Why Was Thailand the ONLY Country in Asia to Align with the Axis? - Allies of the Axis #1

In this video, we delve into Thailand's contribution to the Second World War, which was likely more complicated than you know.
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Editors - Shantanu koli
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Researcher - Daniel
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Chapters
0:00 A lesser-known Axis ally
0:47 Thailand before World War II
4:06 War with the French and Japanese
7:09 Axis-aligned Thailand
11:13 Conclusion

[@unteejo3678]

Thailand basically… - invaded by Japanese - made deal with Japanese - became an ally of Japanese - got lost lands back with Japanese help - treated Thai resistance (Seri-Thai) as rebels - heard that Japan lost - said being forced to become ally - also said that Thai heroes (Seri-Thai the used-to-be rebels) secretly resisted the Axis - paid fine - joined the victory parade as a victor - lost the lands that Japan helped get back and treated it as if this was never happened. - as a fellow victor with France and England, we should break all those unfair, obsolete agreements we signed a hundred years ago :D In short, Thailand fought against and with both sides. Diplomacy at its finest.

[@Zetsuke4]

Lol

[@alfredpaquin3563]

It's called survival.

[@muayboran6111]

@@alfredpaquin3563 yeah but not the first time this happened

[@jaysonmalubay2905]

here at the PH we called this "balimbing" at it's finest

[@monkphat9113]

Totally agreed…it’s called “2 headed bird” or “นกสองหัว”. It’s what Thailand has been and will always be. Thailand would never stand up on its own principles and jeopardize its benefit.

[@letsgowinnietheflu5439]

YES! someone who uses a historically accurate map of the time. I find WW1 and WW2 docs with the wrong maps irritating

[@TheFront]

Hahahaha! You're welcome 🤗

[@TheProtagonistDies]

Fact.

[@gregbrown1654]

@@TheFront m.

[@thismanwalkonhimway3500]

ช่วยด้วยยยยยยย ตอนนั้นจอม พล ป. กำจัดคนจีน แต่ปัจจุบัน คนจีนเล่นหุ่นเชิด รัฐบาลไทย 😖😫😣😣😓

[@mahadyai11223]

@@thismanwalkonhimway3500 เออจริง(แล้วท่านผู้เจริญมาเจอวิดีโอนี้ได้อย่างไร)

[@to_cya_]

Fun fact Thais always called Phibun (pi-boon) as "Chompol Plaek" which literally means "Marshal Strange" While currently the Doctor Strange film is in the cinema, you can easily found meme of Phibun dressed as Doctor Strange in Thai social media

[@kkang2828]

LMAO

[@marcuslipton148]

FYI: His name "Plaek" has got from his mom, she saw his ears are lower than his eyes, which are strange to common people.

[@explorercompass0167]

Plaek is literally his real name. Probably why it usually shorten as P. Phibunsongkram.

[@atthebluecity8982]

Many old Thai people have a simple first name, mostly a one syllable word. It is also how ancient Thai people name themselves before the introduction of surname and it kinda stuck like before dying down after 1960 where many people start using longer and more complicated name. Like my father’s grandma “chî” (meaning: use) compare to my mother “siripron” (meaning: those who have good blessing). So pleuk is somewhat normal for the time.

[@metaxd729]

@@marcuslipton148 yes, but he wants the people to call him phibun or phibunsonkram because his name sound kinda weird

[@RangKlos]

My 86 year old aunt told us how she as an elementary school kid in Northeastern Thai would stop by the Mekong river on her way home from school to watch Japanese troops took their afternoon bath. Compares to what happened throughout the region at that time, Piboon did one thing right. He was able to keep the general Thais from tragic.

[@bruhboy1239]

that's fair, there was no need to fight the Axis especially when you are outgunned and can prevent literal genocide in which the Japanese were doing in China.

[@olf6280]

His intention for the goods of his people were admirable but his execution was something else

[@eduardochavacano]

handsome japanese soldiers naked in the river? No wonder the Thais were helping the Japanese. The Filipinos were colonized by the Spanish for 300 years, so they prefer really Big Men, so they help the Americans.

[@husrebel494]

your aunt liked watching the Japanese taking baths ? ;)

[@ruangthumaiemjirakul9585]

Wow.. my grandmother is from Nong Khai and she also experienced that.

[@avcomth]

This partnership, although superficial, had a profound effect on Thailand's future post war. Japan went back to rebuild it's economy and returned to Thailand in the 60's to employ the country as its manufacturing base for everything from automobiles to household appliances. This has helped Thailand transformed its broken post WWII economy from agricultural-based to manufacturing-based model and bring prosperity to the nation. Japan sees Thailand as a trusworthy partner and the two countries' economies remained intertwined to this day.

