Abstract:
To study bandits in the Central Plain during the Great Reform under King Chulalongkorn, forcusing on the causes leading to the increase of bandits, factors sustaining the existence of bandits, as well as on the government measures for a solution. The research finds that the increase of bandits during the period under study was a direct result of the rapid expansion of rice economy. A deficiency of certain means of production, such as buffaloes and capital, caused a widespread robbery of such means of production. However, under the long standing patron-client relationship, many 'practicing' bandits during the pre-reform days came under protection of authorities and could live their normal lives in the society. After the 1892 administrative reform, the government imposed stringent measures to solve the 'bandits' problem. But such 'clean up' attempt the reign of Chulalongkorn found very little success due mainly to the persistence of the patron-client relationship and the administrative inefficiency of the new government system