Thailand - "land Of The Free"

[aaaaaa]

found this info on net. some facts might be more know tha other by most. but I thout it would be interesting to know some things about Thailand.

perhaps others may add more interesting facts....

Selected Facts About Thailand

Thailand literally translated means "land of the free".

The country has a population of approximately 63 million people (2001 figure).

The relative area of the country is 514,000 square kilometers – about the size of Texas or France.

There are 76 provinces and four main regions – North, Northeast, Central and South.

Sukhothai was the first historical capital (1238-1378), followed by Ayutthaya (1350-1767), Thonburi (1767-1782) and finally Bangkok (1782-present)....

Thailand generally divides the year into three main seasons – hot [humid], mild [dry] and cool [rainy] (March through May is the hottest time, rain starts in June and continues through September or October).

Songkran, the Water Festival held in mid April, is the most popular holiday in Thailand. It is also the traditional Thai New Year.

The six largest hill tribe groups in Thailand are Karen, Hmong, Lahu, Mien, Akha and Lisu....

Bangkok was once called "the Venice of the East" because of the canals, which have now been mostly filled to construct roads.

More than 90% of Thai citizens are Hinayana (Theravada) Buddhists.

There are five basic Buddhist precepts which practitioners are required to follow: Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not commit adultery, Do not lie, Refrain from intoxicants.

To determine the Buddhist Era year add 543 to the Christian year (for example, Year 2002 is 2545 on Thai Buddhist calendar)....

Thai people consider it extremely rude to have their heads touched in any way....

The Thai method of greeting and leave-taking is the ‘wai’— you place your palms together, raise them to the level of your face and bend slightly at the waist.

The Thai alphabet was invented by King Ramkamhaeng in 1283.

In most cases , despite incorrect grammar, you can be understood speaking Thai merely by using the correct tones. Most Thais prefer proper tone over proper grammar.

Thai is a tonal language belonging to the group of Ka-Tai languages. It has five tones: mid, low, falling, high, and rising.

When speaking Thai people determine which pronoun to use with others by establishing their social status using clues like age, education, occupation, superficial appearance and wealth.

"Mai pen rai" is a convenient phrase to use with a smile. It means "you're welcome", "that's alright" or "it doesn't matter".

Thai people are fond of gold chains and necklaces and will often wear them as a display of their personal wealth.

Thai people address one another by their first names even in formal circumstances.

Most Thai people have nicknames that have little or nothing to do with their given names...

Almost every Thai person knows on what day of the week he was born as this information is important for fortune telling purposes.

The most popular Thai soup dish is Tom Yam Goong.

The most popular Thai salad dish is Som Tam (spicy papaya salad). []

Nepotism is a common practice in Thailand.....

Public education is mandatory through grade 6...

Virtuous children are often expected to send money home to their parents and relatives.

[gburns57au]

found this info on net. some facts might be more know tha other by most. but I thout it would be interesting to know some things about Thailand.

perhaps others may add more interesting facts....

Selected Facts About Thailand

Thailand literally translated means "land of the free".

The country has a population of approximately 63 million people (2001 figure).

The relative area of the country is 514,000 square kilometers – about the size of Texas or France.

There are 76 provinces and four main regions – North, Northeast, Central and South.

Sukhothai was the first historical capital (1238-1378), followed by Ayutthaya (1350-1767), Thonburi (1767-1782) and finally Bangkok (1782-present)....

Thailand generally divides the year into three main seasons – hot [humid], mild [dry] and cool [rainy] (March through May is the hottest time, rain starts in June and continues through September or October).

Songkran, the Water Festival held in mid April, is the most popular holiday in Thailand. It is also the traditional Thai New Year.

The six largest hill tribe groups in Thailand are Karen, Hmong, Lahu, Mien, Akha and Lisu....

Bangkok was once called "the Venice of the East" because of the canals, which have now been mostly filled to construct roads.

More than 90% of Thai citizens are Hinayana (Theravada) Buddhists.

There are five basic Buddhist precepts which practitioners are required to follow: Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not commit adultery, Do not lie, Refrain from intoxicants.

To determine the Buddhist Era year add 543 to the Christian year (for example, Year 2002 is 2545 on Thai Buddhist calendar)....

