ไม้สัก:พัฒนาการของรูปแบบความสัมพันธ์เชิงอำนาจระหว่างล้านนา สยาม และอังกฤษ พ.ศ. 2417-2503

Abstract

The transformation of Lanna from a colonial state into being no longer a colony and annexed as a part of Siam was caused by both external and internal factors. The external were 1.) Western expansionism surrounding Siam and 2.) King Rama V's visit to India and Burma in 1871-1872. The internal was a great learning by the Siamese elite. The Siamese monarch witnessed the colonial administration and forestry management methods from those visits. The Siamese elite found out backward management of the Lanna clite's teak business and also their ineffective rule over Lanna. Besides, the Siamese realized the great value and important states of teak in world market. The two factors have developed into a type of Trilateral Relations (Lanna-Siam-Great Britain), a special relationship during 1873 and 1899, There are three characteristics in it: 1.) Great Britain as an international colonizer collaborated with Siam as a regional colonizer in the reform of bureaucracy and forest management for mutual benefit; 2.) Siam increasingly controlled over Lanna, resulting in frequent conflicts between local people and Siamese bureaucrats; and 3.) two Chiang Mai Treatics in 1874 and 1883 and the Siamese takeover of teak industry in 1896 and 1900 have greatly reduced teak conflicts. The transformation has greatly impacted teak management later from 1900 to 1960. Great Britain and Siam, two colonizers at different levels, had mutual interests in teak resources management whereas local power went downhill. After Siam had learned more of forestry management techniques from British colonies, the role of teak companies of the British and others was further limited by Siam. Finally, teak industry and all other local resources became state properties.