[@mirrorocean3852]

Thailand sells cheap labor and is still poor

[@07jittawutkittipoonsuk]

as a Thai, I didn't know that Plaek was like this, they didn't teach the bad things he did, in Thai schools that I learn, they only teach us about how he embraced and recommends Thai people to use and make more Thai products to have recognition all over the world!! Thanks for the actual info!!

[@dan_was_here9328]

I am Thai too. The main reason why I don’t like him was because he treated Chinese people badly.

[@AurionCeltigar]

Propaganda is one hell of a drug.

[@dolsopolar]

You need to learn some more

[@Raxer_th]

จริงเลย จนโตมาถึงรู้ว่าหบายอย่างเป็นเรื่องโกหก

[@aybaws]

thai education system moment

[@ohmmy999]

2:00 Thailand can also be the land of Thai and Thai in this case is Tai ethnic group, so the idea of changing the name from Siam to Thailand is to create some kind of unity in the nation. And as a Thai I can say that it kinda work.

[@fanwtn5124]

Yep. Plaek was Thai leader at the time and his idea is "Thailand, land for Tai", there is even a crackdown of Chinese ethnic people in Thailand just like how Germany crackdown Jewish people (altho not as bad)

[@heakhaek]

@@fanwtn5124 I didn't know that. I am very interested considering I am Thai-Chinese. My grandmother from my father's side is actually Chinese.

[@fanwtn5124]

@@heakhaek Did your father already lives in Thailand at the time or did he move to Thailand after the war? If your father already lives in Thailand then I’m glad to hear that, but if he was living in China during the war… that’s a sad story to hear

[@heakhaek]

@@fanwtn5124 It was my great grandmother who was Chinese living in Thailand although both my parents are Thai. My dad told me my great grandmother was still a child during WW2. I'm just really interested in this topic.

[@chanyanuch2424]

@@fanwtn5124 Chinese people in Thailand are oppressed in terms of their livelihoods. Businesses were seized, but not as heavy as during the Cold War. In the Cold War, Thailand used brutal methods of suppressing communism. That's funny, Field Marshal Phibun is also of Chinese descent ,he doesn't like China 😅

[@imguy6768]

There is another fact that Thailand has long been an ally with the Japanese Empire. That is because Thailand and Japan have two kings who have had good relations with each other since before the war. We know that the Japanese during the war worshiped their king very much. which isn’t different from Thailand There was an incident during the Japanese invasion of Thailand to reach some parts of the capital. But he had to turn back when they realized that this was a palace because they understood the feelings of Thai people who respect the king as much as their country. But that was just a small incident in the war that no one talked about. I think this is the reason why Thailand and Japan are still allies until now.

[@rsilkw2]

Again very appreciative of the video! I can’t recall many channels or people talking about Thailand and it’s role in the Axis.

[@TheFront]

No worries man!!!

[@brokenbridge6316]

Well I heard that Thailand had actively aided the Japanese in WWII. But wasn't sure just how much. Now that I know that the countries role in this war was exceedingly complicated. And I say in the end Thailand got off lucky as compared to other Axis aligned countries.

[@TheFront]

💯

[@hisaspher4519]

Yes the fact is our ambassador to USA Seni Pramoj he didn't send declaration of war to Us go government. So when the war end in Us perspective they see Thailand like a Japanese Puppet and also see interest in the future to fought against communist so they help us but in UK and French they don't they wanna Thailand to pay war reparations the got the lucky nation even joined Axis.

[@brokenbridge6316]

Thanks for responding you guys

[@blyatman7244]

We did help them by lending lands and manpower to build railroads and military installations, sending expeditionary forces to help conquer China. Although that's only half of the story, the other half is the Free Thai Movement that actively relaying messages and coordinate strikes on Japanese targets, sabotage their supply line, and many more. Also to piggyback off of His Aspher comment, Thailand had to send rice to Malaya (British territory) and pay 6 million GBT to the UK and Australia.

[@galbyob6760]

@@hisaspher4519 Yeah, especially the French.

[@heakhaek]

As a Thai person I'm really excited to have people of my nationality be recognised, even if it is part of some of the darkest parts of history. I actually vaguely remember asking my grandfather about WW2 and he told me of the Japanese Railways built through Indochina to supply Japanese troops in Burma.

[@TheFront]

I’m glad that we can shed some light on it all!

[@Phlegethon]

Weird thing to be proud about that your country aided facists who committed crimes against humanity but ok

[@cks2k2]

my step-grandfather was taken from malaya to build the death railway. he never came back.

[@poppermintee]

The war was awful. My granpa was a half-Chinese Thai living in Phuket. He said that the Japanese soldiers actively peed in drinking water and raped people. He saw bombs killed bunch of Thais running away and arms falling of. He still hates Japanese with passion. I don't, but I couldn't say anything because what happened sounds so scary and horrendous.