Thai people consider it extremely rude to have their heads touched in any way....

The Thai method of greeting and leave-taking is the ‘wai’— you place your palms together, raise them to the level of your face and bend slightly at the waist.

The Thai alphabet was invented by King Ramkamhaeng in 1283.

In most cases , despite incorrect grammar, you can be understood speaking Thai merely by using the correct tones. Most Thais prefer proper tone over proper grammar.

Thai is a tonal language belonging to the group of Ka-Tai languages. It has five tones: mid, low, falling, high, and rising.

When speaking Thai people determine which pronoun to use with others by establishing their social status using clues like age, education, occupation, superficial appearance and wealth.

"Mai pen rai" is a convenient phrase to use with a smile. It means "you're welcome", "that's alright" or "it doesn't matter".

Thai people are fond of gold chains and necklaces and will often wear them as a display of their personal wealth.

Thai people address one another by their first names even in formal circumstances.

Most Thai people have nicknames that have little or nothing to do with their given names...

Almost every Thai person knows on what day of the week he was born as this information is important for fortune telling purposes.

The most popular Thai soup dish is Tom Yam Goong.

The most popular Thai salad dish is Som Tam (spicy papaya salad). []

Nepotism is a common practice in Thailand.....

Public education is mandatory through grade 6...

Virtuous children are often expected to send money home to their parents and relatives.

It comes from the fact that Thailand has never been controlled by a foreign power. Even during the World Wars.

Edited March 6, 2005 by gburns57au

[Erwin1011]

It comes from the fact that Thailand has never been controlled by a foreign power. Even during the World Wars.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

During WWII, Thailand was not "Occupied", but controlled by a Japanese military governer. The agreement was that Japan had freedom of movement of troops and equipment, but would not interfere with the civil governance.

[Sir Burr]

Splitting hairs. They were occupied. What else would you call it if a foreign power "occupies" your country without an invitation? The wording was just to save Thai "face". Thailand put up a resistance to the Japanese occupation that can be counted in days. Only when it became clear that the Axis powers and in particular the Japanese would not win the war did Thailand approach the Allies for support.

[gburns57au]

Splitting hairs. They were occupied. What else would you call it if a foreign power "occupies" your country without an invitation? The wording was just to save Thai "face". Thailand put up a resistance to the Japanese occupation that can be counted in days. Only when it became clear that the Axis powers and in particular the Japanese would not win the war did Thailand approach the Allies for support.

I hope you find this interesting....

In 1940 Thailand attacked Indo China which was then cut off from France due to the war...In a Japanese sponsered deal, Thailand acquired areas of Laos and Northern Kampuchea. Thereby basically aligning themselves with the Japanese prior to any japanese forces actually stepping foot in Thailand.

Thailand actually declared war on the UK and US in January 1942 and became Japans ally...this was after Japan landed troops on peninsular Thailand in order to attack Malaya on December 8 1941....for this and to reinforce friendship they were given 2 shan states that had been lost to British Burma and also 4 southern states that had been ceded to Malaya previously. Quite right tho that under Seni Pramoj and his Free Thai movement with help from the US made contact with Pridi Phanomyang, then regent to King Ananda set up an anti Jap resistance ...by 1944 with the Imminent Japanese loss....Phibun Songkhraem who was prime minister since 1938 was overthrown and replaced by Khuang Aphaiwong. In September 1945 Seni Pramoj was installed as Prime Minister and the shift to a pro allied stance was complete. Japan was allowed movemnet of troops under an agreement with the Govermnet of Phibun but only with certain restrictions.

Source..."The Far East And Australiasia 1984-1985" by Europa Publications.

Edited March 6, 2005 by gburns57au

[Sir Burr]

Splitting hairs. They were occupied. What else would you call it if a foreign power "occupies" your country without an invitation? The wording was just to save Thai "face". Thailand put up a resistance to the Japanese occupation that can be counted in days. Only when it became clear that the Axis powers and in particular the Japanese would not win the war did Thailand approach the Allies for support.

I hope you find this interesting....

In 1940 Thailand attacked Indo China which was then cut off from France due to the war...In a Japanese sponsered deal, Thailand acquired areas of Laos and Northern Kampuchea. Thereby basically aligning themselves with the Japanese prior to any japanese forces actually stepping foot in Thailand.

