Modernization Issues in Siam Modernization in Thailand required allegiance to Western ways of government, religion, and education. These were contrary to the traditional beliefs of Buddhism which represented harmonious coexistence. Those who opposed the Western view of how the country should be run as Pridi were not appreciated. Most leaders in the modern system used their power to glorify themselves at the expense of other citizens. There have always been attempts in political, military and economic circles to undermine the Constitution. After the fall of Pridi there was a deviation in the concept of peace, democracy and justice. He fought for democracy that guaranteed equality, freedom and independence for all (Sivaraksa 103-104). Democracy lost its meaning starting from the reign of King Rama V. Thais were forced to dress like Westerners. They were forced to decorate their homes in Western ways, their eating habits were forcibly altered, and their names were changed. They had to worship the flag every morning and dictatorship was considered the correct way to rule (Sivaraksa 99). There was a change in the type of art that seemed to abolish Thai traditions. These changes were contrary to Thai tradition and contradicted by Western teachings and cultures. Modernity seemed to eradicate the traditional Thai lifestyle and replace it with the Western lifestyle. People were forced to dress differently, the tradition of music while working and harvesting shrank and disappeared. To the people, tradition seemed to ruin their moral conduct which encouraged natural existence in harmony (Sivaraksa 109). "Civilization", according to Westerners, once lived in cities; Thais live… middle of paper…claim their place in society if leaders do what is right and show it to the world (Sivaraksa 121). In the documentary Buddha's Lost Children, Kruh Bah adopts orphans and cares for them in a region where drug addiction poses a serious threat. It helps them to be self-sufficient by teaching them to groom themselves and also take care of the horses. He also makes sure that all children have a task to do every day. She nurtures children in such a way that as they grow they learn to care for each other (Verkerk). This approach of self-reliance depicted in The Lost Children of Buddha, is emphasized in Sivaraksa's work when he states that it is demonstrated in skills. Works Cited The Lost Sons of Buddha. Dir. Marco Verkerk. 2006. Sivaraksa, Sulak. Conflict, culture, change: Buddhism engaged in a globalizing world. Boston: Wisdom Publications, 2005.