[@shahrimanshahnaz7008]

@@poppermintee yup am from malaya heard gruesome stories from my mother... they surely deserved the atomic bomb 10 more times

[@azymondiasdragon1510]

I am basically learning all these in my faculty this semester ( I am studying in Thammasat University). There is a lot of myth during this period. One of my favorite is the myth that Seni Pramoj, who is the ambassador in DC at the time, didn't send the war declaration to the US government. Thus, US never declare war back on Thailand.

[@dataperson7067]

is this a myth? I was taught this by my history teacher

[@jonaspete]

There is even Nazi friendship medal given to Thailand Pridi Panomyong( Dean of TU and first Prime minister of Thailand) put on displayed in the Thammasat University museum at Tha Prachan campus. There are also many relics and stories put on display during that period. You can go and see it.

[@kev_mclernon_family_channe4745]

Please add recommended texts in English, French, German, or Italian. I cannot read passau Thai but interested in finding good sources for researching this complicated period of Thai history.

[@numnumRS13]

เรื่องราวนี้ ในประเทศไทยไม่ได้สอนคนไทยแบบนี้เลย มันคือเรื่องจริงที่คนไทยบางคนไม่รู้ ขอบคุณสำหรับเรื่องราวดีๆ และยังมีอีกหลายเรื่อง ที่คนไทยเองไม่ทราบ 😊😊😊

[@chaichanasangchai3681]

Thai-Japan We are best friends forever, love Japan from Thailand.🇹🇭❤🇯🇵

[@napoleonibonaparte7198]

He was also the origin of the now famous Pad Thai.

[@antlerman7644]

My second favourite Thai dish after papaya salad.

[@schernein1871]

@@antlerman7644 Som Tam. :)

[@Piyaphum]

Change Siam to Thailand created Sawaddee = Hello

[@chang1865]

@@huggybear441 The big flood made him rethink food logistics. He wanted to integrate immigrant populations traditions into the whole new Thai culture to reduce racial tensions. So he used noodles from the chinese, mixed with Thai food ingredients like dried shrimp and tamarind paste also common with other races like Mon and Laos races etc. Noodles are cheap to make and have long storage life, easy to cook. His descendants said the early form of Pad Thai before it got it's current name was made in their household by their family cook.

[@wisuwatbhosri9971]

Your Imperial Majesty, are absolutely correct. The dish itself has its root in Chinese cuisine, it isn't Thai or Siamese at all.

[@Jedsa009]

Some interesting facts about Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram. Although he had Chinese ancestry, Field Marshal Plaek was very anti-Chinese (one of the reasons he got along well with Japan). He had imposed several Sino-phobic policies. His propaganda even compared the Chinese in Siam to the Jews in Germany. During his second premiership, he was quick to align Thailand with the anti-communist camp and even send troops to Korea for fighting communists in Korean War.

[@michaelandreipalon359]

Hmm, I would have become good buddies with this man because of this.

[@erb72]

As a Thai, I never knew that Phibun had Chinese ancestry but he still despised the Chinese.

[@Jedsa009]

@@erb72 Having Chinese ancestry is not uncommon. Many Thais, ranging from royalties to commoners, are descended from Chinese immigrants. King Rama I himself was partly Chinese. King Taksin of the Thonburi Kingdom was the son of a Chinese father from Chaoshan.

[@NeostormXLMAX]

beyond based, i'm of chinese descent and i have the exact same opinion as him, most chinese people in the mainland are nothing but mindless drones, no innovation, no personally bindless government obedience and corruption, there is almost no discipline or desire to better themselves, the entire reason why china failed so bad in the 18th to the 19th century wit qing china was because it developed a culture of complacency and adamant nature of tradition and lack of outlook. the communist party and nationalist party where just par for the course, tried to change but ended up being just the same, even modern china is like this, sure whats the point if your whole country as a whole is strong if the individual is nothing, if your country is not worth living in that everyone wants to flee, where the country is only good at stealing aspects of other civilizations instead of creating your own things the japanese on the other hand had the opposite outlook and managed to rise to become the first non white major modern power. he was right to align with the axis, but sadly they were outnumbered in the end.

[@erb72]

@@Jedsa009 Yes I know, theres more Chinese Thais than full blood Thai themselves, I do really despise them and also wasn't King Phra Phutthayodhpha Chulalok also of Mon Ancestry?

[@user-xe7fv8xc2k]

I am from Thailand, and I can say that the lesson about WWII in Thai schools is so brief compared to this VDO.

