Ill
Chapter-IX
KINGSHIP IX SIAM
The Siamese culture is often described as the
legacy of Indian culture. In many branches, in reli-
gion, in literature, in art and sculpture, Siam owes a
deep debt to Indian culture and civilisation. There
are traces of Indian influence even in the administra-
tive organisation of Siam. We find the king with
Indian title, his ministers and officers bearing Indian
names, and Indian customs and ceremonies lurking
in the Siamese royal family.
The monarchical system of government prevails
in Siam, with the king as its heads. The Siamese king
is called Fhra That or ' Lord of the Thai Race/ As
Siam is a theocratic government, the king, as the head
of the church, bears the title of the Defender of Phra
Satsana (=Sdsana) or the Buddhist faith. The king,
however, seldom interfers with the internal adminis-
tration of the church, which is under I*hra P/ioottka-
ong {-Buddha anga ) or a High Priest, who is also
known as Sahgharat* This high post is generally filled
by the brother of the king. In the administration of
the kingdom, the king is helped by an able minister,
known as Pftra maka Racha Khi oo (=Skt. Mah&
Rajaguru ).1
The law of succession in Siain, as in India, is here-
ditary, but some times when the king was feeble or a
minor other members of the royal family would seize
1. Asiatic Researches, 1836, p. 245.