Multi-Power Interaction in ‘Border Area’: Trades and Commoners in the Northern Principalities and a Formation of the Siam’s Modern State
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Published:
Jul 5, 2019
Keywords:
Siam’s modern state Northern principalities commoner
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Abstract
In the early Rattanakosin era, Northern Principalities were a broad border area that Bangkok seconded to police and control the commoners (phrai) not to escape from Siam’s grips. Foreigners that coming to Siam with the purpose of trade were allowed to conduct their business exchanges only within specific border principalities. The situation, however was changed after Siam signed the Bowring Treaty in 1855, obliging Siam to grant extraterritorial rights to foreign aliens and allow these merchants to trade freely in any areas of their wishes. Northern Principalities then became a trade entroport of Thai, Chinese and the British subjects that were frequently travelling to trade in the area. Due to such context, Northern Principalities were a place of interactions, conflicts, and negotiations among commoners of various groups and statuses, for instance the network of powerful local governors and local authorities, authorized tax agencies, and foreigners particularly, the Chinese and the Karen (Tong-su) registered as the British subjects, including commoners who were not affiliated with the Sakdina system and started a small-scale trading of their own.
Conflicts among various groups with multi-status in the commercial space had made the local administration of Sakdina system weakened and lack of efficiency. Local authorities could not handle this problem and tended to violate the law by themselves; at last, they were unable to cope with any conflicts. Commoners, thus, questioned about the existing administrative structure and mechanism and increasingly called for the power of central government under the authority of the Bangkok court to wrestle with these conflicts by enforcing the civil and criminal regulations. The calling of commoners did, in fact, correspond with the demand of the Bangkok court in replacing local authorities with a “modern” bureaucracy. By that perspective, the establishment of modern bureaucracy that finally institutionalizing the absolute monarchy was not only far-sightedly led by nobles and elites in Bangkok, but the modern state of Siam was formulated from below by a social power of the commoners. Without the calling of these commoners, modern state and its bureaucracy could not be easily established.
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Sakul-leaw, N. (2019). Multi-Power Interaction in ‘Border Area’: Trades and Commoners in the Northern Principalities and a Formation of the Siam’s Modern State. Journal of Social Sciences Naresuan University, 15(1), 15_139–154. Retrieved from https://so04.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/jssnu/article/view/201357
Section
Review Paper
References
ACS = Chula Sakkarat; M = Ministry of Interior (Krasuang mahatthai); R = Rama; RMS =
Royal Secretariat Office with Minor Seal of the Royal Emblem (Krom ratchalekhathikan
– Tra noi); RS = Ratanakosin Anno (started from 1782 CE)
National Library (NL), Manuscript Collection, Bangkok
NL R3 CS 1191 no.1 The appointment of the tax farmers, CS 1191.
NL R3 CS 1196 no.52 The income statement and the Chinese poll tax, CS 1196.
NL R3 CS 1199 no.28 Dispatch from Muang Kamphaengphet, informing the procured Amomum
vilosum delivery, CS 1199.
NL R3 CS 1200 no.86 Letter to Phraya Nakhonsawan issued by Chao Phraya Chakri, summoning
to catch the ship plunders to the arraignment uncompromisingly
NL R3 CS 1202 no.147 Draft letter of Phraya Prasert Songkham, Muang Vichien prefect
inform of forwarding a lawsuit of Nai Mi and Nai Phon in accusation against Phraya
Phetchabun.
NL R3 CS 1204 no.18 Draft letter of Chao Phraya Chakri to Phraya Nakhon Sawan, on
appointing Chin Yok as Khun Nikhom Prathet, Chinese Sheriff and draft commitment
of Chin Yok.
NL R3 CS 1204 no.78/1 Draft letter of Chao Phraya Chakri to Phraya Phitsanulok, Phraya
Phichit, Phraya Phichai, Phraya Sawankhalok, Phraya Sukhothai, appointing Aueng, Sab,
Aem as the shared tax collectors of the markets in 5 Northern Principalities.
NL R3 CS 1205 no.65 (1) Letter of Chao Phraya Chakri to Phraya Kamphaengphet, appointing
Chin Noi as Muen Thep Akorn Somphatsorn of Mueang Kamphaengphet.