Thailand actually declared war on the UK and US in January 1942 and became Japans ally...this was after Japan landed troops on peninsular Thailand in order to attack Malaya on December 8 1941....for this and to reinforce friendship they were given 2 shan states that had been lost to British Burma and also 4 southern states that had been ceded to Malaya previously. Quite right tho that under Seni Pramoj and his Free Thai movement with help from the US made contact with Pridi Phanomyang, then regent to King Ananda set up an anti Jap resistance ...by 1944 with the Imminent Japanese loss....Phibun Songkhraem who was prime minister since 1938 was overthrown and replaced by Khuang Aphaiwong. In September 1945 Seni Pramoj was installed as Prime Minister and the shift to a pro allied stance was complete. Japan was allowed movemnet of troops under an agreement with the Govermnet of Phibun but only with certain restrictions.

Source..."The Far East And Australiasia 1984-1985" by Europa Publications.

Excellent post gburns57 - With regard to Thailand declaring war on the Allies, I believe that the Japanese resorted to some "arm-twisting".

What is your view? Was Thailand (in reality) occupied during WWII?

[gburns57au]

Splitting hairs. They were occupied. What else would you call it if a foreign power "occupies" your country without an invitation? The wording was just to save Thai "face". Thailand put up a resistance to the Japanese occupation that can be counted in days. Only when it became clear that the Axis powers and in particular the Japanese would not win the war did Thailand approach the Allies for support.

I hope you find this interesting....

In 1940 Thailand attacked Indo China which was then cut off from France due to the war...In a Japanese sponsered deal, Thailand acquired areas of Laos and Northern Kampuchea. Thereby basically aligning themselves with the Japanese prior to any japanese forces actually stepping foot in Thailand.

Thailand actually declared war on the UK and US in January 1942 and became Japans ally...this was after Japan landed troops on peninsular Thailand in order to attack Malaya on December 8 1941....for this and to reinforce friendship they were given 2 shan states that had been lost to British Burma and also 4 southern states that had been ceded to Malaya previously. Quite right tho that under Seni Pramoj and his Free Thai movement with help from the US made contact with Pridi Phanomyang, then regent to King Ananda set up an anti Jap resistance ...by 1944 with the Imminent Japanese loss....Phibun Songkhraem who was prime minister since 1938 was overthrown and replaced by Khuang Aphaiwong. In September 1945 Seni Pramoj was installed as Prime Minister and the shift to a pro allied stance was complete. Japan was allowed movemnet of troops under an agreement with the Govermnet of Phibun but only with certain restrictions.

Source..."The Far East And Australiasia 1984-1985" by Europa Publications.

Excellent post gburns57 - With regard to Thailand declaring war on the Allies, I believe that the Japanese resorted to some "arm-twisting".

What is your view? Was Thailand (in reality) occupied during WWII?

Thank you Sir......I think it is obvious that in order to get to Malaya and on to Singapore that Japan needed to use Thailand. The sponsering of the deal in 1940 would certainly have been seen by the Japanese as a favour owed....letrs face it....the Japs could have steamrolled Thailand in a matter of days and destroyed everything, by cutting a deal Thailand preserved many of its historical treasures.

In reality, no the Japanese never occupied Thailand.....but the japanese most certainly were pulling Phibun strings.

[Sir Burr]

Hmmmm........ Maybe it wasn't technically an occupation, but the result was the same. The Japanese were not invited and were unwelcome. As Thailand at that time was the only SE Asian country that was not part of a European empire and the Japanese propaganda was justifying their invasions of Burma, Malaya and Indonesia by saying they were "liberating" these countries from the imperial yoke, they had to find another way to justify their presence in Thailand.

Also, if Japan was not an occupying power, how do you explain Thais that were used as slave labour on the Thai-Burma rail-road. I don't think that they were all convicts.

[Sir Burr]

This was copied from the Thai prime ministers public relations web-site.

It seems they are also confused as to whether they were occupied, or not.

