Nature for the Nation? Rethinking the Nationalist Rupture in Siamese Forestry History
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Abstract
This article revisits the history of Siam’s Royal Forest Department (RFD) in the early 20th century, focusing on two key policies: replacing British staff with young Siamese officers and reserving concessions for the state logging industry and local firms. While official accounts frame these as nationalist reforms under King Vajiravudh (Rama VI), this study argues for continuity with earlier regimes and highlights the limited impact of nationalism. By situating Siam within the global teak trade, this article shows how the RFD reinforced Siam’s role as a raw material supplier, resembling a colonial economy rather than resisting it.
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References
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