The Centralization of Siamese State in the reign of King Chulualongkorn (Rama V), 1868-1910

Abstract

The purpose of this article were two folds ; Firstly, to examined process of centralization by Siamese state in the reign of King Chulualongkorn (Rama V), secondly, to studied the effects of centralization of Siamese state in short-term and the long-term. The methodology in this study was documentary survey in history. The findings were reveled as fallowed ; (1) The process of centralization such as (a) the administrative reform by establishing of 12 ministries at Bangkok and in regional are, Tesapibal (the provincial administration) were adopted over Siamese region. (b) the financial reform by the establishment of Ratsadakorn Phipat in charge of taxation (c) social reform by abolition of Prai and slavery including educational reform and (d) legal and judges system reform.

         Due to centralization of Siamese state, the effects in short-term lead to the resistances form local groups were knows as three rebellions-the Shan rebellion at Prae, the Isan merit rebellion and the seven southern Islamic governors rebellion.  However, these rebellions were calmed down, but in the long-term, the centralization was consequently obstacles to decentralization policy of Thai government till present.