“Public Reading” in History of Modern Thai Education Management in the Period of King Rama V and King Rama VI

Abstract

The objective of this article is to examine the rise of the reading public in History of Modern Thai Education Management in the Period of King Rama V and King Rama VI. The findings revealed that education policy of the state has had a significant role for fostering a reading culture since King Rama V's reign. Currently, the government has recognized the value of literacy in the formation of contemporary citizens, as well as the construction of modern state through creating modern contents for people’s reading.  However, since the context of Thai society has changed and interacted with the global setting, the contents and objectives of reading have occurred diversely, particularly reading that challenges the ruler's control. Reading is thus regulated by the state. It determines what should and should not be read, and educational materials can be monitored. In addition to rejecting traditional Thai literary culture, the state also values elite-written literature and books as representations of a civilized state.