ABSTRACT
As individuals and as shapers of institutions, Thai shift between contexts easily and skilfully, influenced perhaps by Buddhist orientations to impermanence. David Streckfuss argues that Thailand's narrative of nation is framed by colonialism — made conspicuous by its absence. King Vajiravudh identified three major restrictions on Thai women: their limited freedom to socialize with men on equal terms, their limited access to education, and the practice of polygamy, which was viewed by Europeans as particularly barbaric. The National Identity Board and the National Culture Commission were created to support Thai culture and promote Thai publications such as Thai Life and Thai Culture. Culture construction has been an important political strategy in Thai nation building since the founding of Bangkok and the Chakri dynasty in 1782. The park is a product of one man's image and imagination about Thai history and its importance for contemporary Thailand.
