Page:Statesman's Year-Book 1913.djvu/1368

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SIAM.

(Sayam, oe Muang-Thai.) Reigning King.

Chowfa Maha Vajiravudh, born January 1, 1880, eldest son of the late King Chulalongkorn I., succeeded to the throne on the death of his father, October 23, 1910, and was crowned on December 2, 1911. The royal dignity is nominally hereditary, but does not descend always from the father to the eldest son, each sovereign being invested with the privilege of nominating his own successor. On November 24, 1910, it was ofBcially announced that until the new King has male issue, the succession will pass presumptively through the line of the Queen Mother's sons. Therefore, Prince Chowfa Chakiapongse Poowana'rth, born March 3, 1881, is the Heir Presumptive.

Brothers of the King. I. Prince Chowfa Chakrapongse Poowanarth, March 3, 1881. II, Prince Chowfa Asadang Dajarvoot, May 1889 ; and others.

Government.

The executive power is exercised by the King advised hy a Cabinet consisting of the heads of the various departments of the Government : Foreign Affairs, Interior, Justice, Finance, Public Instruction, Public Works, War, Marine, Local Government, &c. Many of the portfolios are held by the King's half-brothers and uncles. The law of May 8, 1874, constituting a Council of State, has now been superseded by the Royal Decree of January 10, 1895, creating a Legislative CounciL The latter is composed of the Ministers of State (Senabodi) and others, not less than 12 in number, appointed by the Crown. The total membership is now 40. In the preamble of the Royal Decree it is stated that the object of this body is to revise, amend, and complete the legislation of the kingdom. It is to meet at least once a w^eek, and it may appoint committees of 3 or 4 members, with the addition of competent outsiders who must not outnumber the members. An important article gives the Legislative Council poAver to promulgate laws without the Royal assent in the event of any temporary disability of the Crown. At other times the Royal signature is indispensable. This Council has shown considerable legislative activity.

The Siamese Malay States are administered by the Rajahs under the control of Commissioners sent from Bangkok.

The trans-Mekong portion of the State of Luang Prabang is now under French protection. The remainder is still Siamese.

The Siamese dominions are divided into 18 provincial circles (Monthons), of which 17 have each a High Commissioner, deriving authority direct from the King, and having under him subordinate governors over the various parts of his district. Until 1895 the administration of the country was divided between the Ministers of the North, South, and Foreign Affairs. With the exception of the Metropolitan Monthon of Bangkok, it w^as then brought under the single authority of Prince Damrong, as Minister of the Interior, under whose administration great improvements have been already made. Official buildings, such as court-houses and gaols, are being erected all over the country, and the system of provincial ge7idar7nerie is being extended. There is, however, an insufficient supply of suitable officials to carry out reforms. Several of the tributary districts are administered by their own chiefs ; but of late years centralisation has greatly increased. Commissioners, chosen by the King, are now regularly sent from Bangkok to all of these tributary provinces, both to those in the north, as Chiengmai,