NationStates Jolt Archive

(This is for the E20 closed roleplay)
The Kingdom of Siam

Siam is an absolute monarchy under King Rama V, later to be known as Rama the Great. Menaced by both France and Britain, Siam is a buffer state between the French and British colonies in Southeast Asia. The King tries to negotiate with these Great Powers as best he can, but little by little they have demanded chunks of the once-great Siamese Empire.

In recent years, Siam has benefited greatly from aid from the United States. In addition, money dedicated to improving transportation networks and schooling children has paid off beyond anyone's expectations, leading to rapid changes in Siamese life. Railroads have spanned the country, and imported goods, chiefly from Britain, have found their way into Siamese society.

The king's position internationally has been much helped by close relations with the United States, although relations with France have remained tense after the Siamese military was positioned to attack French Indochina. Since then, the military has re-positioned most of its force, but a large number of troops still exist near the border.

Siam: Current Economic Status
Population 7.7 million
Resources 6
Food Production 21
Tech Level 2

Siamese Military Deployments, January 1, 1918

Army
Bangkok: 2 infantry corps, 1 coast defense garrison, 1 supply unit
Saigon: 2 infantry corps, 1 coast defense garrison,
Hanoi: 2 infantry corps, 10 light infantry divisions
Phnom Penh: 1 garrison unit
Chiang Mai: 2 infantry corps
Vientiane: 3 light infantry divisions
Sawng Kla: 1 garrison unit

Army Reserves
Bangkok: 1 militia corps
Phnom Penh: 1 militia corps
Hanoi: 1 militia corps

Navy
Bangkok-1 PT flotilla
Saigon-1 destroyer flotilla, 6 CL

The Year of 1906

January 13- King Rama V decrees that all of Siam shall be connected by rail links in order to centralize the state and provide for the happiness and well-being of its people.
January 17- After extensive negotiations with powerful nobles, the King strikes a deal providing for universal schooling and clinics across Siam. While some nobles feared that schools would encourage unrest, the King argued that Siam must modernize or face annexation by France.
February 12- the first universal schools open across Siam.
February 19- clinics providing free vaccination against smallpox and free
June 12- In order to avoid a military run entirely by foreign officers, the King decrees that two new military academies shall be created: a naval academy at Samut and an army academy at Nakhon Sawan. Hopefully, the Thai Military will soon be independent from foreign officers.

Kingdom of Siam- 1906 government spending

Resources: 6
Extra points from food: 2.8
1 point from Portugal
6 points from the USA
Total: 15.8

Level 1 Social Spending-.7
Transportation Networks (Year 1/3)-1.4
3 Garrisons-.75
2 Militia Corps-.2
2 Merchant Marine-6
Upgrade 2 militia corps to infantry corps-6
1 reserve infantry corps .75/2

End of year military
2 infantry corps
3 garrison units
2 merchant marine

Siam announces a deal with the Kingdom of Portugal to import small arms and artillery from Macau for use in the Siamese army.

Sun Yat Sen sends a representative to Bangkok's Chinese community, to organize a Tongmenhui branch there. Unlike Sun, he moves covertly, applying through normal channels for a long term guest visa (or equivalent) to allow him time to get the branch organized.

OOC: Crossposted from main thread.

The representative is quietly informed that Siam knows about him and his mission. Unfortunately, the Siamese authorities say that there can be no official support at this time, but he will be allowed to set up a Tongmenhui as long as he doesn't stir up trouble.

The representative is quietly informed that Siam knows about him and his mission. Unfortunately, the Siamese authorities say that there can be no official support at this time, but he will be allowed to set up a Tongmenhui as long as he doesn't stir up trouble.

This suits the representative well, and assures the Siamese Government that they will not turn their organization against them.

