Page 254 - A History of Siam

A HISTORT OF SIAM
238
studious man, very religious by nature, and greatly
beloved by the people. He was therefore appointed
Uparat.
In May 1758 King Boromokot died, aged seventy-
seven, after a reign of twenty-six years. He was one of
the best of the Kings of Ayut'ia. He was a lover of
and his to avoid
peace, managed, throughout long reign,
becoming involved in any serious war. His people
were prosperous, happy and contented, and there were
few thieves and malefactors in Siam in his time,
very
It was said that it was even unnecessary for a man to
have a fence round his house. Although King Boro-
mokot was when of
capable, offended, showing great
he was nature kind and
severity, by merciful, good-
tempered, and fond of harmless jollity. Each year,
during the threshing season, he was wont to proceed,
with all his Court, to live in the padi fields, and to
relax himself rustic dances and and
by enjoying songs,
viewing pony races and all kinds of country sports.
King Boromokot was responsible for a great deal of
legislation during his reign, but few of his laws are of
much interest He was severe on and
to-day. elephant
cattle thieves, and enacted that such offenders should be
them on the hand and forehead
punished by tattooing
for the first offence, and by mutilation for subsequent
offences. 'Cattle theft is in Siam at the
very prevalent
time. the reintroduction of
present Perhaps King
Boromokot's law might do some good.
Prince Ut'ump'on succeeded to the throne on the
death of his father. He is known in Siamese
usually
history by the nickname of King Dok Madtta (Figflower).
His first act was to order the execution of three of his

1 In the book called The Statement of K'un Luang Ha Wat, supposed to have
been dictated by this King himself, he is always called by the name Ut'ump'on.