[@kevinjiza4138]

hi im thai to สวัดดี

[@baron2887]

The story of dictator some book have just 1 paragraph. don't tell source about why they do that, don't tell punishment. Book in schools never tech student ask question

[@ThePeteBkk]

Thai education system leaves much to be desired, especially in foreign language like English and in the social sciences, including history. It seems someone has been working very hard over many years to frustrate the younger generations from learning what went on in their country. Students learn only names and dates for exams, and nothing more. Short little phrases to be memorized for multiple choice exams, No analysis. No arguments. No skepticism. What is happening to day is this multigenerational effort to starve off critical thinking has comes back to bite us in the butt. Unscrupulous politicians have exploited our young generations for political gains. When the situation requires you to suddenly run a marathon but your leg muscles and lungs can hardly handle a 100 meter run.

[@user-xe7fv8xc2k]

@@ThePeteBkk That is an interesting theory. I simply think that the number of topics is overwhelming for the students so they do not focus in detail.

[@nics129]

Yeah, this video is pretty brief too on the fact that most of Thai neighbor are under colonial government by allies countries at the time

[@opupkk4156]

6:58-7:08 Translation: "Destroy the UK, the oppressor of Asia. Help the Japanese army attack the British who have long been oppressing us. Japan always wanted to bring us prosperity."

[@hitler69]

It's the truth btw. UK is the root of most of the world's conflict today.

[@tradeladder146]

Shame on you, The Japanese were Laughing at you, just like The World Laughs at Thailand today.

[@nics129]

I don't know if they are bringing prosperity or not but it truly is disgusting how he ignore colonialism almost entirely

[@Debottro]

@@nics129desperate times need desperate diplomacy

[@RakucyTh]

พวกเราคนไทยขอขอบคุณช่อง The Front เป็นอย่างยิ่งที่ใด้ทำวีดีโอบอกเล่าเรื่องราวของไทยในสมัยสยาม ให้ทั่วโลกใด้รับรู้ ขอขอบพระคุณเป็นอย่างยิ่ง จากประเทศไทย

[@WANTED_th]

คุณเป็นคนไทย

[@jeffsilkwood9878]

I was born and raised in Chiang Mai Thailand. When I was a kid (about 35 years ago) I lived in a house that was an old Japanese WW 2 headquarters. I don’t know any of the stories about what happened there during the war but it was a neat old house none the less. Now it has been moved and is protected as a historical sight.

[@samomanawat]

The letter “h” after P and T in Thai (Ph, Th) indicated that they are aspirated consonants like normal English P and T in “Part”, “Time”. While P and T alone in Thai pronounced as unaspirated consonants like English P and T after S in “Spice” and “Style”. So, Phibun is pronounced as “Pi-boon” not “Fi-boon”

[@williamgreaves501]

Goes to show how much he really knows about Thailand. I taught Thai history for 14 years and most of this nonsense is news to me.

[@samomanawat]

Yeah, note that most multi syllable Thai names are from Sanskrit, and the “F” sound is absent in Sanskrit.

[@couldrey47]

Sorry you phell on your phace when you phailed to research the pronunciation of the phamous man you were reporting on. Ph in Thai words does not make an "f" sound but asperates the p a little.

[@Orthane]

The fact that Thailand was more well equipped than the FRENCH in Indochina is kind of sad...

[@sto1238]

Hilarious but not exactly surprising lmao France was a bit of a joke during WWII

[@darkmoney7762]

@@sto1238 U mean the Vichy? Of course, but not the Free French.

[@quanghuyvo6112]

@@darkmoney7762 they are the same

[@mich722]

it was away territory for the French, they'd have to transport what they had there. The Thai's could manufacture locally and have better supplies and logistics for parts, equipment etc.

[@Yadahl]

Before world war 2, the ka-na-rad-sa-don (คณะราษฎร) revolted against Thai King at that time (King rama VII). Long story short, the king was so disappointed in Ka-na-rad-sa-don, so he abdicated and go abroad and died by heart attack. During world war 2 the queen of the King rama VII was also joining Seri-Thai movement with Thai people who lived in England. She is also one of the key person in Seri-Thai movement.

[@MegaOsvetnik]

This was a helpful summary of Thailand’s situation in WWII. Thanks for making it available. I don’t remember specific details, but I’m pretty sure I remember hearing about at least one incident where Thai fighter planes engaged US bombers in air-to-air combat.

[@WarmasterBingus]

As a Thai a lot of the nationalist, fascist ideologies is still being taught by today Thai's education system. The difference being that the modern Thailand government support monarchist fanatics and the military to suppress freedom of speech and corruption is also rampant.

