The Original 'Siamese Twins': Eng and Chang Bunker

The Fascinating Origins of the Term "Siamese Twins"

The expression "Siamese Twins" is a term you’ll hear around the world, but not everyone knows it all started with two remarkable brothers from Thailand. Eng and Chang Bunker, conjoined twins born in 1811 in Samut Songkhram, are the reason the world uses this phrase. Their life journey took them from humble beginnings in the Kingdom of Siam to celebrity status in America, leaving a legacy that still sparks curiosity, empathy, and discussion more than 150 years later.

From Samut Songkhram to World Fame

Eng and Chang, known in Thai as In-Chan (อิน-จัน), were born connected at the sternum by a band of cartilage, with their livers fused but functioning independently. Their birth was a cause of much wonder and concern in Siam (now Thailand), a nation at that time ruled by King Rama II. Local legend and superstition swirled, but the twins survived infancy, supported by a strong family and robust health.

Their life changed dramatically in 1829 when a Scottish merchant named Robert Hunter saw them swimming in their village. Sensing an opportunity, he arranged for them to travel overseas. As Eng and Chang Bunker left for the West, they had little idea that their extraordinary bond would make them international celebrities, giving rise to the term still used today.

Life on Show: Touring the World

The twins’ first stop was the British Empire, which included a high-profile appearance in London. They were presented as a scientific curiosity, but unlike many exploited sideshow acts of the era, Eng and Chang had a degree of autonomy. They managed their public image, negotiated with promoters, and eventually broke free from exploitative contracts to tour on their own terms, an unusual move in an era that saw many non-Westerners mistreated on similar circuits.

Audiences in America were fascinated. The twins’ composure, intelligent conversation, and wit quickly won over crowds. But it was their very real, physical connection, their daily life lived as two yet inseparable, which fueled endless speculation and interest. What was life like for the “Siamese Twins”? Could they ever be separated? How did they manage school, relationships, and independence?

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A New Life and Legacy in America

After years of travel, Eng and Chang settled in North Carolina, USA. There, they did something no one expected: they married two sisters. Eng wed Sarah Yates, and Chang married Adelaide Yates. Forming two households, the brothers alternated their time between families, an arrangement that proved both unconventional and functional.

Together, they fathered a combined 21 children, becoming American citizens and respected members of their community. Their business acumen, hard work, and generosity helped shatter stereotypes about conjoined twins. Despite continuing challenges, health issues, stares, and the inevitable tragedies of the time, their story changed the conversation around physical difference.

The Medical Mystery and the Final Chapter

Medical professionals of the 19th century were fascinated by the Bunker twins, frequently debating whether they could have been separated. At the time, surgery required to separate them was far too risky, though later research would suggest it may have been feasible if attempted with today’s technology.

On January 17, 1874, Chang died suddenly from a stroke. Eng, always the stronger in health, lived only a few hours longer. Their passing made headlines around the globe. Their autopsy revealed even more about how two bodies could be so intimately connected yet support independent lives.

Controversy, Curiosity, and Cultural Impact

The twins’ story is not without controversy. Their public life as an "exhibit" prompts important discussions today about consent, human dignity, and the Western fascination with the “exotic.” Yet, Eng and Chang negotiated a remarkable degree of agency, turning their fame to secure independence and stability for their families. They remain symbols of perseverance and the complexity of Thai history abroad.

If you want to discover more about places and people who’ve shaped Thailand’s image globally, you’ll love our deep-dive on the history of Khao San Road.

Eng and Chang in Thai Memory

Even today, Eng and Chang are celebrated in Samut Songkhram, a province often overshadowed by Thailand’s bigger destinations. Statues of the twins, local museums, and educational materials keep their memory alive. Their life story features in Thai textbooks and pop culture, and their legacy invites reflection on the nature of difference and acceptance, both in Thailand and abroad.

Planning a visit? Check out our Chonburi Travel Guide for ideas on experiencing Thailand’s rich provincial heritage.

Key takeaways

• The phrase "Siamese Twins" originated from Eng and Chang Bunker, conjoined twins born in Siam (Thailand).
• Their journey took them from Samut Songkhram to world fame, particularly in America.
• They pioneered self-agency for traveling exhibits, created families, and left a lasting legacy.
• Their unique story challenges how we think about difference, identity, and dignity.
• Eng and Chang’s memory is still honored in both Thailand and the United States, inspiring biographical works, films, and museum exhibitions.