ขอบเขตพระอำนาจของกรมพระราชวังบวรสถานมงคลในสมัยรัตนโกสินทร์ / ประภัสสร บุญประเสริฐ = The Scope of the royal power of the Second Kings during the Bangkok period / Prapasson Boonprasert
This research is an attempt to examine in detail the material concerning all the Second Kings (Phra Maha Uparat) of the Bangkok period both directly and indirectly in order to make a study of the scope and the development of their royal power. It also discusses the zenith and the nadir of their power in each reign. At the same time it deals with the origin, the development and the purpose of the appointment as well as the importance of this exalted position in the political and administrative system of the Siamese monarchy. The question as to whether this position was suitable or not for the system is subject to discussion in order to bring out the advantages and disadvantages resulting from it. Furthermore, this research tries to reveal the abilities of the Second Kings in administering Siam, in [comparison] with those of the First Kings. This thesis is divided into 7 chapters excluding the introduction, the conclusion and the suggestions for further research. The introduction states the purpose of the thesis, the scope and method of the research as well as an analysis and benefits of the study. The first chapter delineates the story of the Second Kings in the [neighboring] countries together with their characteristics in order to point out their similarities and differences and then it narrates the beginning of this position in Siam from the Sukhothai period to the Ayutthaya period. This chapter is also concerned with the principles of their appointment, the scope of their royal power and their right to the throne, in order to explain the power of the Second Kings during the two periods. This would help the reader to have a better understanding of their royal power in the early Bangkok period. The second chapter deals with the appointment of the Second Kings in the five reigns of the Bangkok period together with a detailed analysis of the main reasons for the appointments because this is how to know the extent of their power in each reign. The third chapter discusses their own responsibilities in administering their officials, servants and retinue at the Second Kings’ palace (Wangna) and is divided into three parts, namely, legislation, administration and jurisdiction. At the same time the writer tries to analyse the power of the First Kings and of the Second Kings over their officials, servants and retinue and to show whether there was interference in this matter. The fourth chapter relates their responsibilities in the defence of the realm. In this chapter, the analysis will involve their power both in peace and in war time. The fifth chapter explains their responsibilities when in residence at the capital, that is to say, their routine work called “Phra Uparajanukit”, such as participating in State ceremonies, solving state problems and promoting the welfare of the people under their charge. The sixth chapter states their role and power in internal and foreign affairs including their right to the throne. The seventh chapter relates their power over religious affairs, their resources in building their palaces, and their [favorite] work consistent with their particular abilities in literature, handicraft and technology. In addition, from the second to the seventh chapters which concern “the Second Kings” in the Bangkok period, the writer presents a comparative analysis of the extent of the Second Kings’ power and its consequences. The thesis concludes with a summary of the concept of the Second Kings from the Sukhothai period through the Bangkok period and their suitability in each reign. The writer would like to add that if an opportunity is provided to find more primary sources from the descendants of “the Second Kings”, it would be much more comprehensive than the present thesis.