King Vajiravudh, born in 1881 and passing in 1925, reigned for 15 years as the sixth monarch of the Chakri dynasty. His reign unfolded under considerable pressures, including financial constraints from Siam’s involvement in the First World War, the global economic downturn, tensions within the military, the rise of democratic ideals, and shifting political landscapes in neighbouring countries.

During his reign, King Vajiravudh faced growing fiscal pressures, partly due to Siam's participation in the First World War, as well as broader economic downturns and social unrest. New political ideologies such as democracy and constitutional monarchy were gaining ground among educated elites, civil servants, and segments of the military. In response, the king undertook various reforms: he restructured the military, merged provincial circles (monthon) to reduce government spending, and issued the Savings Fund Act to encourage public saving.

Notably, he expressed openness to parliamentary governance through a political experiment called Dusit Thani—a model town with its own miniature constitution, elected council, and press. Though symbolic and limited in scale, this initiative reflected his recognition of evolving global political trends and his interest in civic education. Additionally, the king established institutions such as the Siam Cement Company and the Commerce Propagation Council, while prioritising public health, education, and cultural development as vital to national progress.

The King placed high importance on both education and cultural development. A key example combining both was the establishment of the Poh-Chang School of Arts and Crafts. This initiative was originally conceived by his father, King Chulalongkorn, who wished to preserve and revitalise traditional Thai craftsmanship in the face of growing Western influence. King Vajiravudh carried this vision forward, recognising the arts as a reflection of national progress and peace.

In his royal speech at the opening of the school, he stated that Siam’s traditional crafts should be modernised and strengthened by incorporating Western knowledge. He named the institution “Poh-Chang” (meaning ‘to cultivate craftsmanship’) and ordered the expansion of its facilities to support systematic training. The school played a transformative role in shaping modern Thai art education and became a foundation for contemporary art institutions in later reigns, particularly under King Prajadhipok (Rama VII), who continued to support the development of new artistic movements.

King Vajiravudh’s reign thus marked a critical era of adaptation, as Siam navigated modernisation and cultural identity preservation through a comprehensive national development strategy grounded in education, creativity, and statecraft.