The Roles of the Japanese Volunteer Corps (Krom Asa Yipun) in the Ayutthaya Period from the Reign of King Songtham to the Reign of King Prasatthong (1611-1656)

Abstract

The purpose of this article was three-fold. Firstly, to study the background and roles of the Japanese volunteer corps in the Ayutthaya period from the reign of King Songtham to the reign of King Prasatthong. Secondly, to examine the specific roles played by the Japanese volunteer corps during that period. Thirdly, to explore the decline of the political involvement of the Japanese volunteer corps in the Ayutthaya period. The study utilized documentary research and historical methods by drawing from both primary and secondary references. The study revealed that (1) the roles of the Japanese volunteer corps began during the reign of King Ekathotsarot and played a significant role during the reign of King Songtham. The corps were actively involved in supporting the ruling class, exerting pressure and influence, and engaging in negotiations with the power elites. Furthermore, they played an active role in participating in the process of selecting Ayutthaya's leader towards the conclusion of King Songtham's reign, The Japanese volunteer corps' participation ceased during the latter part of King Prasatthong's reign when he expelled them from Ayutthaya.