Abstract:
This thesis is aimed at studying and analyzing junk trade of Thailand in the early Bangkok period in order to realize the roles of the trade which effected society, economics and politics of Thailand during the period. The three factors which are considered in this analysis are : firstly, the history of Thai junk trade before the early Bangkok period which presents the sequence of junk trade which has been carried on for a long time; secondly, the conditions of society, economics and politics of Thailand during that period which indicate whether they have influences on the progress of both the royal and junk trade or not; thirdly, the policy and procedure including the roles of the people concerned in this trade. The result of the analysis is that junk trade especially the royal one gave great benefits to society, economics and politics of Thailand, both directly and indirectly. Even so, due to the Bowring Treaty signed under the pressure of politic situations, the royal junk trade was abolished. However, the private maritime trade could survive. According to the researcher, maritime transportation is convenient and economical. It is also potential in war time, i.e., the government can make use of ships and manpower in military activities without difficulty. Hence, the thesis may be useful as a guidline for the study of the development of Thai maritime trade in the next period which at present is called "The Merchant Marine".