Telephone Service: The Progression of the Telephone Service in the Kingdom of Siam, 2430- 2475 B.E.

Abstract

This article studies the development of Siam's telephone service during 2430 - 2475 B.E. The objectives of this study were to study the history of Siam's domestic telephone service, and to present information on the Siamese government's official documents regarding the telephone service in the 25th Buddhist century. This article was an explanatory document research. Using a historical methodology, the data were collected from the primary and secondary sources. The study result showed that: Telephone service responded to social needs on modern communication technology that could send and receive information quickly and conveniently; and The government encouraged widespread use of telephones by opening telephone offices across the country and reducing telephone charges. In addition, the Siamese government implemented policies that promote telephone business, such as lowering the price of telephone service fees, expanding telephone service areas, and rebalancing telecommunication service channels. It resulted in massive growth and success in telephone business as it replaced the telegraph. The study brought about an understanding of the development of telephone service in Siam during the national reform period. Moreover, the changing communication technology of the era contributed to Siam entering the context of global social trends in the 25^th Buddhist century.