Kindhearted Cambridgeshire woman finds grave of poppy seller's brother - in Thailand

[Baerboxer]

10 minutes ago, DILLIGAD said:

I believe it's a mixture of the elements that you suggest, but in addition to that, there is something else.

After having a very interesting chat with a Uni History lecturer, we (politely) established that no negative elements about history are ever discussed/taught. This is a serious failing in the system as how can our(their) future generations learn from past mistakes/failures?

 

 

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You make a very good point. Negative elements and conflict are avoided. I've attended PhD lectures where attendees were asked to prepare questions, apply critical thinking and give the presenters a tough time. The non Thais did just that. That Thais never questioned or challenged. It wasn't lake of intelligence or ability, but the wish to avoid anything that might be considered negative or in conflict. 

 

I think that attitude pervades everything.

[bannork]

It was only recently in the UK  that the subject history took on academic tones devoid of nationalism.

Growing up in the sixties, all the comic books were full of  Captain Hurricane  and Batman Malone killing all the evil Huns, single handledly,

'Actung! Der Englander, he is so strong!'  rang out as scores of snarling, mean looking Germans were cut down by the heroism of the simple Cap'n Mallone. Meanwhile all the helpless but evil slit-eyed Japanese could shout was ' Banzai!' as they fell below the might of British soldiers. We were a superior race was the message, and indeed we were in those years .

But history books at school explained that the British Empire was an entirely benevolent force since Queen Elizabeth 1st, purely aimed at liberating the savages of Africa, Asia and Australia from poverty and witchcraft.

That was what we were taught. we were superior.

And so it is in Thailand, the school kids are taught about wars with their neighbouring countries in the past, wars and conflicts that formed their nation, as we were taught  in the UK-. Battle of Hastings, Agincourt, Spanish Armada etc.Some truth mixed in with nation building.

Now through academia, science and free discussion, many of the recently held beliefs about Western history are discussed and debated in the West. History is being rewritten.

 Hopefully one day that will happen in Thailand too, but not right now for sure. In the meantime  don't blame the populace for their lack of knowledge- it's not freely available.

 

 

 

 

[Baerboxer]

6 minutes ago, Prbkk said:

Older Thais have an acute awareness of the period of WW2 and its aftermath, probably not as good as those in other countries in the region as they had more direct involvement....but infinitely better than the under 40s who are, by and large, clueless about anything to do with events in C20th. Yes, they can tell you about the latest celebrity stuff and a bit of football. Other than that, no. Perhaps its worldwide.

 

Good point. I doubt many younger Europeans would really know a lot of details about the two World Wars. WW1 has been on school agendas since 2014 and will be through to 2018, so the current crop of school children are being informed. I doubt you would find the same levels of knowledge in the 20-40 year olds.

 

So yep, I think it's world wide.

[Baerboxer]

14 minutes ago, robblok said:

True the Japs ruled with an iron fist.. but have you ever seen the movies about the occupation  here.. its depicted differently (or at least what i have seen).

 

Yes Thailand is real inward looking.. that is for sure.

 

 

To be fair, it's like Hollywood totally distorting history and making it look as though the Americans did everything in both world wars. Only the Thais, quite rightly, concentrate on the romance side!

[robblok]

3 minutes ago, Baerboxer said:

 

To be fair, it's like Hollywood totally distorting history and making it look as though the Americans did everything in both world wars. Only the Thais, quite rightly, concentrate on the romance side!

Oh.. I always thought it was the Americans who won both wars.. don't tell me its not true. (don't tell the Americans either) 

 

Russians had a lot to do with it too, though the Americans tipped the balance. Not sure if the UK would have been strong enough without the American support and goods though. 

 

Anyway far too OT.

[Artisi]

12 hours ago, sanukjim said:

The reason that there were no escapees from any of the camps is that the Thais would turn them for a reward.

That is utter bullshit. 

[Artisi]

13 hours ago, robblok said:

How many of the regional wars (not started by western powers) in this area do you know about ? I have absolutely no idea of Thai history and the fights with their neighbors. Why because its not important for us to learn.. same goes for WW1 WW2 for them.. it largely did not affect them. (sure the japs came here and the Thais switched side at the end of the war but its not a big thing like ww1 and ww2 for us)

Not all Thais switched sides, there was a very active campaign being waged by many Thais against the Japanese throughout their occupation of Thailand. 

[champers]

Many more Thais were killed by the Japanese than Allied POWs during the construction of the Burma railway. Thais were treated as inferior beings and used as slave labour. 

The Commonwealth graves at River Kwai are carefully tended by Thais and are a moving tribute and reminder of those who perished.

My understanding is, that in areas where the railway line was built, there is a knowledge of the events of that time, but rather passed on from elder relatives rather through formal education.

I think there is an awkwardness amongst Thais about how the Japanese were invited into Thailand in WW2, but the alternative could have been more costly and bloody.

[DILLIGAD]

Soldiers had a 'number' to identify them but civilian 'slave' laborers were not so easily documented so nobody is sure of the (maybe vast) numbers who perished.

 

 

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