monarch (TIME, July 4, 1932). Last week His Majesty and curvesome Queen Rambai Barni startled Bangkok. Despite bickering in the Siamese Army which led to the sudden resignation of four high officers. Their Majesties announced serenely that next January they will leave Siam on a leisurely second visit to the U. S.

Another cataract must be lifted from the royal eyes. Siamese surgeons again shirk the job. Presumably it will be done by famed Manhattan ophthalmologist Dr. John Martin Wheeler who operated successfully on King Prajadhipok in 1931.

Last week Siamese court gossips buzzed excitedly a little known tale. When Dr. Wheeler sat down two years ago to bill His Majesty he could not decide what fee to ask. An Oriental potentate must be charged neither too little nor too much. Finally Dr. Wheeler had an idea, took a sporting ophthalmologist's chance. To the Royal Treasurer he sent a bill in blank, wrote on it modestly "THE KING CAN DO NO WRONG."

Siamese courtiers swear that King Prajadhipok. when consulted by his puzzled treasurer, ordered promptly sent to modest Dr. Wheeler a check for $250,000--which to Siamese meant the staggering sum of 587,000 bahts.*

*Siam's erstwhile was replaced in 1928 by her silver baht of one hundred satangs. Nickel & bronze satang pieces are legal tender only up to one baht, above which sum debtors must pay silver.

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