As a friendly gesture in 1906 (and more pragmatically, to give the unfriendly French a few more fits) Congress narrowly passes a bill for foriegn aid to Siam. (The total funds are in game terms 6 points). The implication with the gift is that should the money be used to invest in a merchant marine fleet, American shipbuilders would be happy to have the dollars flow right back to them (I can build those if you want).

The Kingdom of Siam thanks the United States for its generous gift and offers Bangkok as a port facility should US ships ever need it.

In 1906 the Portugese parliment decide to give aid to The Kingdom of Siam, using budget surplus (the spanish money= 1 point).
Closer relations are hoped for and it is requested that in exchange Portugese companies may set up branches in Siam.

King Carlos I expresses a wish to meet King Rama V in Siam.

Siamese Army-Deployment 1907

Bangkok-1 garrison, 1 infantry corps
Hat Yai-1 garrison
Pouthisat-1 infantry corps
Lampang-1 garrson

In 1906 the Portugese parliment decide to give aid to The Kingdom of Siam, using budget surplus (the spanish money= 1 point).
Closer relations are hoped for and it is requested that in exchange Portugese companies may set up branches in Siam.

King Carlos I expresses a wish to meet King Rama V in Siam.

King Rama V would be happy to meet King Carlos, but suggests that Carlos wait until Rama's European Tour planned for 1907 (historical event that will occur unless something happens.)

As a sign of Siam's friendship towards Portugal, Portuguese traders are given trade rights equal to those of the French and British.

The Kingdom of Siam thanks the United States for its generous gift and offers Bangkok as a port facility should US ships ever need it.

The gesture is noted, and will be remembered in Washington.

Siam Economics 1907
2.8 food+6 resources+2 shipping=10.8 points
2 infantry corps-1
3 garrisons-.75
Level 1 social services and transportation upgrades 2
3 reserve infantry corps-6
1 tech level 5 PT flotilla-1

Siam Economics 1908
2.8 food+6 resources+2 shipping=10.8 points
2 infantry corps-1
3 garrisons-.75
3 reserve infantry corps-.75
1 PT flotilla-.1
Level 1 social services and transportation upgrades-2
2 reserve infantry corps-4
2 light infantry divisions-2

1909 Siam Build
Tech Level 3 achieved!
2 shipping+6 resources+2.8 food+8 aid=18.8 points
Upkeep: 2 Infantry corps-1
3 garrisons-.75
6 reserve infantry corps-1.5
1 PT flotilla-.1
Total: 3.35

Level II social services-1.4
1 Production Center-14.05 (14.05/24)

1910 Siam Build
2 shipping+6 resources+2.08 food+8 aid+1 from drugs=19.8 points

Upkeep: 2 infantry corps-1
3 garrisons-.75
5 reserve infantry corps-1.25
2 reserve light infantry divisions-.2
1 PT flotilla-.1
Total: 3.3

Level II social services-1.4
1 production center- 9.95 (complete)
1 supply unit-4
1 reserve mountain infantry division-1

Chaing Kai Shek asks the Kingdom of Siam if they can recognize the Republic of China.

Chaing Kai Shek asks the Kingdom of Siam if they can recognize the Republic of China.

The Siamese decide to follow their American benefactor's lead and withhold recognition for the moment.

The French government agrees to the proposed Siamese non-aggression pact, and secretly guarantees Siamese independence. In addition, France partially revokes its policy of extraterritoriality in Siam. French citizens who violate Siamese law will be extradited to French Indochina, for trial in French courts.

France looks forward to improved relations with its neighbor in Southeast Asia.

ooc:Damnit malk, I was going to gaurauntee his independance first! Now it looks like Im copying.

ic: Italy issues a gaurauntee of Siams independance, due to the flaired tensions in China. We wish only to reassure Siam.

Siam returns a guarantee of Italian independence.

October 23, 1910
King Chulalongkorn (aka Rama V) dies. He is peacefully succeeded by his son Vajiravudh. While it was known that the King was old and weak, the nation goes into shock at losing the King who had first kept Siam's independence, then laid the foundations for a modern Siam in the final years of his reign. A period of morning is declared, followed by Vajiravudh ascending to the throne under the name of Rama VI.

