Thianwan Wannapho

After his release from prison, Thianwan became a vigorous advocate of modernization and Westernization. He wrote under the pseudonym Tor Wor Sor Wannapho, and several of his critical writings prompted responses from the ruling king, Rama V.^[5] He called for the establishment of an elected parliament, prohibition of gambling, opium, and betel, and abolition of slavery and polygamy,^[6] though he also criticized the economic domination of Thailand by European nations.^[7] He also argued for significantly increased access to education and engagement in civic life for women.^[8] Apart from these more substantive critiques, he also adopted Western-style dress, including a beard, and claimed to be the first man in Siam with a Western-style haircut.^[9] He died in his own house in Woeng Nakhon Khasem during Rattanakosin Sok 133 (1914/1915 AD).^[1]

Many of the policies called for by Thianwan were eventually implemented. King Rama V abolished slavery in the latter part of his reign, and later polygamy was also formally banned (though persisting in practice). Even Thianwan's sartorial preferences became widespread, with many forms of traditional dress being discouraged by order of the Phibun administration.