Thai PBS is broadcasting an historic documentary series based on Klai Ban, the book that features a compilation of King Rama V's personal letters to his daughter, Princess Nipanopadol, written on his second trip to Europe in 1907.

The documentary, Nueng Roi Pi Klaiban Tamsadet Phra Buddhachailuang (The Centenary of Klai Ban), will follow the route of the 225-day royal trip, including the Maha Chakri ferry leaving Bangkok for Singapore, the first leg of the royal journey to several European destinations including Italy, Germany, France and northern European countries. The highlight was the royal visit to France where the king signed a treaty with France - an historic move that saved the country from colonialism. Under the treaty, which was endorsed by the French parliament during the king's visit, France agreed to end its occupation of Chanthaburi and Trat in exchange for Siem Reap, Battambang, and Si Sophon, which were returned to Cambodia.

Produced by Global Communication, the documentary will take viewers to the places the king visited and stayed at, in the trip in a "then-and-now" format, some of which are not accessible to tourists. It will also cover historical structures that King Rama V had built on his return, inspired by what he saw on his trip, including the making of the famous equestrian statue on the Royal Plaza. The statue, which was moulded in a plant in France, was erected one year after King Rama V returned to Thailand.

There are 52 45-minute episodes, and they will be broadcast on Mondays and Tuesdays, at 8:15pm, starting today.