[@ful5160]

Thank you Coomer

[@NeostormXLMAX]

if the axis won and Plaek wasn't ousted by the corrupt ally government, a union of southern asia would be one of the major powers in the world if it still existed today

[@dura3933]

Can you give me more information about the part where you said that nationalist and fascist ideologies is still being taught in Thai's education system? From my experiences being a student in Thailand, I didn't see something extreme like that but maybe what you have experienced is different than mine. Also, If we look into what the Ministry of Education had officially made about education content, I don't see anything that extreme. All I can see is that they tell us, Thai people, that we all should get along and love our country. I think this is ok and not extremely or too much nationalist. Other things I would like to say 1.) About the current gov support monarchist fanatics. Please give me more information about what these people did to be called "monarchist fanatics". Most of the people in Thailand aren't like that. We love democracy and we reasonably love our king and the royal family because of what they did to improve our life. And I strongly don't think that the current gov support the Royal family at all. I believe that they are trying to make people think that they are "protecting our beloved family", while in reality they just leave the problem to grow so that people still choose him in the next erection. 2.) About military suppress freedom of speech. It's not the military but the current gov (and they failed to do it). Please separate Prayut Janoochar and military. They are not the same. Don't think that the people in military really like him. There are lots and lots of complicate things happened. I recommend that you should read/see/view the situation by each person, not group people together in our head but see them as separate character, each person has each interest. I should give more context about this. The current gov did try to control news and information that circulate in social media by creating the law but failed. Thai's court didn't allow that law to pass. And what they are trying to control is not the information/news about Royal family, It's all about the covid situation. The current gov trying to make themselves look good, hide bad things that they did. And as I said before, this gov doesn't care about fake news and ugly disinformation about the Royal family at all. To be fair, Thai's people actually have a lot of freedom of speech. 3.) About corruption. Yes. The current gov is corrupt. I really hate this current gov. I also hate previous govs as well. They all very corrupt. Corruption happen a lot in Thailand history. Even the opposition parties, thay did corruption and still doing corruption. Now I'm at the point where I don't know who should I choose in the next erection. They are all bad.

[@WarmasterBingus]

@@dura3933 didn't expect such a long reply but I'm happy to elaborate my point. But to be clear I have to stated that I love Thailand and I'm not antagonizing Thai people. The reason why I'm criticizing is because I care about my country and I want it to be better. 1) While the education doesn't look outright "extremist" but when you look deeper into it. It clearly has the same propaganda value that Phibun (An outspoken fascist that admire "the austrian painter" ) used during his era with more emphasis on loyalty to the monarch. 2) I'm not saying that all Thais are fanatic. But these "fanatics" will use monarch to takedown any complaint or movement that will take their power away. And also any political party that even "dares" to mention reform also get crushed instantly. 3) Yes, I understand that not all soldier/police are bad, but the military and its top brass is responsible for the gov. The gov wouldn't be here today or enjoy much of their power without the military support. And the Thai's military also has a long history of doing coup and and creating systemic corruption that ridden Thailand for years. Historically all Thai's dictator use their position in the army/police to control the people and parliament. 4)While the regular people do enjoy a fair amount of freedom but to say that Thai's gov,court values freedom of speech is a complete lie. A lot of people are being jailed and exiled for criticizing the current gov,monarch and it have been this way since the creation of Thai's democracy. And while fake news is a problem that the media on both sides employed, The right/monarchist will often get away with just a slap on their wrist while the left get harsh sentence. 5)The last person who tried to make Thai's democracy work got framed as an anti monarch communist and died in exile. While all of us convince ourselves that Thailand have true democracy by forgetting that the only group profitting and gaining power from corrupt gov is... the monarch and oligarch that monopolize much of the country. If things continues to be this way then we might never get an election that isn't rigged or ended in a coup lol.

[@pipatmunkhonburi5300]

Yeah. I AM POOR, BECAUSE I AM THAI.

[@TCBumby]

As a Thai, this is very well analysed.

[@josepnebotrius872]

Probably because the only country of SEA not part of a colonial empires. Also Irak tried to expel the British and was crushed by the British in1941. It received help of the Axis.

[@jakearmstrong335]

Thailand reluctantly allied itself with Japan in WW2. Also Japan had many more Asian Allies during the war. You even referred to pictures from the book Japan's Asian Allies 1941-45 by Philip Jowett. It shows all of Japan's Allies from WW2 and there were large numbers of Pro-Japanese forces in WW2 that saw plenty of combat

[@johnh.tuomala4379]

I have that book. Like all Osprey books it's unbelievably informative.

[@jakearmstrong335]

@@johnh.tuomala4379 man I probably have like 40 Osprey books hahahahaha. I absolutely love them. I never seem to have enough

[@tableprinterdoor]

Like Subhas Chandra Bose from India

[@cleverusername_smthngsmthn7731]

I hadn't even realized how much I didn't know about Thailand during WW2 and Vichy France's involvement in all of Southeast Asia during the height of colonialism. Excellent video topic.

