Nai Mi’s Panegyric Poem in Praise of King Rama III : A Reflection of the Use of Buddhism to Stabilize the Kingdom of Siam

Abstract

King Rama III ascended to the throne not long after the re-establishment of the Kingdom of Siam. Wars against the Burmese were still a possibility. In addition, new difficulties arose in the relationship of the state with some European nations and the United States of America. To stabilize Siam politically and to make Siam a peaceful country became the King's first and foremost mission. The study of the Panegyric Poem in Praise of King Rama III, written by a royal attendant called Nai Mi, shows that the King used religion as the prominent tool to achieve his mission. The King took great care of Buddhism in every possible manner so that, through religious faith, the Kingdom's stability would be spiritually affirmed and the people would live in peace, and the monarch reverred. Under King Rama III's reign, Siam was thus saved from internal conflicts and external invasions alike.