Historical Nonfiction

In 19th century Siam (today’s Thailand), it was absolutely forbidden for a commoner to touch the king or queen. If you did, you were put to death. One day Queen Sunandha Kumariratana’s boat capsized, dumping her into the river. Though there were many people who might have come to her aid it would have meant their own death to touch the royal body. She died at the age of 19 along with her daughter.