[@thboy1037]

The modern relations between the Kingdom of Siam. (The name was changed to Thailand in 1939.) and the Empire of Japan was established in 1887, but the close relations began during the 1930s. After the 1932 Siamese Revolution which transformed Absolute Monarchy to Constitutional Monarchy, the Siamese government improved the relations with Japan. According to many academic researches, since the absolute government had a close relations with Western Great Powers, Britain and France, so the new post - revolution government improved the relations with Japan with the intention to guarantee the stability and international recognition of the government. In the same way, Japan, saw the opportunity to reduce the role of Britain and France in the region, so the close relations began. During the period, Thailand had cooperated many things with Japan. Thailand began the industrialization with Japan as a model. Many students were awarded the scholarship to study in Japan. And there was also the military cooperation. With the high nationalistic sentiment at the time, and the Fall of France to Nazi Germany in 1940, Thai government sent the troops to the French - occupied Indochina to take the territories which Siam lost to France during the reign of King Rama V (1853 - 1910 reigned 1868 - 1910) back. This led to the Franco - Thai War which was consisted of ground, naval, and aerial warfare. Most of warfare between both sides occurred in the Northeast region of Thailand and in the French - occupied areas in Indochina. One of the most well known events of this war, moreover than the first aerial warfare in Thai history, was the naval battle between Thai and French battleships near Ko Chang (Battle of Ko Chang) in the eastern sea of Thailand. The war ended in May 1941 (began in October 1940) after the negotiation between two sides mediated by the officers from the Empire of Japan was concluded. France had to cede some areas to Thailand. Thailand made those areas to be a provinces of Thailand and ruled them between 1941 - 1946. After the World War II ended, Thailand had to cede those areas back to France. Today, they are parts of Laos and Cambodia. The The Victory Monument in Bangkok was built to dedicate to those who lost their lives in this war. After this war, Japan and Thailand had a closer relations. In 1941, Thailand was invaded by the Japanese troops. Despite a little resistance by the Thai military and police officers and the "Youth Soldiers", especially in the Southern Thailand, to avoid the mass destruction, the Thai government decided to become the ally of the Empire of Japan. The Japanese established the troops in the country, while Thailand could retain the independence and the freedom to control the internal affairs. Japan is the first country which Thailand establishes the ambassadorial level of relations and the diplomatic representative is the ambassador. Before that time, the Siamese representatives in Europe were mostly the legations to many European nations. During this time, the Japanese troops from Thai bases had the critical role to the vicotry of Japan in the invasion of Burma, Malaya, Singapore and Ducth East Indies. Many British, American, and Dutch POWs were captured and forced to work in the construction of the notorious Death Railway in Kanchanaburi Province in the west of Thailand. Even Thailand faced less hardship than many Asian territories which were occupied by the Japanese. There were hardships from the economy and the attacks from the Allied forces to the Japanese bases in the country. After Thailand and Japan became ally before the Pacific theater of the World War II began, Thailand should be one of Axis powers. However, due to the actions of Free Thai Movement, a group of Thai people who disagreed with the government's commitment with the Imperial Japan and cooperated secretly with the Allied powers in many ways such as intelligence during the war, Thailand became a neutral after the war ended and the country, including the government did not faced the punishments from the Allied powers as other Axis nations faced. Thailand just paid some little reparations to Britain and France, sent a rice to Britain to feed the people in British Colonies, and returned the territories it occupied after 1941 Franco - Thai war and 1942 Japanese occupation of Burma/Malaya back to Britain and France. Those territories are parts of Myanmar, Malaysia, Laos and Cambodia in the present. As the legacy of Japanese brutality during the war was less than other Asian countries, and many Thai people have had the positive view to the Japanese since the close relation era in the 1930s, Thailand becomes one of the most pro - Japanese countires in Asia. The positive feeling increased during the 1980s when Japanese companies invested many projects in Thailand, created a thousands of jobs, and made Thailand become the middle income nation in the 1990s. Japan also invested in many infrasturcture project, such as the MRT train. The Japanese cultural products, movies, series, Mangas, Animes and Pop songs are also very popular. Many songs were translated into Thai language. Even there are more competitions from China in investment and from South Korea in entertainment industry in recent years, Japan is still regarded as one of the most favourite countries in the view of many Thai people. Fun Facts: 1. There was a Japanese warrior named Yamada Nagamasa, who was the ruler of Nakhon Sri Thammarat in Southern Siam during the Ayutthaya period. 2. The building of the Royal Thai Embassy in Tokyo is formerly the house of Pujie, the younger brother of Emperor Puyi, the last emperor of China. Pujie married Hiro Saga, the Japanese noblewoman. 3. There is Thai businessman named Boonpong Sirivejjabhandu who secretly supplied the medicines for the POWs during the World War II. 4. There is a Thai classical novel named "คู่กรรม Khu Gam" or "The Sun Sets At Chao Phraya". It is about the love between Japanese soldier named Kobori and Thai woman named Angsumalin. It has been adapted into movies and TV dramas for many versions. 5. Thailand also has the sister group of AKB48. BNK48 is Thai version and one of many "Sister Groups" of AKB48, the idol girl group originated from Japan. They become popular after the great success of Thai version of "Koi Suru Fortune Cookie" which was released in late 2017. The song became popular, became national phenomenon and also made the Group become national phenomenon. Today, the MV of the song has more than 190 million views. This number is nearly as equal as the MV of original Japanese version and the number is still increasing. Many of their other songs also have more than 10 - 20 million views. After the great success, the Group becomes popular and many members have many works, such as being invited as the guests in many TV shows (They also have their own TV variety shows.), being presenters in many TV advertisements and being actresses in many movies, TV dramas ("ละคร Lakorn" in Thai. Many of the members had some acting careers before becoming the Group's members.) and TV series. After the great success of Thai version of "Koi Suru Fortune Cookie", the group becomes very popular and has the expansion with the debut of the 2nd Generation in 2018 and the 3rd Generation in 2022 and the debut of CGM48 in 2020. CGM48 is the Sister Group of both AKB48 and CGM48 based in Chiang Mai, one of the biggest cities in Northern Thailand. And the group is also the first Sister Group of Oversea Sister Group. There are also a sub - units, Mimigumo, debut in 2019, and Vyra, a T Pop girl group, debut in 2020.

