REFORMATION OF THAILAND
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This research paper summarizes and analyzes the reformation and modernization of Thailand (Siam) during the Chakri Dynasty (1767-1910). Building on a long tradition of royal absolutism, the royal houses of the Chakri Dynasty, especially during the reigns of King Mongkut (Rama IV, r. 1851-1868) and King Chulalongkorn (Rama V, r. 1868-1910), adopted Western methods of administration and governance and adapted them to meet Thailand's needs. This modernizing effort improved the effectiveness and efficiency of the Thai government and helped it cope with the challenges and threats posed by the European imperialist powers. These changes were largely prompted by Western pressures; however, many other factors, some exogenous to Thailand, enabled it to maintain its independence during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Evolution of the Thai State Before 1767 Migration and consolidation. During the first millennium A.D. the Tai, a relatively homogenous ethnic group, migrated south and west from Yunnan (southern China) into the uplands of contemporary northern Thailand. Engaged in subsistence rice growing, Thai society for many centuries consisted of a network of villages or muangs. During the period 1219-1350, the first rudimentary Thai states came into being under strong rulers such as northern Lan Na King Mangrai (r. 1259-1317), and the southern plains Sukhotai King Ramkhamhaeng (r. 1279-1298), a kingdom Wyatt described as "a sort of super muang hel
. . .
i monopoly on trade in various commodities was ended. By making concessions, the Thais displayed a flexibility and recognition of their relative weakness vis-a-vis the Western powers which their neighbors, Burma and Vietnam, lacked --to their detriment.
Modernizing Kings Rama IV and V
King Mongkut (Rama IV, r. 1851-1868) was curious about all things foreign. He learned to speak several foreign languages. He employed foreign tutors and advisers, 84 according to Vella (334). His son, Rama V, and other royal and noble children were given European educations. A number of these persons later held key posts during the reign of Rama V. Mongkut was the prototype king in the musical, The King and I.
In foreign policy, Mongkut's greatest challenge was the European powers. In 1854-1855 Great Britain demanded the complete opening of Thailand to their traders and extraterritorial rights for their citizens. Wyatt said that "the keystone of Siam's policy was the conciliation of Britain" (169). Under the 1855 Bowring Treaty, the British were given almost everything they wanted, but Siam remained independent. According to Riggs, "Mongkut . . . was able to . . . prepare the population for the outlandish [British] visitors and to mobilize su
. . .
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Approximate Word count = 2592
Approximate Pages = 10 (250 words per page)
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