หน้า:พระปกเกล้าฯ กับ รธน ไทย (vol 2).pdf/9

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Problems of Siam.
1. The Constitution.
a) The position of the King.

The Kings of Siam are supposed to be elected by the people. In former days a Ceremony of election was Performed. At the death of the King, a Council consisting of Royal Princes, Ministers of State and High Dignitaries of the Church was held. The Senior Prince or Minister then proposes that such and such a Prince should be elevated to the Throne and asks if anybody has any objection. There is generally no answer to this question, but sometimes an answer in the affirmative is given by saluting with the hands or an inclinations of the head. The King is then formally proclaimed and the words “elected by the people” are added to his titles.

This custom was continued to the Fifth Reign. King Chulalongkorn then made an innovation by creating a Crown Prince, who succeeded to the Throne without question, the formality at the death of the King being a sort of proclamation only.

King Rama 6th, not having any son, it was resided in a Cabinet Council that he should be succeeded by his full brothers. Later he made a Law of succession.