[@ActivaVita-ub6le]

It doesn't matter whether you Thai people like Japan or not. However, denying and defending the 'war crimes' of the 'Japanese Empire' is problematic. And just like you Thais like Japan. There are also countries that have suffered great damage, insults and suffering by Japan. Thais always name the Japanese Empire to make fun of Koreans and celebrate our grandmothers being raped by Japanese. Thais always claim that Koreans are racist and ignore Thailand, but in my opinion, the real racist is Thailand. You are Thai people who ridicule the history of Korea and ignore Koreans.

[@eduardochavacano]

Now Japanese women can come to Bangkok and Phuket to enjoy watching Thai men dancing onstage.

[@Blue_Lunacy]

I would like to add to the #4 mentioned here. The novel was written by a prolific and awards winning author. However, she was ultra right-wing, who write novels promoting traditional role of women and shaming modern women. She was also the one who incited the massacre of Thammasart university student by accusing them of being communists. She was also pro military. I wonder whether this was one of the reason why her novels were often adapted for local TV. Since Thailand TV station had been run by military for a very long time. Thais twitter were having a field day calling out her crime on the day that she died.

[@premiermitsui5818]

Maybe thats why my thai wife surname sounds like japanese, RODSUKO...Hmm..But i asked her dad he say they are all thais no japanese inheritance.. or he was not told by his father my wife's grandfather.. secret maybe

[@robertbernard6410]

never ever heard this before and i'm 70 years old thanks

[@gtPacheko]

Never too young and never too old for more knowledge! I'm 20 and I hope that at 70 I'll still be learning just like you, cheers!

[@unkownperson4204]

@@gtPacheko lol a 20 year old with a anime profile picture

[@edgehoward4290]

@@unkownperson4204 what about it?

[@unkownperson4204]

@@edgehoward4290 cringe

[@edgehoward4290]

@@unkownperson4204 you couldn't even spell unknown correctly, calm down

[@leoflorida95]

Phibun was the only leader of the axis powers that remained in power after ww2

[@hotmechanic222]

What about Emperor Hirohito ????

[@runescape12350]

@@hotmechanic222 Was he ever rly in charge tho....more like his generals

[@hisaspher4519]

Then he was coup by Field Marshal Sadit Thanarat lol

[@leoflorida95]

@@hotmechanic222 you are legally right

[@josepnebotrius872]

Also Finnish leaders. Though it had to be said that Fin and was not an axis country but a cobelligerent as Italy after their occupation by Germany in 1943.

[@jinnakitpaworawit4449]

I will explain you about the history about WWII, especially the Japanese troops crosed my hometown to build the railway from Banpong district, Ratchaburi province to Kanchanaburi( Kwai bridge) and end at the Burmese border. Most of Thai people were supported a lot to Japanese troops by giving their soldiers rice, foods , water etc. during their stay in Siam territory. I knew that was terrible for what Japanese army did to others but with Siam, they're our best friend. Why we think that? Because the western countries during the Colonial era like Britain, France took and invaded our territory. The worst case is France, we lost a lot because of them. Japan helped Siam each time we had conflicts with the Britain and France. Those reasons are why 99% of Thai people have a good image for Japan and their people.

