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The International Journal of the Royal Society of Thailand

Volume XVI-2024 (Special Issue)

including Chakkhuma (vision), Dharma Jariya (virtue), Sena (volunteer), and Chansa (validity).

The king’s vision and virtue were undeniable and played a crucial role in ensuring the nation’s
independence. His royal family members also volunteered their efforts and dedicating themselves

to the country’s progress. Notable among them were Prince Damrong Rajanubhab (Minister of
Interior), Prince of Nakhon Sawan Worapinij (Army Minister and Defense Minister), Prince Chumphon

Khet Udomsak (the founder of the Thai Navy), Prince of Phitsanulok Prachanarth (the founder
of the army’s Royal Aeronautical Service), Prince of Kamphaengphet Akarayothin (the founder

of the Royal Thai railways), Prince of Ratchaburi Direkrit (Minister of Justice), Prince Mahidol
(the father of Thai modern medicine and publich health), and Prince of Chai Nat Naraindhorn

(Minister of higher education). And lastly, the 42 years of his reign gave him ample time to launch
and refine numerous projects. In addition to his governance, King Rama V authored several pieces

of literatures and textbooks that are still in use today.
As World War I loomed, His Majesty King Rama VI placed significant emphasis on fostering

patriotism. He initiated various activities, including the creation of literature to promote
nationalism among the Thai people. King Rama VII’s achievements are less clearly defined,

but he made notable contributions, such as establishing the Royal Society of Siam (the Royal
Society of Thailand at present), the Civil Service Commission, the Royal Defense Council

(the National Security Council at present). He also oversaw the construction of the
Phra Phutthayotfa Bridge (the Memorial Bridge) to connect the districts of Phra Nakhon and

Thonburi.
His Majesty King Rama VIII, though young and facing the challenges of World War II,

might not have had the opportunity for major national development. Nevertheless, he initiated
the founding of the second medical school in Thailand during the 1946 Royal graduation

ceremony at Siriraj Hospital.
Like his grandfather, King Rama V, His Majesty King Rama IX devoted himself immensely

to the nation’s development. Over his 70-year reign, he accomplished numerous feats,
even though, by that time Thailand had transitioned to a constitutional monarchy, with the King

no long holding supreme authority.
The tradition for democratic governance with a monarch as head of state varies across

countries, shaped by the unique historical paths each nation took toward democracy depending
on the history of the inception of democracy. In many European countries, democracy emerged

from power struggles between kings, the government, the parliaments, and the people. In these
conflicts, when the monarch’s power was diminished, they were often stripped of any role

in national governance. In contrast, the British monarchy holds a notorious historial example:

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