NL R3 CS 1206 no.155 Draft letter of Phraya Maha Aummat to Phra Chaiyaboon, Munag
Phitsanulok Prefect, concerning the complaint of Nai Thad against Chin Eang and Miss
Yam that sell themselves to Nai That but ran away, summoning Phra Chiyaboon to send
Chin Eang and Amdaeng Yam to Nai That, the master.
NL R3 CS 1206 no.166/1 Draft letter of Phraya Maha Aummat to Phraya Nakhonsawan,
concerning Chin Huat filed a lawsuit to the jury court about many of his debtors lingering
in Nakornsawan, the king summoned to bring the case to trial in Bangkok.
NL R3 CS 1206 no.174 Draft letter of Phraya Maha Aummat to Phraya Phitsanulok, concerning
Chin Kert filed a lawsuit to the jury court in the case of Ee Puk, Chin Kert’s
slave, requiring Phraya Phitsanulok’s admonition.
NL R3 CS 1207 no.48 Letter of Chao Phraya Chakri to Muang Nakhonsawan, appointing
Chin Moon as Khun Nikhomprathat.
NL R3 CS 1208 no.118/2 Letter of Phraya Maha Aummat to Phraya Pichai, concerning Chin
Ko’s accusation against Phra Lablae and Luang Na, Muang Phitsanulok, and sending
the suitor and the defendant to trial by Phraya Pichai.
NL R3 CS 1210 no.192/2 Phichit, Phraya Maha Aummat to Luang Phalat, a Phichit city-councilor,
concerning the accusation of Nai Rot, Nai Oon, and Miss Ket against the Phichit
councilors, requiring that the accused shall be arrested to be trialed in Bangkok.
NL R3 CS 1210 no.196 Dispatch of Phra Nakon Sawan, the governor, sending the accusation
of Luang Sri Rajkosa against Phraya Phitsanulok in 8 cases.
NL R3 CS 1212 no.44 Letter to Phitsanulok governor, summoning to deliver the people
resisted to pay the cart tax to Bangkok.
NL R3 CS 1214 no.134 Letter to Phra Chongronnarit, in charge of Maung Phitsanulok, summoning
the commissioners to arrest the suspect of Chao Khun Tonchuak’s embezzlement.
NL R4 CS 1215 no.3 The military concerns of the Chieng Tung’s battle.
NL R4 CS 1215 no.47 Letter to Muang Uthaithani, Muang Tak, summoning to appoint the
officer to capture the 12 run-away Mon families.
NL R4 CS 1215 no.63 Draft letter to the City governor and councilors, in summoning to trial
the debtors of Nai Mi, the escort.
NL R4 CS 1216 no.14 Draft letter to Phraya Uthaithani, regarding the dispatch which Khun
Chaithepkiri had to deliver to Bangkok on appointing of Khun Maeunkongdan Atama,
assigned for espionage service in Muang Maotamlerm.
NL R4 CS 1216 no.47 Letter of Chao Phraya Chakri to Phraya Tak, Phra Sakdaraungrit, and
Phra Wijitraksha, the Tak councilors, on appointing of Phra Phonsongkhram, the outpost
chief, as Phra Syamsimanurak Chang Wang in order to control over Phra, Laung, Khun,
Muen, and the outpost people in all 4 outpost stations.
NL R4 CS 1216 no.81 Letter on Chin Nguan’s inquired of the trade permit in Muang Tak.
NL R4 CS 1217 no.144 Passports and the 2 translated copies of the passports of Muang
Moranaeng which Angoyebeng, the Regent of Maotamlerm, issued to 24 Tongsu traders.
NL R4 CS 1217 no.235 Letter to Phraya Uthaithani, the city councilor, requiring the arrest
and the trial of monks and folk who were collaborated in making the forgery coins.
NL R4 CS 1218 no.201 (1) Letter to Phitsanulok governor, on the case of money forgery by
Ai Acharn Phoo, the Phrai chieftain of Prince Itsaraphong.
NL R4 CS 1218 no.60 Draft letter to Phraya Nakhonsawan, permitting the people cultivate
the lotus products before authorizing the tax farmer in charge between 1st day of the
waxing moon in the 2nd lunar month to the end of the 4th lunar month.
