Chang and Eng Bunker, were conjoined twin brothers from the Kingdom of Siam (today known as Thailand).  Because of their birthplace and condition, the term ‘Siamese Twins’ became synonymous with this condition.  It is quite rare, estimated to occur in about 1:200,000 births, with today’s surgical procedures able to separate most cases, including Chang and Eng’s.

Chang and Eng Bunker were born in the province of Samut Songkram in Central Thailand on May 11th 1811 to a hardworking peasant family of Chinese ancestry.  They were joined at the center of the chest by a small piece of cartilage.  Their livers were fused but also independently complete.  Their mother taught the two boys to stretch the tissue that joined them so that they could stand side-by-side rather than face-to-face.

The twins were ‘discovered’ in 1824 by an English trader named Robert Hunter.  He was attracted by a ‘strange silhouette that appeared to have two heads, four arms and four legs, all of which were moving in perfect harmony’.  To be honest, who could’ve blamed him for being curious to this sight?

Mark Hunter saw the commercial possibilities of exhibiting these twin boys to the world.  He eventually persuaded Chang and Eng’s parents as well as the Thai authorities to let him take them abroad.  Eventually, all parties agreed and the brothers left Thailand on April 1st 1829.  The two young men will never return to their birth country again, however, it was because of them that many Westerners know of the Kingdom of Siam.

Over the coming years, the twins toured extensively, appearing before enthusiastic crowds and under various managements, including the popular American showman P.T. Barnum.  During this time, the twins mastered the English language.  Many who met them were impressed by their charm and intelligence as well as the coordination the two display when performing athletic tricks and stunts.

Tired of the constant touring and yearning for a normal life, the twins settled on a plantation in the Southern United States.  They became naturalized U.S. citizens, adopted the last name Bunker and began dating two sisters (Chang to Adelaide Yates and Eng to Sarah Anne Yates).  They were scheduled to be married but locals did not approve, even threatening them.  Fearing for their lives, the twins arranged for an emergency separation surgery, even if it meant death for both just to be with the girls.  However, the sisters intervened just before the operation and married the twins in a quick double-wedding ceremony.

The couples bought property one mile apart and alternated staying at different residences.  They also fathered 22 children (Chang had 10 and Eng had 12) and by all accounts, both couples had happy marriages.

The twins died on the same day on January 17th 1874.  Chang contracted pneumonia and died suddenly while in his sleep.  Refusing to be separated from his brother, Eng passed away about three hours after his brother.

Chang and Eng Bunker were great ambassadors to their birth country at a time when not many knew of Siam.  During their times at the plantation, the twins were known to possess integrity and fairness in their business dealings.  Some say that there are over a thousand descendants of the twins still living in the United States today.  A statue of the twins stands near their birthplace in Samut Songkram, Thailand.

With Exotissimo, you can visit the birth province of Chang and Eng with our Discover Old Siam tour.  This tour takes you to the lesser-known sites removed from the tourist trails, where you will discover traditional Siamese architecture, atmospheric waterways and unspoiled natural scenery of Thailand.  We will also take you to two seemingly untouched floating markets in Amphawa and Tha Kha, in the twin’s home province of Samut Songkram.  If you have time to spare in Bangkok, why not stop by Museum Siam and gain a comprehensive insight into the history of Thailand?  Designed with children in mind, there are many exhibits with interactive features and video presentations to engage visitors of all ages.  You may also see our suggested Thailand tours or Thailand day trips pages for other memorable trips into this fascinating country.