1911 Siam Build
1 production center, 28 food production, 5 resources
Tech Level 4
8 million population
Cut spending for 2 production+4 food+5 resources+1 drugs+2 shipping=14 points

Military Upkeep
2 Infantry corps-1
3 garrisons-.75
5 reserve infantry corps-1.25
3 reserve mountain infantry divisions-.3
1 reserve supply unit-.5
1 PT flotilla-.1
Total: 3.9

Level II Social Spending-1.4
1 destroyer flotilla-4
3 light cruisers (year 1/2)-3
1 garrison unit upgraded to coast defense unit-1

Growth: 1 production center

The French government contacts the Siamese king, informing him that France finds the proposed agreement entirely acceptable, and hopes that this move will, with time, put an end to mutual feelings of suspicion and mistrust. The agreement may be put into effect whenever is convenient for the Siamese.

1912 Siamese Economics
2 production center, 28 food production, 4 resources
Tech Level 4
8 million population
Cut spending for 4 production+4 food+4 resources+1 drugs+2 shipping=15 points

Military Upkeep
Regulars:
2 Infantry corps-1
2 garrison-.5
1 coast defense garrison-.5
1 supply corps-.5

Reserves
5 2nd line infantry corps-1.25
3 reserve mountain infantry divisions-.3

Navy:
1 PT flotilla-.1
1 destroyer flotilla-.25

Level II Social Spending-1.4
Total: 5.8

3 light cruisers-3 (year 2/2)
Upgrade 3 reserve mountain infantry to mountain infantry-3
1 observation plane-1
1 mountain infantry division-2

Growth: 1 production center

State of Siam

Economic: Siam's economy is booming as never before. Industrialization is rapidly overtaking the country following massive American aid. Traditional farming activities have also boomed. This rapid technological progress has disrupted the traditional patterns of Siamese life, but social services and economic growth have significantly improved the lot of the average Siamese peasant.

Domestic Politics: King Vajiravudh is popular among both the people and the royal family, but he lacks the complete support of the army because of his sudden -and in the army's eyes, unprovoked- break with America. In addition, the opulence of his palaces and his continuation of a "look the other way" policy in relation to the drug trade has somewhat undermined the good record his economic dealings gave him.

Foreign Policy: Siam enjoys good relations with its immediate neighbors France and Britain. Following a period of Siamese-French tensions, recent diplomatic initiatives have formed something of a friendship between the two countries. The king remains anti-American after what he sees as an American snub, but the people and the army are pro-American. (The navy, following the cancelation of plans for a superdreadnaught, is irrelivant at the moment). Besides for an unlikely friendship with Portugal and a lapsed alliance with Japan, Siam has little relationship with any other country.

Febuary 1912
The King decides that it is time for his first overseas trip, and takes a state journey to Europe.

The new Emperor Tiasho would like to strengthen the bonds between Siam and Japan, and would be happy to re-sign an alliance with Siam

The United States extends tentative, but public feelers toward Siam in the hope of a restoration of good relations.

The Indian Governor-General, noticing that Siam failed to even mention Britain in its Foreign Relations report, decides that it may be prudent to make a trip to Siam to restore any relations.

King Vajiravudh happily accepts a renewed treaty of friendship with Japan, and decides to visit Japan on the tail end of his foreign journey.

The Governor-General is greeted by Prince Chudadhut Dharadilok (one of the most senior princes) and, at the military's urging, the Prince proposes joint British-Siamese war exercises, on both sea and land (although the naval exercises would likely have to wait until Siam's light cruisers are finished).

The United States' feelers are the subject of intense debate. While the Cabinet and the Military both feel that the King is being silly over the matter and should restore good relations, the King is convinced that America does not take Siam seriously and rebuffs the United States' offers. This slightly lessens his popularity with the people, but he remains very popular, ironically because of the good economic growth resulting from the USA's aid.

