The Origin of King Vajiravudh’s Nationnalism

Abstract

King Vajiravudh’s nationalism was born from his lifelong interest in the Sukhothai Kingthai Kingdom and, especially, its first ruler called Phra Ruang. In trying to demystify the legend of Phra Ruang for Prince Damrong, King Vajiravudh almost imitiated the method of anthropology and folklore, thus earning himself the reputation as one of fathers of these subjects. When, finally, he came to write his plays in verse on Phra Ruang, he could define his nationalism as an attempt to make the Thais love one another as well as make foreigner respect the name of Thai. He not only invented the password of his nationalism. “Chaiyo,” but he also put it in the mouth of the first Sukhothai King addressing his people at the dawn of Thai history.