Dusit Thani was a miniature democratic kingdom built by King Vajiravudh of Siam (the historical name for the country of Thailand) inside his palace grounds. Courtiers purchased tiny plots, elected representatives, joined rival political parties and read two competing newspapers. The king participated as an ordinary citizen under the name “Mr. Rama.” Siam remained an absolute monarchy; democracy was permitted at one-fifteenth scale.
Dusit Thani