NL R4 CS 1219 no.29 Letter to Phraya Kamphaengphet, Phraya Nakhonsawan on appointing
Laung Thammathikan as Phra Banphotphumthikan, the governor of Muang Banphotphisai.
NL R4 CS 1221 no.211 Draft letter of Chao Phraya Chakri to Phraya Uthai of Muang
Uthaithani, acknowledging the sappan wood tax of Laung Rittikamheang.
NL R4 CS 1222 no.146 Letter to Phraya Phichai on the firewood tax between the tax farmer
and Muang Tron prai laung, the iron tax of Prasaeang mine.
NL R4 CS 1223 no.237 Draft letter of Chao Phraya Chakri to Praya Sawankhalok, the governor
of Muang Sawankhalok, summoning to issue the prohibition of levy the household
stove tax by the tax farmer.
NL R4 CS 1223 no.260 Letter to Muang Sawankhalok, summoning Phraya Sawankhaolok
to put the tax farmer who levied the household stove tax on trial.
NL R4 CS 1223 no.291 Pra Wichitraksha, the deputy chief and the city-councilors, inform
the transferring of Phra Inkhiri’s tax money to purchase 300 tubes of Lacquer varnish.
NL R4 CS 1224 no.142 Letter to Muang Manorom and Muang Nakhonsawan, on assigning
the officials to conduct a cartographical survey from Manorom to Nakhonsawan.
NL R4 CS 1225 no.196 Account of Muen Phakdi, the tax collector of Muang Nakhonsawan,
accusing the people who refused to pay the banana tax.
NL R4 CS 1227 no.161 Draft letter to Phraya Phitsanulok, Phraya Sukhothai, Phraya
Sawankhalok, Phraya Phichai, and Phraya Phichit concerning Mr Ger Thip’s request for
a permission to establish a cotton mill in Tha Lo village, Muang Phichit.
NL R4 CS 1227 no.24 Draft of the royal instruction for Phra Sayamsimanurak.
NL R4 CS 1227 no.4 Draft letter to Muang Uthaithani, appointing Chin Noi in the position
of Luang Phinitphasa Changwang, the Chinese captain of Muang Uthaithani.
NL R4 CS 1228 no.334 Draft letter to Phraya Uthaithani and the deputy chief of Uthaithani,
requiring to provide the vacant land or the paddy field for renting to Mr Piti and other
Burmese subjects of Great Britain, in accordance with their convenience.
National Archives of Thailand, Bangkok (NA)
NA R5 M 2.12 Korkai/2 Kamphaengphet’s dispatches, March RS103 – 2 May RS110.
NA R5 M 48/2 Report of Prince Damrong Rajanupap, on his Nakhonsawan region’s inspection.
NA R5 M 51/9 Report of the Thesaphiban governor, on the administrative system in Phitsanulok
Region.
NA R5 RMS vol. 2 CS 1239-1242 no.9 Muang Phichit, requesting to arraign the case of Chin
Tae Ho Que, the Dutch subject, who was deceived of his liquor payment.
NA R5 RMS vol. 3 CS 1240-1241 no.89 Muang Phichai’s verdict on Chin Kuk’s robbery case.
NA R5 RMS vol. 4 CS 1242 no.16 Muang Kamphaengphet’s verdict on the case of buffalo
robbery that Nai Noot accusing against Nai Jun, the defender.
NA R5 RMS vol. 27 CS 1250 no.791 Muang Phichai, order to capture Laung Phakdibhubet,
the assistance and the debtors of Somboon and Amdaeng Puk.
NA R5 RMS vol. 51 CS 1253 no.44 Muang Sawankhalok, if Amdaeng Somboon would like to
file her debtors, do accept the case, but if considering that the register of the case had
any objections, the case should then refered to consult the jury in Bangkok; the case of
Amdaeng Somboon pledged her appeal.
NA R5 M 51/5 Official proclamations of Muang Phichai, 17-22 October RS111.
