Jigme Dorji Wangchuck vs Vajiravudh

Jigme Dorji Wangchuck signed the Indo-Bhutan Treaty of Friendship with India. The treaty affirmed Bhutan's sovereignty while giving India a guiding role in its foreign policy, a relationship that continues to shape Bhutan's international relations.

King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck initiated a series of modernization reforms, including the abolition of serfdom, introduction of a modern legal code, and establishment of the National Assembly. He opened Bhutan to foreign aid and development.

Jigme Dorji Wangchuck launched Bhutan's first Five-Year Plan, focusing on infrastructure development, education, and healthcare. This systematic approach to development transformed Bhutan from a feudal society into a modernizing state.

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.