SOAS Research Online

Abstract

This thesis is concerned with the economic plans of Siam and the evolution of economic nationalism in Siam in the 1930s, but particularly the period from the overthrow of the absolute monarchy in June 1932. The opening chapter outlines the main themes of the thesis. Chapter 2 provides an outline of the main features of the Siamese economy In the 1920s and 1930s, and examines the main analyses by Thai and foreign scholars of the origins of Siamese economic underdevelopment. Chapter 3 is concerned with the economic plans of Mangkorn Samsen, Pridi and Phra Sarasas, while chapter 4 is concerned with a number of the less important economic plans introduced at that time. These plans were submitted by various groups, not only the Siamese elite but also the middle class. Chapter 5 examines more analytically all these plans, in the context of the evolution of economic nationalism in the inter-war decades. There are three views on the origin of economic nationalism in Siam: that it developed in the reign of Rama 6 (1910-1925), in the constitutional revolution in 1932, or as part of Phibun's nationalism in 1939. These views ignore the relationship between the three periods of economic nationalism. This study shows the continuity and discontinuity in economic nationalism between these periods. Chapter 5 further examines the role of the middle class. Chapter 6 considers the development of the co-operative movement in Siam from 1917, while chapter 7 focuses on the various plans and proposals in this period to establish a central bank. Chapter 8 is the conclusion.