NA R5 M 2.14/2 Report of Prince Damrong Rajanupap, on the inspection of Monthon Krung
Kao, Phitsanulok, and Nakhonsawan Regions, and his travelogue, 30 September-15
August RS119.
Books and theses (in Thai)
Kwanmuang Chantarochanee. 1991. “Kwam plian plaeng thang setthakit khong huamuang
fai nua nai samai rattanakosin thongton (pho.so.2325-2394” [Economic Change in the
Northen Provinces during the Early Ratanakosin Period, 1782-1851]. MA thesis, History,
Chulalongkorn University.
Nidhi Eoseewong. 2005a. Kan muang thai samai phra chao krung thonburi [Thai Politics
during King Thonburi Period]. 8 editions. Bangkok: Matichon.
Phannee Bualek. 2002. Laksana chon chan khong nai thun thai chuang rawang pho.
so.2457-2482: Bot rian chak kwam rung rot su sokkanattakam [Characteristics of Thai
Capitalists, 1914-1939]. Bangkok: Phanthakit.
Books (in English)
Nidhi Eoseewong. 2005b. Pen & Sail: Literature and History in Early Bangkok. Edited by
Chris Baker and Ben Anderson. Chiang Mai: Wilkworms.
McCarthy, James F. 1900. Surveying and Exploring in Siam. London: John Murray.
Royal Secretariat Office with Minor Seal of the Royal Emblem (Krom ratchalekhathikan
– Tra noi); RS = Ratanakosin Anno (started from 1782 CE)
National Library (NL), Manuscript Collection, Bangkok
NL R3 CS 1191 no.1 The appointment of the tax farmers, CS 1191.
NL R3 CS 1196 no.52 The income statement and the Chinese poll tax, CS 1196.
NL R3 CS 1199 no.28 Dispatch from Muang Kamphaengphet, informing the procured Amomum
vilosum delivery, CS 1199.
NL R3 CS 1200 no.86 Letter to Phraya Nakhonsawan issued by Chao Phraya Chakri, summoning
to catch the ship plunders to the arraignment uncompromisingly
NL R3 CS 1202 no.147 Draft letter of Phraya Prasert Songkham, Muang Vichien prefect
inform of forwarding a lawsuit of Nai Mi and Nai Phon in accusation against Phraya
Phetchabun.
NL R3 CS 1204 no.18 Draft letter of Chao Phraya Chakri to Phraya Nakhon Sawan, on
appointing Chin Yok as Khun Nikhom Prathet, Chinese Sheriff and draft commitment
of Chin Yok.
NL R3 CS 1204 no.78/1 Draft letter of Chao Phraya Chakri to Phraya Phitsanulok, Phraya
Phichit, Phraya Phichai, Phraya Sawankhalok, Phraya Sukhothai, appointing Aueng, Sab,
Aem as the shared tax collectors of the markets in 5 Northern Principalities.
NL R3 CS 1205 no.65 (1) Letter of Chao Phraya Chakri to Phraya Kamphaengphet, appointing
Chin Noi as Muen Thep Akorn Somphatsorn of Mueang Kamphaengphet.
NL R3 CS 1206 no.155 Draft letter of Phraya Maha Aummat to Phra Chaiyaboon, Munag
Phitsanulok Prefect, concerning the complaint of Nai Thad against Chin Eang and Miss
Yam that sell themselves to Nai That but ran away, summoning Phra Chiyaboon to send
Chin Eang and Amdaeng Yam to Nai That, the master.
NL R3 CS 1206 no.166/1 Draft letter of Phraya Maha Aummat to Phraya Nakhonsawan,
concerning Chin Huat filed a lawsuit to the jury court about many of his debtors lingering
in Nakornsawan, the king summoned to bring the case to trial in Bangkok.
NL R3 CS 1206 no.174 Draft letter of Phraya Maha Aummat to Phraya Phitsanulok, concerning
Chin Kert filed a lawsuit to the jury court in the case of Ee Puk, Chin Kert’s
slave, requiring Phraya Phitsanulok’s admonition.
NL R3 CS 1207 no.48 Letter of Chao Phraya Chakri to Muang Nakhonsawan, appointing
Chin Moon as Khun Nikhomprathat.