Thailand, or Siam, found itself in a unique position during the Second World War, in particular the war in the Pacific, with Japan as the key player. John B.Haseman wrote in his monograph on “The Thai Resistance Movement During the Second World War” as a conclusion to the second chapter “Political and Military Development Leading to World War II” that:

“Thailand entered World War II amid tremendous military and political pressures applied by Japan. The country’s strategic location in Southeast Asia was vital to the Japanese war effort in Malaya, Burma, and India. By exploiting Thailand’s nationalism and strong feelings of sovereignty Japan gained an important beach-head from which to launch military operations without having to occupy Thailand. At the same time Japan maneuvered Thailand into overt partnership. Thailand’s “voluntary” alliance with Japan served as an effective means to demonstrate solidarity in Asia and lent credence to Japan’s claims of a voluntary growth of its Greater East Asia Co-prosperity Sphere.

“Thailand’s internal political situation lent itself to formation of a resistance movement. The country’s political elite was split into a military faction led by Phibul and a smaller civilian elite headed by Pridi. The long history of conflict between the two men and their supporters made it perhaps inevitable that Pridi would form a resistance organization against Phibul and the Japanese occupation forces. He had the advantage of personal power, a small group of loyal followers, and many years of experience in opposition to the Phibul government. The Japanese demand for a declaration of war by Thailand against the western democracies provided a natural focus of outrage around which the Thai people could rally regardless of their internal political sympathies.

Edited March 6, 2005 by Sir Burr

[Mr Red]

Seems I have read before that areas of Bangkok were bombed by the Japanese. Perhaps that was the resistance movement discussed above.

My wife's older siblings tell stories of live during WWII in Bangkok. At the time they lived in the King Pet (sp?) area and a Japanese garrison was close by. They recall the commanding officer (Major I think) liked to visit their family to be around the children as he missed his own family. Got them extra rice rations I was told.

Basically peaceful during that time under whatever government arrangements that existed.

[gburns57au]

This was copied from the Thai prime ministers public relations web-site.

It seems they are also confused as to whether they were occupied, or not.

Thailand, or Siam, found itself in a unique position during the Second World War, in particular the war in the Pacific, with Japan as the key player. John B.Haseman wrote in his monograph on “The Thai Resistance Movement During the Second World War” as a conclusion to the second chapter “Political and Military Development Leading to World War II” that:

“Thailand entered World War II amid tremendous military and political pressures applied by Japan. The country’s strategic location in Southeast Asia was vital to the Japanese war effort in Malaya, Burma, and India. By exploiting Thailand’s nationalism and strong feelings of sovereignty Japan gained an important beach-head from which to launch military operations without having to occupy Thailand. At the same time Japan maneuvered Thailand into overt partnership. Thailand’s “voluntary” alliance with Japan served as an effective means to demonstrate solidarity in Asia and lent credence to Japan’s claims of a voluntary growth of its Greater East Asia Co-prosperity Sphere.

“Thailand’s internal political situation lent itself to formation of a resistance movement. The country’s political elite was split into a military faction led by Phibul and a smaller civilian elite headed by Pridi. The long history of conflict between the two men and their supporters made it perhaps inevitable that Pridi would form a resistance organization against Phibul and the Japanese occupation forces. He had the advantage of personal power, a small group of loyal followers, and many years of experience in opposition to the Phibul government. The Japanese demand for a declaration of war by Thailand against the western democracies provided a natural focus of outrage around which the Thai people could rally regardless of their internal political sympathies.

Just looking at some sources and not many say much about the asians that were forced to work on the line. one did state that they outnumbered the POW's by 4-1 and that there were 60,000+ POW's. I recall reading that a lot of locals were pressed ganged into it....I might suggest that some were not even Thai or Burmese, but from other asian countries that the Japs had occupied.

I think that the second of your highlighted points in your post, That it is being quoted from Pridi's point of view that the Japs were occupiers in league with Phibun.

[gburns57au]

Seems I have read before that areas of Bangkok were bombed by the Japanese.  Perhaps that was the resistance movement discussed above.

My wife's older siblings tell stories of live during WWII in Bangkok. At the time they lived in the King Pet (sp?) area and a Japanese garrison was close by. They recall the commanding officer (Major I think) liked to visit their family to be around the children as he missed his own family.  Got them extra rice rations I was told.

Basically peaceful during that time under whatever government arrangements that existed.

