The path to establishing Lodge St. John in Bangkok was long and marked by persistent setbacks. Beginning in 1878, Freemasons in Thailand made repeated but unsuccessful efforts to establish a Lodge. A lack of sufficient resident Brethren willing and qualified to take on foundational roles caused early attempts to fail. By 1880, efforts led by Bro. Badman also failed due to lack of cooperation from permanent residents, despite interest from seafaring Masons. 

By 1898, support from Singaporean Masons and visiting Brethren from merchant vessels renewed hopes, but once again, the absence of a qualified Master Mason to assume the Chair led the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) to deny a warrant. An attempt in 1900 to secure a warrant from the Grand Lodge of Ireland also failed due to the sudden death of the Master designate, Bro. George Travers Drape. 

In 1905, a serious attempt to form Lodge Menam again collapsed after the Master Elect died of fever. This attempt had gathered significant momentum, including funding and even plans to build a temple. However, funds were returned and redirected to support a Masonic orphan after the petition was withdrawn. 

By 1907, following multiple failures with Irish and English jurisdictions, the Bangkok Brethren approached the Grand Lodge of Scotland with support from Lodge Scotia in Penang. After extended correspondence, the Scottish Charter for Lodge St. John No. 1072 SC was finally signed on 4 August 1910. However, due to departures and issues with appointing qualified officers, the Charter had to be reissued. 

The Lodge was eventually consecrated on 24 January 1911 by Worshipful Brother Reverend Spafford from Hong Kong. This event was turbulent: internal conflicts erupted just before consecration, including the expulsion of the Master Elect and Secretary Elect. 

By 1912 the Lodge expanded with the founding of a Royal Arch Chapter, and over time membership grew steadily. Despite a challenging birth marked by over 30 years of failed attempts, Lodge St. John survived and ultimately flourished, becoming the foundation for Freemasonry in Thailand.

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