Fate of Late-Developing Countries: Incompatibility Between Modernization and Civil Service Reform in Thailand

Thailand began the modernization of its administration in response to the western impact during the mid-19th century. King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) recognized that administrative reform was essential for ensuring the stability and sustainable development of the nation. Thus, he established a system to provide salary for civil servants and promoted the westernization of government ministries. However, he was not particularly enthusiastic about introducing civil service examinations. While government positions and educational opportunities were closely tied to court aristocracy, the advancement of the educational system gradually made the monopoly of education impossible for this group, which led to the gradual entry of commoner intellectuals into the bureaucracy. By the time of King Prajadhipok (Rama VII), discussions on the introduction of a merit-based system became concrete in which foreign advisors to the government advocated for its effectiveness. In 1928, civil service examinations were institutionalized. However, this system lasted less than a decade. Thailand, similar to many other late-developing countries, pursued social and economic development under the strong leadership of its rulers; however, this political style was not well-aligned with civil service examinations.