Siam's princes and other conservatives had successfully resisted the reform agenda of the young Rama V, but as the older generation was replaced by younger and western-educated princes, resistance had faded.

The king can always argue that the only alternative is foreign rule.

He has found powerful allies in his brothers Prince Chakkraphat, whom he has made finance minister, Prince Damrong, who has organized interior government and education, and his brother-in-law Prince Devrawongse, who will serve as foreign minister for thirty-eight ears.

Devrawongse visits Europe in 1887, to study government systems.

On his recommendation, the king establishes a Cabinet government, an audit office, and an education department.

The semiautonomous status of Chiang Mai is ended and the army is reorganized and modernized.