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The International Journal of the Royal Society of Thailand

Volume XVI-2024 (Special Issue)

Introduction

nd
As Thailand commemorates the 72 Birthday of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn,
it is an opportune moment to reflect on the profound impact of the Thai monarchy on

the country’s communication landscape and national development. Over the past century,
the monarchy has played a pivotal role in shaping Thailand’s communication strategies and
infrastructure, significantly influencing the nation’s progress.

This paper examines the enduring contributions of the monarchy to Thailand’s development
through strategic communication initiatives that began in the early modernization efforts under
King Chulalongkorn and extend to the digital advancements under the current reign. The scope

of this article spans various forms of media and technology employed by the monarchy to foster
national unity, enhance educational opportunities, and drive economic and social progress.

The methodology integrates historical analysis, case studies, and academic research,
providing a comprehensive overview of the monarchy’s strategic employment of media to
address both traditional and contemporary challenges. This study not only acknowledges the

critical role of the monarchy in historical advancements but also its ongoing impact in the digital
age, emphasizing its adaptability and continued relevance in promoting sustainable development

and inclusive growth in Thailand.

Historical Overview of the Monarchy’s Role in Communication

The Thai monarchy has played an instrumental role in shaping the country’s communication
landscape, a legacy that traces back to the early modernization efforts of King Chulalongkorn
(King Rama V) (Petchlertanan, 2017) and extends through subsequent reigns to the current

digital era. This section examines the pivotal contributions of the monarchy in evolving Thailand’s
communication infrastructure and strategies across different historical periods, emphasizing
the integration of new media technologies and the fostering of national development.

King Chulalongkorn’s reign marked the introduction of electronic media, which was
a significant leap toward modernizing the Siamese communication framework. This era saw

the establishment of the country’s first modern communication infrastructures, such as the
introduction of the telegraph and the modern postal system. (Bunnag, Chiewchaisak et al.,
2010) These advancements were not merely technological but were part of a broader strategy

to strengthen national administration and integrate Siam into the global community, thereby
circumventing colonial threats.

Following King Chulalongkorn, subsequent monarchs continued to expand the country’s
communication capabilities. King Rama IX, in particular, focused significantly on rural
communication development, recognizing the potential of media to reach widespread

audiences and promote government policies, especially in remote areas. His initiatives included

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