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The International Journal of the Royal Society of Thailand

Volume XVI-2024 (Special Issue)

Thainess no. 3: Thailand’s Ability to Keep Pace with Global Changes

Many people believe that Thailand is an underdeveloped country. However, we began our
journey towards modernization during the reign of King Rama V, and we took significant steps

forward in development when Field Marshall Sarit Thanarat was Prime Minister. The lecturer

disagrees with this perception. Thailand has always had visionary kings who kept pace with
the changing world. These great monarchs embraced advanced ideas, such as the Pali and
Sanskrit languages, as well as Buddhism and Hinduism from India, which was a dominant power

at the time. We have also welcomed Islam and Christianity. Science has been a part of

Thai society for a long time. Unlike the swords battles portrayed in old films, our military was
equipped with firearms and cannons. We also wore armor made from deer leather, not the
bulky awkward kind. Our city walls were built using modern design principle. In the Kingdom

of Ayutthaya, we constructed the Golden Mountain, which would be comparable to a 20-story

building today. Therefore, the concept of Thainess can be seen as synonymous with always
striving to be modern.

Thainess no. 4: Thailand’s Progress alongside His Majesty the King

Finally, the lecturer emphasizes Thainess number four: we will change the world
in Thailand alongside the king. The lecturer believes that we can use the past not only as
a lesson, but also as a strong foundation for the future, as we have always adapted to the

changing world while preserving the best of our traditions. One such example is the continue

legacy of the Royal Institution.
To conclude with this fourth principle, after the 1932 revolution, which led to His Majesty
King Rama VII to govern the country under a constitution, we have been moving forward

together with the king. The upcoming Centennial celebration of the Royal Society of Thailand

should remind us not only of King Rama VII but also of our deep appreciation for the great kings
of our past. We must preserve the valuable aspects of our heritage while striving to improve
and develop under the King‘s Guidance. We should place our trust in our monarch, for all those

mentioned above were extraordinary leaders. In times of difficulty or crisis, we can always rely

on these great legacies to support us.
The Kingdom of Siam collapsed when Burma conquered it for the second time in 1767.
However, King Taksin the Great managed to unite various Thai groups and establish the Thonburi

Kingdom, which incorporated regions such as Lanna, Laos, and Cambodia during his 15-year reign.

Similarly, during the Cold War, King Rama IX guided the nation through challenging times.
We should be immensely proud of our great kings, and the lecturer fully supports Professor

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