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Addresses by Teddy Spha Palasthira |
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'Addresses' by Teddy Spha Palasthira is a biography of the early years of the author, when he lived in Europe during and after the second world war.
We have to assume the author relied on research and family accounts, since he was clearly too young to remember some of the events he writes about. A son of a Thai diplomate at the Thai legation in London, his early years are spent in and around the city. The family moves around the capital in an astonishing way, not clear how to could achieve the feat of moving every few weeks or months.
The war time events in London take center stage and are a good reminder to all of us, that staying in a city at time of war, is not an ideal situation. Far safer to be in the countryside, cultivate your own vegetables and potatoes, and raise some chickens, it will helped you to survive, provided there is not total breakdown of law and order.
Life was dangerous during the second world war in London, with persistent and longlasting bombardments of the city by the German Luftwaffe. Thai politics were confusing as they are at present. When the Thai Government declared war to the allies, of course, the Thai diplomats were at least initially regarded as enemies. Later on, it appears they were considered as 'neutrals', especially as some Thai residents in Britain, volunteered to participate in the war effort.
The author, very young at the time, had to move about together with his father and mother. Of course, this had effects on his education. While being quite bright, having to change schools every so often, was not the best start in life. It is striking that with few exception, Teddy Spha Palasthira does not talk much about friends his age, it was probably not quite possible to develop friendships amidst the chaos of war and being on the move.
Besides the story of his own life, the author elaborates on the war events in general, and on the events that occurred during the war in Thailand. He spends a few pages talking about the Free Thailand Movement (Seri Thai) and the Japanese invasion of Thailand. We would have much preferred if the author had talked a little bit more about the second world war as it happened in Thailand.
Both Pridi Banomyong and Phibun Songkhram (see below) are well known figures of that time in Thai history. One could say one represent the left, the other the right wing in Thai politics. However, very little is said about them at present. Maybe because both are controversial figures, or Thais are embarrassed by the events that occurred during and after the second world war.
From reading this book, one gets the impression that the United States never accepted the declaration of war by Thailand, while the British actually did acknowledge it. It is interesting that at the end of the war, the United Kingdom demanded huge retributions from Thailand. But intervention of the United States, the dominant world power after the war, saved the day.
The author also offers opinions on present day world politics, and former president Bush (the son) does not seem to be one of his favorites.
'Addresses' is well illustrated. Of course, there are the different homes and residences where the author's family lived. But there are also many contemporary pictures of London, Paris and Thailand.
'Addresses' by Teddy Spha Palasthira is a very interesting non-fiction book. For me it was a nice break in between Thai crime novels. Personally, we would have liked a more voluminous book. But then again, the author was writing an autobiography. He illustrates some historical events, but apparently had no intentions of writing a comprehensive history of Thailand around and during the Second World War.
Add-On : Contemporary Thai Politicians
Pridi Banomyong (1900-1983)
As a leader in the People's Party, Pridi Banomyong participated in a coup that ended the absolute monarchy in Thailand.
Went to exile abroad in 1933, when he faced opposition to his radical economic plans (described as socialist and even communist).
Returned to Thailand, and founded Thammasat University. Become minister of Foreign Affairs and later Minister of Finance.
Refused to sign the declaration of war against Britain and the United States in Januari 1942 (as declared by Field Marshall Pibun Songkram). Built up the Free Thai Movement network (anti-Japanese) during the war. Functioned also as Regent for the young king Ananda Mahidol.
Became Prime Minister for a short time in 1946. Later in 1947, when Phibun Songkram was back in power, Pridi Banomyong had to flee the country. He tried to stage a coup in 1949, which failed, and after which he went into exile, till the end of his life.
Phibun Songkhram (1897-1964)
Prime Minister of Thailand from 1938 to 1944 and from 1948 to 1957. Instrumental in bringing modernization to Thailand, with a right wing agenda by some called fascist. Started a leadership cult from 1938. Issued a lot of Cultural Mandates to which Thai people needed to comply (like dress codes and Thai language). Changed the name of the country from Siam to Thailand.
Signed a military alliance with Japan in December 1941, and declared war on the allied powers in Januari 1942. Was put on trial after the war, but was acquitted.
Back in power in 1948, though this time Phibun Songkhram showed himself a bit more democratic. After a coup forced from office and into exile in Japan in 1957.
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