Quite possibly... I do recall that some areas were bombed by allied forces such as the type of garrison you spoke of.

I too have heard from some older people that life was fairly peaceful during that time. My ex's parents didnt say much about it...only that it was no problem. Mind you they were in the area that was involved in the sponsered land deal that took place....Surprisingly enough they said that they were happy about that.

Edited March 6, 2005 by gburns57au

[johnh101]

Seems I have read before that areas of Bangkok were bombed by the Japanese.  Perhaps that was the resistance movement discussed above.

My wife's older siblings tell stories of live during WWII in Bangkok. At the time they lived in the King Pet (sp?) area and a Japanese garrison was close by. They recall the commanding officer (Major I think) liked to visit their family to be around the children as he missed his own family.  Got them extra rice rations I was told.

Basically peaceful during that time under whatever government arrangements that existed.

The Thai Movie 'Jan Dara' has scenes with the Japanese Bombing Bangkok.

[gburns57au]

Seems I have read before that areas of Bangkok were bombed by the Japanese.  Perhaps that was the resistance movement discussed above.

My wife's older siblings tell stories of live during WWII in Bangkok. At the time they lived in the King Pet (sp?) area and a Japanese garrison was close by. They recall the commanding officer (Major I think) liked to visit their family to be around the children as he missed his own family.  Got them extra rice rations I was told.

Basically peaceful during that time under whatever government arrangements that existed.

The Thai Movie 'Jan Dara' has scenes with the Japanese Bombing Bangkok.

I have seen one where the Japs were being bombed in Thailand also

[Johpa]

It comes from the fact that Thailand has never been controlled by a foreign power. Even during the World Wars.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Pardon me, but it seems to me that Thailand is controlled and dominated by an internal elite that is about 80% non-Thai and 20% old Thai aristocracy, an aristocracy that a bit over a century ago kept the population in a form of slavery or serfdom. The manner in which they govern and exploit the country today seems closer to colonial models than any other model.

[cdnvic]

Pardon me, but it seems to me that Thailand is controlled and dominated by an internal elite that is about 80% non-Thai and 20% old Thai aristocracy, an aristocracy that a bit over a century ago kept the population in a form of slavery or serfdom.  The manner in which they govern and exploit  the country today seems closer to colonial models than any other model.

I'm assuming you are talking about the Thais who are Chinese decendants. If they're born here. they're Thai. Just like in any western country, your citizenship isn't determined by your race.

People may complain about the success of the Chinese communities, but it comes down to the fact that they have a strong work ethic, respect for education, and they look out for each other. They didn't get to the level of success they have in so many countries by having anything handed to them, nor do I ever hear one of them in any country moan about how much money or power any other ethnic group has. I doubt Thailand would be in near as good economic success without them.

cv

[cobra]

found this info on net. some facts might be more know tha other by most. but I thout it would be interesting to know some things about Thailand.

perhaps others may add more interesting facts....

Selected Facts About Thailand

Interesting post Hex A, Thanx,

I understand there also was a Thai Resistance / Sympathizers that helped ferry escaped prisoners out of Kwai, though the number may have not been great.

Edited March 6, 2005 by cobra

[gburns57au]

Pardon me, but it seems to me that Thailand is controlled and dominated by an internal elite that is about 80% non-Thai and 20% old Thai aristocracy, an aristocracy that a bit over a century ago kept the population in a form of slavery or serfdom.  The manner in which they govern and exploit  the country today seems closer to colonial models than any other model.

I'm assuming you are talking about the Thais who are Chinese decendants. If they're born here. they're Thai. Just like in any western country, your citizenship isn't determined by your race.

People may complain about the success of the Chinese communities, but it comes down to the fact that they have a strong work ethic, respect for education, and they look out for each other. They didn't get to the level of success they have in so many countries by having anything handed to them, nor do I ever hear one of them in any country moan about how much money or power any other ethnic group has. I doubt Thailand would be in near as good economic success without them.

cv

The original Thai people came down from China anyway....You must be a Thai National to be in government.

Edited March 7, 2005 by gburns57au

[gburns57au]

found this info on net. some facts might be more know tha other by most. but I thout it would be interesting to know some things about Thailand.

perhaps others may add more interesting facts....