NL R3 CS 1208 no.118/2 Letter of Phraya Maha Aummat to Phraya Pichai, concerning Chin
Ko’s accusation against Phra Lablae and Luang Na, Muang Phitsanulok, and sending
the suitor and the defendant to trial by Phraya Pichai.
NL R3 CS 1210 no.192/2 Phichit, Phraya Maha Aummat to Luang Phalat, a Phichit city-councilor,
concerning the accusation of Nai Rot, Nai Oon, and Miss Ket against the Phichit
councilors, requiring that the accused shall be arrested to be trialed in Bangkok.
NL R3 CS 1210 no.196 Dispatch of Phra Nakon Sawan, the governor, sending the accusation
of Luang Sri Rajkosa against Phraya Phitsanulok in 8 cases.
NL R3 CS 1212 no.44 Letter to Phitsanulok governor, summoning to deliver the people
resisted to pay the cart tax to Bangkok.
NL R3 CS 1214 no.134 Letter to Phra Chongronnarit, in charge of Maung Phitsanulok, summoning
the commissioners to arrest the suspect of Chao Khun Tonchuak’s embezzlement.
NL R4 CS 1215 no.3 The military concerns of the Chieng Tung’s battle.
NL R4 CS 1215 no.47 Letter to Muang Uthaithani, Muang Tak, summoning to appoint the
officer to capture the 12 run-away Mon families.
NL R4 CS 1215 no.63 Draft letter to the City governor and councilors, in summoning to trial
the debtors of Nai Mi, the escort.
NL R4 CS 1216 no.14 Draft letter to Phraya Uthaithani, regarding the dispatch which Khun
Chaithepkiri had to deliver to Bangkok on appointing of Khun Maeunkongdan Atama,
assigned for espionage service in Muang Maotamlerm.
NL R4 CS 1216 no.47 Letter of Chao Phraya Chakri to Phraya Tak, Phra Sakdaraungrit, and
Phra Wijitraksha, the Tak councilors, on appointing of Phra Phonsongkhram, the outpost
chief, as Phra Syamsimanurak Chang Wang in order to control over Phra, Laung, Khun,
Muen, and the outpost people in all 4 outpost stations.
NL R4 CS 1216 no.81 Letter on Chin Nguan’s inquired of the trade permit in Muang Tak.
NL R4 CS 1217 no.144 Passports and the 2 translated copies of the passports of Muang
Moranaeng which Angoyebeng, the Regent of Maotamlerm, issued to 24 Tongsu traders.
NL R4 CS 1217 no.235 Letter to Phraya Uthaithani, the city councilor, requiring the arrest
and the trial of monks and folk who were collaborated in making the forgery coins.
NL R4 CS 1218 no.201 (1) Letter to Phitsanulok governor, on the case of money forgery by
Ai Acharn Phoo, the Phrai chieftain of Prince Itsaraphong.
NL R4 CS 1218 no.60 Draft letter to Phraya Nakhonsawan, permitting the people cultivate
the lotus products before authorizing the tax farmer in charge between 1st day of the
waxing moon in the 2nd lunar month to the end of the 4th lunar month.
NL R4 CS 1219 no.29 Letter to Phraya Kamphaengphet, Phraya Nakhonsawan on appointing
Laung Thammathikan as Phra Banphotphumthikan, the governor of Muang Banphotphisai.
NL R4 CS 1221 no.211 Draft letter of Chao Phraya Chakri to Phraya Uthai of Muang
Uthaithani, acknowledging the sappan wood tax of Laung Rittikamheang.
NL R4 CS 1222 no.146 Letter to Phraya Phichai on the firewood tax between the tax farmer
and Muang Tron prai laung, the iron tax of Prasaeang mine.
NL R4 CS 1223 no.237 Draft letter of Chao Phraya Chakri to Praya Sawankhalok, the governor
of Muang Sawankhalok, summoning to issue the prohibition of levy the household
stove tax by the tax farmer.
NL R4 CS 1223 no.260 Letter to Muang Sawankhalok, summoning Phraya Sawankhaolok
to put the tax farmer who levied the household stove tax on trial.
NL R4 CS 1223 no.291 Pra Wichitraksha, the deputy chief and the city-councilors, inform
the transferring of Phra Inkhiri’s tax money to purchase 300 tubes of Lacquer varnish.