July 12, 1912-Siam announces new union with Laos, Camboda, and Vietnam

Siam has struck a deal with the Vietnamese, Lao, and Cambodian peoples who have been liberated from French oppression. The King of Siam and the King of Vietnam will hold equal power in the new Kingdom of Siam, expanded to hold Vietnam as well. However, a son of the Vietnamese Emperor will marry a Siamese princess and the offspring of said union will rule the new Empire of Siam.

The Kingdom of Portugal offers the sale of the armoured cruiser NPR Rainha Dona Amelia to the Kingdom of Siam for three points.

1913 Siamese Builds
2 production center, 45 food production, 10 resources+2 colonial
Tech Level 4
24 million population
Normal Spending for 8 production+4.2 food+11 resources+2 shipping=25.2 points
+3 from Norway, +15 from USA=43.2 points

Military Upkeep
Regulars:
2 infantry corps-1.5
2 garrisons-.5
1 coast defense garrison-.5
1 supply unit-.5
2 light infantry divisions-.2
3 militia corps-.3
2 light infantry brigades-.2
Reserves
3 reserve infantry corps-.75
Navy:
1 PT flotilla-.1
1 destroyer flotilla-.25
3 CL-.3
Social Spending: 24 million at level II=4.8 points
Total Nondiscretionary Spending=9.9 (33.3 remaining)

To build:
5 shipping units-15
Upgrade 3 militia corps to 3 infantry corps-9
Upgrade 3 reserve corps to 3 infantry corps-6
Upgrade 2 light infantry brigades to divisions-2
Madagascar Infrastructure and Level I spending-.3

Growth: 1 production center (Saigon)

State of the Siamese Union, 1913

Foreign Relations: Having just made peace with France and effectively left the Great War, Siam feels no strong bonds with the outside world. Still a good friend of Japan, relations with Britain are cordial but not comfortable, as the British put pressure on Siam to leave the Indian Ocean for what the Siamese feel is no good reason. Relations with the Republic of China are almost non-existant, but some Vietnamese look upon the northern giant with fear, remembering China's imperialistic view towards Vietnam. The United States is seen as a large, meddling power that needs to be taken down a notch or two, but a potential friend nevertheless. Needless to say, Siamese-French relations are still shaky.

Domestic Politics: The Dual Empire of Siam, comprising Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Siam is basically just happy to be at peace. The Vietnamese and Siamese kings, however, work at the discretion of a powerful military that essentially runs the show. Some Vietnamese, additionally, have begun to talk of independence. Additionally, a small group of Siamese Nationalists believe that Siam should never have expanded beyond its 1911 borders.

Economy: The economy, having taken a hit from wartime production in 1912, is growing quickly, though not as fast as it did in the years before the war. Particularly affected is Vietnam (OOC: New production center in Saigon). Growth is slowest to come to the mountainous Laos, which is still quite poor. However, hope remains that it will eventually be industrialized with the rest of Siam.

OOC: hey, what about the US under that foreign relations report? :rolleyes:

Edited.

1914 Siamese Builds
3 production center, 45 food production, 9 resources
Tech Level 4
24 million population
Cut Spending for 6 production+9 resources+7 shipping+4.2 food=26 points

Military Upkeep
Regulars:
8 infantry corps-4
2 garrisons-.5
2 coast defense garrison-1
1 supply unit-.5
4 light infantry divisions-.4

Navy:
1 PT flotilla-.1
1 destroyer flotilla-.25
3 CL-.3
Social Spending: 24 million at level II=4.8
Total Nondiscretionary Spending=11.35

To build:
3 shipping units-9
To Britain-8 (5 for Shan State, 3 for 2 CL)

Growth: 1 production center (Bangkok)

1914 Siamese Builds
3 production center, 45 food production, 9 resources
Tech Level 4
24 million population
Cut Spending for 6 production+9 resources+7 shipping+4.2 food=26 points

