Abstract:
The objective of this thesis is to study the economy, society and culture during the reign of King Rama III. This is the period in which Thai society had to deal with new technology and powerful armed forces from the west. This research employs all of the historical documents relating to King Rama III. The result of this study indicates that his reign is a transitional period from the old to the new Siam. King Rama III had realized new changes including the expansion of long distance trade and the coming of westerners who came with new knowledge in sciences as well as the strength of armed forces. He had laid out the groundwork in economics, society and culture in order to contend with these developments. There were three main strategies in the area of economics. These included the encouraging of seafaring trade and trade with the west; taxation by reducing the number of restricted goods; and establishing new towns, digging and dredging canals. In the area of society and culture, he promoted education by collecting and writing new textbooks. He established temples as centres of education in a variety of subject areas. Wat Phrachettupon (Wat Pho), for example, is famous as a centre of learning for treditional medicine and massage. It is also a place for people to learn about their roles and duties in society.