Prajadhipok - The First Constitutional Monarch

The First Constitutional Monarch

The King's relations with the People's Party deteriorated quickly, particularly after the ousting of Phraya Manopakorn Nititada as Prime Minister by the Khana Ratsadon's leader Phraya Phahol Phonphayuhasena.

In October 1933 the maverick Prince Boworadej, a popular former Minister of Defence who had resigned from Prajadhipok's cabinet in protest over the budget cuts, led an armed revolt against the government. In the Boworadet Rebellion, he mobilised several provincial garrisons and marched on Bangkok, occupying the Don Muang aerodome. Prince Boworadej accused the government of being disrespectful to the monarch and of promoting communism, and demanded that government leaders resign. Boworadej had hoped that garrisons in the Bangkok would support him, but their commander ensured that they remained loyal to the government. The Royal Thai Navy declared itself neutral and left for its bases in the south. After heavy fighting near Don Muang, the ammunition-short Boworadej forces were defeated and the Prince himself fled to exile in French Indochina.

There is no evidence that Prajadhipok gave any support to the rebellion. Nevertheless, the insurrection diminished the King's prestige. When the revolt began, Prajadhipok immediately informed the government that he regretted the strife and civil disturbances. The royal couple then took refuge at Songkhla, in the far south. The king's withdrawal from the scene was interpreted by the Khana Ratsadorn as a failure to do his duty. By not throwing his full support behind the government's forces, he had undermined their trust in him.

In 1934 the Assembly voted to amend the civil and military penal codes. One of the proposed changes would allow death sentences to be carried out without the King's approval. The King protested, and in two letters submitted to the Assembly said ending this time-honoured custom would make the people think that the government desired the right to sign death warrants to eliminate political opponents.

As a compromise he proposed holding a national referendum on the issue.

Many in the Assembly were angered. They felt the King was implying that the Assembly did not actually represent the will of the people and voted to re-affirm the penal code changes.

Prajadhipok, whose relations with the Khana Ratsadorn had been deteriorating for some time, went on a tour of Europe before visiting England for medical treatment. He continued to correspond with the government, centring on the conditions under which he would continue to serve. As well as retaining some traditional royal prerogatives, such as granting pardons, he was anxious to mitigate the increasingly undemocratic nature of the new regime. Agreement was reached on the penal codes, but Prajadhipok indicated he was unwilling to return home before certain guarantees were made for his safety, and the constitution was amended to make the Assembly an entirely elected body. The government refused to comply, and on 14 October Prajadhipok announced his intention to abdicate unless his requests were met