At the turn of the 20th century; Thailand; or Siam as it was then known; was going through a period of major modernisation under successive kings; King Mongkut; Rama IV (r. 1851鈥?8) and King Chulalongkorn; Rama V (r. 1868鈥?910). Punishments for crimes were often severe and the death penalty was frequently employed; although leniency through Buddhist ethics was often used to resolve minor felonies.