An Analysis of the Economic and Political Conditions of Ayutthaya in the Reign of King Ekathotsarot (1605-1610)

Abstract

An analysis of the economic and political conditions of Ayutthaya in the reign of King Ekathotsarot (1605 - 1610) purposed to understand economic development and political conditions after the fall of Ayutthaya in 1569, using the reign of King Ekathotsarot as a case study in this article.The study found that during the period of Ayutthaya, the economy grew with trade from the west as one of the important supporting factors. Especially the role of the Dutch East India Company (V.O.C) and the full return to trade through the tribute system with China after the return of independence since the reign of King Naresuan. The economic growth of Ayutthaya was reflected in the enactment of the Law. More taxes were collected during the reign of King Ekathotsarot in order to bring the most commercial benefits to the court and the ruling class. In the political climate, he was found trying to lessen the tensions between the kingdoms by shifting towards more alliances and tried to survey the manpower throughout the kingdom for clear control of manpower and possibly preventing rebellion. It reflects the importance of administration within the kingdom rather than the expansion of the kingdom's power to distant states, such as during the reign of King Naresuan. Then at the end of his reign, he found that there was another disturbance. Perhaps there was a portion of the event that arose out of the swiftness of the trade and the beneficiaries will receive this from all Ayutthaya rules. There was a situation where there was a group of powers ready to challenge the imperial power once again.