NL R4 CS 1224 no.142 Letter to Muang Manorom and Muang Nakhonsawan, on assigning
the officials to conduct a cartographical survey from Manorom to Nakhonsawan.
NL R4 CS 1225 no.196 Account of Muen Phakdi, the tax collector of Muang Nakhonsawan,
accusing the people who refused to pay the banana tax.
NL R4 CS 1227 no.161 Draft letter to Phraya Phitsanulok, Phraya Sukhothai, Phraya
Sawankhalok, Phraya Phichai, and Phraya Phichit concerning Mr Ger Thip’s request for
a permission to establish a cotton mill in Tha Lo village, Muang Phichit.
NL R4 CS 1227 no.24 Draft of the royal instruction for Phra Sayamsimanurak.
NL R4 CS 1227 no.4 Draft letter to Muang Uthaithani, appointing Chin Noi in the position
of Luang Phinitphasa Changwang, the Chinese captain of Muang Uthaithani.
NL R4 CS 1228 no.334 Draft letter to Phraya Uthaithani and the deputy chief of Uthaithani,
requiring to provide the vacant land or the paddy field for renting to Mr Piti and other
Burmese subjects of Great Britain, in accordance with their convenience.
National Archives of Thailand, Bangkok (NA)
NA R5 M 2.12 Korkai/2 Kamphaengphet’s dispatches, March RS103 – 2 May RS110.
NA R5 M 48/2 Report of Prince Damrong Rajanupap, on his Nakhonsawan region’s inspection.
NA R5 M 51/9 Report of the Thesaphiban governor, on the administrative system in Phitsanulok
Region.
NA R5 RMS vol. 2 CS 1239-1242 no.9 Muang Phichit, requesting to arraign the case of Chin
Tae Ho Que, the Dutch subject, who was deceived of his liquor payment.
NA R5 RMS vol. 3 CS 1240-1241 no.89 Muang Phichai’s verdict on Chin Kuk’s robbery case.
NA R5 RMS vol. 4 CS 1242 no.16 Muang Kamphaengphet’s verdict on the case of buffalo
robbery that Nai Noot accusing against Nai Jun, the defender.
NA R5 RMS vol. 27 CS 1250 no.791 Muang Phichai, order to capture Laung Phakdibhubet,
the assistance and the debtors of Somboon and Amdaeng Puk.
NA R5 RMS vol. 51 CS 1253 no.44 Muang Sawankhalok, if Amdaeng Somboon would like to
file her debtors, do accept the case, but if considering that the register of the case had
any objections, the case should then refered to consult the jury in Bangkok; the case of
Amdaeng Somboon pledged her appeal.
NA R5 M 51/5 Official proclamations of Muang Phichai, 17-22 October RS111.
NA R5 M 2.14/2 Report of Prince Damrong Rajanupap, on the inspection of Monthon Krung
Kao, Phitsanulok, and Nakhonsawan Regions, and his travelogue, 30 September-15
August RS119.
Books and theses (in Thai)
Kwanmuang Chantarochanee. 1991. “Kwam plian plaeng thang setthakit khong huamuang
fai nua nai samai rattanakosin thongton (pho.so.2325-2394” [Economic Change in the
Northen Provinces during the Early Ratanakosin Period, 1782-1851]. MA thesis, History,
Chulalongkorn University.
Nidhi Eoseewong. 2005a. Kan muang thai samai phra chao krung thonburi [Thai Politics
during King Thonburi Period]. 8 editions. Bangkok: Matichon.
Phannee Bualek. 2002. Laksana chon chan khong nai thun thai chuang rawang pho.
so.2457-2482: Bot rian chak kwam rung rot su sokkanattakam [Characteristics of Thai
Capitalists, 1914-1939]. Bangkok: Phanthakit.
Books (in English)
Nidhi Eoseewong. 2005b. Pen & Sail: Literature and History in Early Bangkok. Edited by
Chris Baker and Ben Anderson. Chiang Mai: Wilkworms.
McCarthy, James F. 1900. Surveying and Exploring in Siam. London: John Murray.