Selected Facts About Thailand

Interesting post Hex A, Thanx,

I understand there also was a Thai Resistance / Sympathizers that helped ferry escaped prisoners out of Kwai, though the number may have not been great.

Yes there were a few that smuggled food to the POW's and assisted in escapes...There was an old couple whos family now run some hotels in Kanchanaburi, I believe he is still alive or has recently passed on.

[Tornado]

Pardon me, but it seems to me that Thailand is controlled and dominated by an internal elite that is about 80% non-Thai and 20% old Thai aristocracy, an aristocracy that a bit over a century ago kept the population in a form of slavery or serfdom.  The manner in which they govern and exploit  the country today seems closer to colonial models than any other model.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I'm assuming you are talking about the Thais who are Chinese decendants. If they're born here. they're Thai. Just like in any western country, your citizenship isn't determined by your race.

People may complain about the success of the Chinese communities, but it comes down to the fact that they have a strong work ethic, respect for education, and they look out for each other. They didn't get to the level of success they have in so many countries by having anything handed to them, nor do I ever hear one of them in any country moan about how much money or power any other ethnic group has. I doubt Thailand would be in near as good economic success without them.

cv

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I totally agree, the Chinese and the Indians make it anywhere they go. They usually start with little and end up owning the street. My hats off to anyone that has a go and they should be respected for doing just that.

[bangkokian]

There are many things interesting about Thailand, where political correctness about race is not quite the in-thing. People of Indian descent are referred to as "Kaek," which translates as guest. Sometimes they are called "kaek dum," which translates as black guest. "Kaek Dum" is also a name applied to the common papaya--"malakor kaek dum."

Farang is Guava. Farang-sed is probably derived from francais, and is the official Thai term for French. "Sed farang" means pieces of guava.

Siam

Edited March 16, 2005 by bangkokian

[Pie Boy]

It comes from the fact that Thailand has never been controlled by a foreign power. Even during the World Wars.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

What about the Burmese - 1767 and the fall of Ayuthaya?

[Nignoy]

Splitting hairs. They were occupied. What else would you call it if a foreign power "occupies" your country without an invitation? The wording was just to save Thai "face". Thailand put up a resistance to the Japanese occupation that can be counted in days. Only when it became clear that the Axis powers and in particular the Japanese would not win the war did Thailand approach the Allies for support.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I hope you find this interesting....

In 1940 Thailand attacked Indo China which was then cut off from France due to the war...In a Japanese sponsered deal, Thailand acquired areas of Laos and Northern Kampuchea. Thereby basically aligning themselves with the Japanese prior to any japanese forces actually stepping foot in Thailand.

Thailand actually declared war on the UK and US in January 1942 and became Japans ally...this was after Japan landed troops on peninsular Thailand in order to attack Malaya on December 8 1941....for this and to reinforce friendship they were given 2 shan states that had been lost to British Burma and also 4 southern states that had been ceded to Malaya previously. Quite right tho that under Seni Pramoj and his Free Thai movement with help from the US made contact with Pridi Phanomyang, then regent to King Ananda set up an anti Jap resistance ...by 1944 with the Imminent Japanese loss....Phibun Songkhraem who was prime minister since 1938 was overthrown and replaced by Khuang Aphaiwong. In September 1945 Seni Pramoj was installed as Prime Minister and the shift to a pro allied stance was complete. Japan was allowed movemnet of troops under an agreement with the Govermnet of Phibun but only with certain restrictions.

Source..."The Far East And Australiasia 1984-1985" by Europa Publications.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Just a point of interest!! I have the great pleasure of having many members of the above named Aphaiwong family as friends ,they are revered members of thai society today, Nignoy

[gburns57au]

Splitting hairs. They were occupied. What else would you call it if a foreign power "occupies" your country without an invitation? The wording was just to save Thai "face". Thailand put up a resistance to the Japanese occupation that can be counted in days. Only when it became clear that the Axis powers and in particular the Japanese would not win the war did Thailand approach the Allies for support.

I hope you find this interesting....

In 1940 Thailand attacked Indo China which was then cut off from France due to the war...In a Japanese sponsered deal, Thailand acquired areas of Laos and Northern Kampuchea. Thereby basically aligning themselves with the Japanese prior to any japanese forces actually stepping foot in Thailand.

