Bureaucratic Theory and Governmental Administration of Ayutthaya Kingdom

Abstract

Bureaucratic theory and governmental administration of Ayutthaya Kingdom The theory of Max Weber and others that focus on the hierarchy principles is widely used to explain the bureaucracy. Max Weber demonstrates that the hierarchy is necessary because the management of large organization needs to categorize the position by hierarchy. The high ranking officers will command the low ranking offices. “The hierarchy in bureaucratic system is the way to guarantee that higher level can control lower level closely” Also, Henri Fayol quote “one man, one boss” supports the above mentioned. However, when study the public administration in Ayutthaya era particularly since the administrative reform under King Borommatrailokkanat to the King Rama V of Ratanakosin, we can see that it conflicts with the bureaucratic theory of public administration used at present. Since, the pattern of two prime minister who in charge of civil affairs and who in charge of military affairs causes the confusion and overlay of public administration leading to the great government reform in King Rama V era in 1892. Then, the newly reformed administration has been consistent with the universal bureaucratic theory.