Ancient history

What did Siam do to modernize itself?

Here are the steps taken by Siam to modernise itself:

- Administrative reforms: Siam enacted several administrative reforms to centralise and streamline government operations, including the establishment of ministries, departments and a professional civil service.

- Legal reforms: Siam adopted Western-style legal codes, including civil, criminal and commercial laws, to improve the country's legal framework and foster a more transparent and stable legal system.

- Educational reforms: Siam underwent significant educational reforms, expanding the number of schools, introducing compulsory primary education, and modernising the curriculum to include science, mathematics, and foreign languages.

- Economic reforms: Siam implemented economic reforms aimed at modernising its economy, including the introduction of modern banking practices, the development of infrastructure, and the promotion of foreign trade and investment.

- Infrastructural development: Siam invested in infrastructure projects such as roads, railways, telegraph lines and ports, improving transportation, communication and connectivity within the country and with the outside world.

- Adoption of Western technology: Siam actively sought and adopted Western technologies in various fields such as education, medicine, military, transportation, and communication. This facilitated its modernisation efforts and brought Siam in line with contemporary advancements.

- Treaty revisions: Siam negotiated a series of unequal treaties with foreign powers that gradually revised its extraterritorial rights and granted it more control over its internal affairs.

- Cultural reforms: Siam undertook cultural and social reforms to enhance the country's image and foster a sense of national identity, including the adoption of a national anthem, flag, and symbols, and the revival of traditional arts and customs.

Overall, Siam's modernisation efforts aimed to strengthen the country's independence, improve governance, promote economic development, and ensure its survival amidst the rising tide of Western influence and colonialism in the region.