Thailand actually declared war on the UK and US in January 1942 and became Japans ally...this was after Japan landed troops on peninsular Thailand in order to attack Malaya on December 8 1941....for this and to reinforce friendship they were given 2 shan states that had been lost to British Burma and also 4 southern states that had been ceded to Malaya previously. Quite right tho that under Seni Pramoj and his Free Thai movement with help from the US made contact with Pridi Phanomyang, then regent to King Ananda set up an anti Jap resistance ...by 1944 with the Imminent Japanese loss....Phibun Songkhraem who was prime minister since 1938 was overthrown and replaced by Khuang Aphaiwong. In September 1945 Seni Pramoj was installed as Prime Minister and the shift to a pro allied stance was complete. Japan was allowed movemnet of troops under an agreement with the Govermnet of Phibun but only with certain restrictions.

Source..."The Far East And Australiasia 1984-1985" by Europa Publications.

Just a point of interest!! I have the great pleasure of having many members of the above named Aphaiwong family as friends ,they are revered members of thai society today, Nignoy

I would expect that to be the case....Aphaiwong was on the same side as Pramoj and Pridi and thereby was loyal to King Ananda.

[gburns57au]

It comes from the fact that Thailand has never been controlled by a foreign power. Even during the World Wars.

What about the Burmese - 1767 and the fall of Ayuthaya?

The Thais lost some land, but they still controlled Thailand even though it was a bit smaller....

[Pie Boy]

It comes from the fact that Thailand has never been controlled by a foreign power. Even during the World Wars.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

What about the Burmese - 1767 and the fall of Ayuthaya?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The Thais lost some land, but they still controlled Thailand even though it was a bit smaller....

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Some land? Didn't the Burmese have control of the Thai capital for a period of 7 months systematically abusing and destroying it's people and capital?

I would count this as occupation and control.

[IMA_FARANG]

Seems I have read before that areas of Bangkok were bombed by the Japanese.  Perhaps that was the resistance movement discussed above.

My wife's older siblings tell stories of live during WWII in Bangkok. At the time they lived in the King Pet (sp?) area and a Japanese garrison was close by. They recall the commanding officer (Major I think) liked to visit their family to be around the children as he missed his own family.  Got them extra rice rations I was told.

Basically peaceful during that time under whatever government arrangements that existed.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The Thai Movie 'Jan Dara' has scenes with the Japanese Bombing Bangkok.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I have seen one where the Japs were being bombed in Thailand also

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I believe if you do a search of the net you can find info on the Allies...mostly American bombers I believe (but I could be wrong)...making a bombing raid on Bangkok. Was very close to the end of the war.

I had a friend who was a merchant marine (master steamfitter) who was in Bangkok off and on, in the 1945 to 1950 time frame. When he first heard I was going to Bangkok, he told me not to mess around with his daughters. He said if I saw any half-Thai half-European girls they were probably his. He may have been over-doing it a bit, but according to him he had quite a number of daughters running around BKK.

[Rinrada]

It comes from the fact that Thailand has never been controlled by a foreign power. Even during the World Wars.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

What about the Burmese - 1767 and the fall of Ayuthaya?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

This one could be reinterpretated more so as never having been controlled by a Western Power.

Seri Thai was name of free Thai resistance movement and had both US and UK undercover agents in country.

Declaration of war against US was never officially presented.(ambass.refused to deliver it )It was however made against the UK.

Was it ever re-cinded.........????

[gburns57au]

It comes from the fact that Thailand has never been controlled by a foreign power. Even during the World Wars.

What about the Burmese - 1767 and the fall of Ayuthaya?

The Thais lost some land, but they still controlled Thailand even though it was a bit smaller....

Some land? Didn't the Burmese have control of the Thai capital for a period of 7 months systematically abusing and destroying it's people and capital?

I would count this as occupation and control.

I quote from my source.

and in 1767 the city was laid to waste....on Ayuthias fall, a new state centre was founded by Taksin at Thonburi near the mouth of the Chao Phraya river, he was overthrown by the house of Chakri in 1782, the capital was moved across the river to Bangkok.

I hope that answers the question.

[Pie Boy]

So the Burmese occupied and thus ruled Thailand right Mr Burns?