Military Upkeep
Regulars:
8 infantry corps-4
2 garrisons-.5
2 coast defense garrison-1
1 supply unit-.5
4 light infantry divisions-.4

Navy:
1 PT flotilla-.1
1 destroyer flotilla-.25
3 CL-.3
Social Spending: 24 million at level II=4.8
Total Nondiscretionary Spending=11.35

To build:
3 shipping units-9
To Britain-8 (5 for Shan State, 3 for 2 CL)

Growth: 1 production center (Bangkok)

Siam is quietly informed Japan can prduce Siamese Light Cruisers for normal cost (3 points for 2 CL's when you only need 2 points for two?)

OOC: to clarify, Siam is spending 3 points for 2 British light cruisers, instead of 2 points a year for 2 years.

The Siamese government is politely thanked for its requests to begin repairing relations with France, but is also politely informed that the Third Republic is not willing to discuss anything concrete at this time.

A Brief Summary of my Travels in the Nation of Siam and Our Former Colonies in Indochina

Monsieur Delcassé:

Taking leave from our embassy in Bangkok, I toured the areas controlled by Siam, and wish to inform you of the state of the nation.

I began my journey by taking a full tour of Bangkok itself. Far from the quaint town of years ago, much of the city is now dominated by noisy factories that have polluted the air. Using an interpreter, I spoke to many, from both high and low classes. The people all seem to be of the opinion that recent developments here have been for the worse. Many dislike the idea of being ruled by an Emperor of Vietnam.

After finishing with Bangkok I elected to travel east, towards Cambodia. On the way I passed through the Siamese countryside. There the state of affairs was woefully underdeveloped, and the people bemoaned their poverty. Many young Siamese men have gone to the cities, another fact bemoaned by the peasants here. Cambodia itself seems to be mostly untouched except for Phnom Penh itself. There many of the graceful buildings that the French constructed have been torn down in favor of new ones. The Cambodian I spoke with seemed to care little for the government here. The local Cambodian government, ironically, is trusted less than the central government. I also spoke to some of those who recognize how beneficial the French administration was to the region. One former official said, "After the Siamese army came through, I lost my job and my house was taken by their soldiers. I would rather have the French, they were at least fair."

Finally, I ventured into the mountains of Laos for the final part of my journey. The Laotians live under mean and vile conditions. Many of the young men join the military or travel to a large city to seek their fortunes. In Vien-tiane, I toured the city and found it old and decrepit. The industry that has seized the rest of the nation has left Laos behind, and it shows in this city. A group here even openly denounces the Siamese government and calls for a return to French rule! I spoke with Hung Duc, a former bureaucrat and the leader of this organization. He said that he preferred the French over the Siamese, and in hushed tones told me that most of his countrymen felt the same. At this point my funds ran short and I returned to Bangkok.

In conclusion, I feel that if the French Government launched an effort to retake Indochina and Siam with it, the people would welcome us as liberators. Such an expedition should be seriously considered.

Prosper Germain Garnier, Aid to the French Ambassador to Siam

1918 Siamese Builds
9 production center (3 Bangkok, 2 Chiang Mai, 1 Phnom Penh, 2 Saigon,
1 Hanoi), 45 food production, 4 resources
Tech Level 4
24 million population
Normal Level Spending for 36 production+4 resources+12 shipping+4.2
food=56.2 points

Military Upkeep
Regulars:
8 infantry corps-6
2 garrisons-.5
2 coast defense garrison-1
1 supply unit-.5
13 light infantry divisions-1.3

Reserves:
3 militia corps-.3

Navy:
1 PT flotilla-.1
1 destroyer flotilla-.25
6 CL-.6
Total Military: 10.15
Social Spending: 24 million at level II=4.8
Total Nondiscretionary Spending=15.35

