Atiba vs Vajiravudh

After the destruction of the old capital Oyo-Ile by the Fulani jihadists, Atiba moved the capital south to a new location, Ago Oja, which he renamed Oyo (New Oyo). This relocation saved the Oyo kingdom from complete collapse and allowed it to survive as a rump state under Atiba's rule.

Atiba reorganized the Oyo government, establishing a new council of chiefs and a more centralized administration in the new capital. He also redefined the role of the Alaafin, balancing power with the Oyo Mesi (kingmakers) to prevent future internal conflicts that had weakened the old empire.

Vajiravudh, as King Rama VI, promoted a strong sense of Thai nationalism through speeches, writings, and policies. He emphasized loyalty to the nation, religion, and monarchy. His nationalism was aimed at unifying the country and resisting Western colonial influence.

Vajiravudh established the Wild Tiger Corps, a paramilitary organization loyal to the king. The corps was intended to counterbalance the regular army and promote royalist sentiment. It was controversial and seen as a tool to consolidate personal power.

Vajiravudh introduced the use of surnames for all Thai citizens, a reform modeled on Western practices. The law required every family to adopt a surname, which helped in administrative record-keeping and promoted a sense of family identity.

Vajiravudh founded Chulalongkorn University, Thailand's first university, named after his father. The university was established to modernize education and train civil servants. It became a leading institution for higher education in Thailand.

Vajiravudh enacted the Compulsory Education Act, requiring all children to attend primary school. The reform aimed to increase literacy and create a more educated populace. It laid the foundation for Thailand's modern education system.