The influences of the life and education of His Royal Highness Prince Chakrabongse Bhuvanath in Russia on Siamese military development
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Abstract
This study investigates King Rama V’s strategy to modernize the Siamese Army by sending his son, Prince Chakrabongse Bhuvanath, to study in England and Russia. The aim was for the prince to be educated according to Western standards, acquiring proficiency in foreign languages, culture, and military affairs. This initiative was part of a broader plan to professionalize the Siamese Army and safeguard Siam against European imperialism. The research utilizes the British Library Oriental Manuscript 15749: Chakrabongse Letters as a primary source, focusing on the correspondence between King Rama V and Prince Chakrabongse. It examines the prince’s life and education abroad to uncover the King’s intentions, the prince’s experiences, and his contributions to the Siamese military upon his return. The findings reveal that King Rama V intended for Prince Chakrabongse to not only gain advanced military knowledge but also to serve as an informal ambassador for Siam. The prince embraced his educational responsibilities with dedication, gradually becoming a representative of the King and building strong relationships with various royal families, notably the Romanovs. After graduating with a military education and being promoted to senior colonel in the Russian Army, Prince Chakrabongse returned to Siam to serve as Chief of Staff. His knowledge and experience were crucial in integrating modern practices into Siamese military education, laying the groundwork for a more professional Thai army.
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