The end of the absolute monarchy in Siam / Benjamin A. Batson

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This study of events leading to the June 1932 coup which brought to an end the absolute monarchy in Siam (Thailand) emphasizes political developments, and particularly the efforts of Siam's last absolute ruler, King Prajadhipok, and his advisers to make limited but significant modifications in Siam's political structure, looking toward the introduction of institutions of representative government compatible with Siam's conservative political, social and economic order. Proposals for political change in the last years of the absolute monarchy are discussed in detail, and the various factors which led to the failure of this attempt to impose a constitutional system from above are analysed. Economic and social developments are treated more briefly, and primarily as they impinged upon the political process, although in the crucial years 1931-2 economic and political developments become inseparably intertwined.