THE SIAMESE STATE AND LANNA, 1874 – 19331

Abstract

This research examines the relationships between the Siamese state and Lanna from1874 to 1933. The outcomes of the research show that the change of Lanna’s status as Siam dependency into that as an integral part of the Siamese kingdom was part of the process
of Siamese nation state building and resulted from western colonialism. However learning and adapting colonial management from the western colonizers themselves, the Siamese state applied the similar methods to annex Lanna into it. These methods include legislation and law enforcement; administration by commissioners from the center; revenue collection to serve the establishment of Siamese bureaucracy in Lanna; mapping and consensus; modern communication and transportation, control of education and monastic institutions, and promotion of missionary work. Parallelly, Siam still maintained the traditional method of forging kinship with the ruling
elite of Chieng Mai. The changes in the Siamese–Lanna relation during the reign of King Chulalongkorn resulted in the resistance from the local power in the form of violence rebellion and the use of traditional beliefs to counter Siam’s influence. Furthermore, there were the emotional divide between Northern Thai and Southern Thai as well as the lack of loyalty to Siam among diverse ethnics in Lan Consequently, King Vajiravudh formulated a the different policy for the administration of Lanna. The Siamese tried to introduce the sense of being Thai to the Lanna people through printed media, education, and “Sua Pa” Scout activities. It also began to care for the social and economic life of the Lanna people as well as to increase the trade relations between Bangkok and Lanna. Last but not least, the royal visit of King Prachatipok to Monthon Phayap demonstrated to the people of Lanna the supreme power of the Siamese King which had replaced that of the Lanna ruling elite. Keywords: Siamese State, Lanna, Nation–State