To build:
Energy-1
1 Heavy Cruiser-2 (year 2/2)
To Britain-18 (For 2 BC, 1 heavy cruiser)
To France-20 (20/90 repaid)
.85-misc

Growth: 1 production center (Hanoi)

1919 Siam Budget
10 production center (4 Bangkok, 2 Chiang Mai, 1 Phnom Penh, 3 Saigon,
1 Hanoi), 45 food production, 2 resources
Tech Level 4
24 million population
Normal Level Spending for 44 production+2 resources+12 shipping+4.2
food=62.2 points

Military Upkeep
Regulars:
8 infantry corps-6
2 garrisons-.5
2 coast defense garrison-1
1 supply unit-.5
13 light infantry divisions-1.3

Reserves:
3 militia corps-.3

Navy:
1 PT flotilla-.1
1 destroyer flotilla-.25
6 CL-.6
2 Heavy Cruisers-.2
2 BC-.5
Total Military: 10.85
Social Spending: 24 million at level II=4.8
Total Nondiscretionary Spending=15.65

To build:
Energy-1
Land Reforms-6 (for all of the Dual Empire)
To France-30 (50/90 paid)
3 Reserve Militia-6
4 SDN-4 (1/18 completed on each)

Growth: 1 production center (Hue)

Events in Siam: 1919-1925

Background: In name, the Dual Empire of Siam is absolutely ruled by the Two Emperors: Vajiravudh (Rama VI) of Siam and Duy Tan of Vietnam. However, the military has a de facto hold on the government. While the military has a large number of both ethnic Siamese and Vietnamese, Siamese hold most of the top jobs.

1919: Emperor Duy Tan demands increased representation for ethnic Vietnamese in the top levels of government. Top generals in the military decide that something must be done: if they expose the Emperor as powerless, then the people of Vietnam might react poorly. However, they are not willing to let the Vietnamese into their ranks. Accordingly, using an ethnically Siamese unit, they place Duy Tan into protective custody, citing attempts on his life. However, Vajiravudh was not consulted in this move. Because it revealed just how illusory the Emperor's powers really were, it scares him into action.

1920: A top-level military conference is called in the remote Siamese city of Nakhon Phanom by order of Emperor Rama VI. Unfortunately for the military leaders, this only proved to be the ideal place to launch a coup against them. On January 23, most of the top military leaders are surrounded by loyal (to the king) military forces and arrested, to be held indefinitely for "crimes against the Emperor." Almost 100 are subsequently executed in the "February Massacre." Duy Tan is promptly released. At this point, a tenouos balance exists between the two Emperors. While they get along reasonably well personally, pressure is growing for an independent Vietnam.

(While I refer to this event as a coup, because the de facto power changed hands, the government technically a stable absolute monarchy)

1921: Strikes break out in Vietnam, demanding independence. Rama VI, in accordance with his Siamese Nationalist views, decides to grant Vietnam its independence. However, the remaining hardline members of the military disagree. Upon the announcement of immanent Vietnamese Independence, a muddle fighting breaks out between ethnically Siamese and Vietnamese contingents in the military. Additionally, the few nationalistic Laotians and Cambodians declare independence. The navy, meanwhile, sails from Saigon to Bangkok and declares its allegiance to Rama VI.

Once the dust has cleared, the Dual Empire is shattered. Duy Tan reigns as Emperor of Vietnam, and Rama VI has secured Siam, Laos, and Cambodia. 50,000 are dead, and many more injured. Both sides blame the other for the confused fighting, and many Vietnamese are resentful of the Siamese hold over Cambodia and Laos. The stage is set for conflict between the once-united states.

Siam and Vietnam are now NPC nations

more details on aftereffects once Jolt is working better

How does the army break down, for Siam or Vietnma, as well as the economy?

How does the army break down, for Siam or Vietnma, as well as the economy?

bump, need the economic/military breakdown for their builds

bump, need the economic/military breakdown for their builds

ooc
will get to them today