[@mirrorocean3852]

It’s true. At the end of World War II, American Office of Strategic Service (OSS) officers in Bangkok were dismayed to discover that, contrary to their expectations, the Thai showed little animosity toward the Japanese. The OSS unit reported in August 1945 that ‘there has been very little in the way of hostile reaction’. Japanese accounts confirm this, with a Foreign Ministry study, for example, concluding: ‘The general attitude of Thai officials and citizens toward Japan just after the war's end was relatively sympathetic

[@maxbrooks5468]

Really great to hear about smaller country’s involvements in the war! Thanks for a great video

[@sovietunion3721]

Thailand's way to stay safe in a nutshell: If we can't fight them, join them.

[@AK-sq5nc]

Communist🤮

[@sovietunion3721]

@@AK-sq5nc wdym

[@yokpok8987]

all they taught us in school was that Thailand was neutral like Switzerland, only allowing Japan to pass through; boy this brings a whole new perspective now

[@nics129]

Do you surprise how he did not bring up the fact that almost every single country around Thailand was under colonial government 100% by Allies countries? If someone came in to loot your entire neighborhood and kept all your neighbor captive only you managed to fend them off. What would you do if some thugs in your neighborhood gone mad and go berserk on these looters?

[@davidsincere6037]

This is all news to me! Thanks for the history lesson.

[@TheFront]

No worries!

[@luishernandezblonde]

To be frank, Thailand was too weak to fight Japan. It had just succeeded at saving itself from the British and French, so fighting a Japanese army that was at peak would be crazy.

[@tottui15]

Thailand is friend of Japan. We love each other

[@user-cq5hg6ho9r]

If at that time you were Thai You will be 100% ally with Japan because Japan helps to mediate the war between Thailand and France and allow Thailand to gain territory that France has plundered. Japan sells weapons to Thailand never offend or oppress Take advantage of any trade such as thieves from the UK and France. After the war The United States sided with Thailand because it understood the position here and Thailand was the first nation in the Asia-Pacific region. that develop good relations with each other How long have you known each other? Think about it. The Thai King Rama IV once sent a letter to the President of the United States that he would send elephants to help America fight in the Civil War.

[@Narai_theSun]

ประเทศไทยไม่ต้องการสงคราม และรู้สึกเห็นใจทุกชาติรอบด้านที่เกิดความสูญเสีย หวังว่าในอนาคตอันใกล้ทุกชาติจะหลีกเลี่ยงสงครามจะใกล้จะเกิดขึ้นได้

[@jojojaja129]

I my self are thai citizen and i think not all he do is bad thing, He want lost territory from french colonial and i agree with some of his law for example people dress is necessary thailand need to modernization and build strong nationalism and uniting to have a say to western power or fallinga apart like china and other asian country japanese know that why they modernization and build strong army in late 1800s to not become colony like other asian colonies, nowadays thai people hate they own country but worship foreign country like they are pure angel without sin

[@pichupuche2474]

5:56 This is very biased information from Western point of view that look to Thailand and Japan. Battle with Ko Chang was only one thing that France won over Thailand in naval, but on the air and the ground Thailand did occupied the land area in Laos and Cambodia and captured most of Vichy France soldier before Japanese even step in.

[@mirrorocean3852]

Thailand vs USA WWII kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKmxfahvj712n9Esi=aOuEnM_CyJz4TT1b

[@aphaileeja]

Man this was great! I want to hear more about 1960s and 70s Thailand please

[@TC723m16]

ไทยเรารักสงบ ถึงยามรบไม่ขาด ฝั่งไหนชนะขาด ก็อยู่ฝั่งนั้น

[@user-yy3lc2zr7c]

555

[@bakabon114]

ขี้ขลาด vs อ่านเกมส์ขาด555

[@sirreepicheeprules7443]

Some countries had very complicated political situations in WW2 such as Sweden, Switzerland and Thailand. While Sweden managed to stay out of the war through careful diplomacy and Switzerland had prepared themselves and made any invasion a costly and unnecessary action, Thailand was forced to join the war and provide support to the Japanese Army. I was unaware of Phibun's ambitions prior to this video, to think he wanted basically all of SE Asia, that seems awfully ambitious considering the many peoples and diversity of the area and Thailand relatively moderate size in the region.

[@davidpeters6536]

It's in Thai culture to take the "middle path". It is a precarious path but it has kept them from becoming heavily involved in any conflict for about 200 years. They just like coups every few years to give the tanks a run out.

[@joshuagravel2565]

You forgot to mention that French Indochina was once part of Siam, and was only surrendered to the French so Siam could stay Independent. Japan, Bhutan, and Siam were the only Asian nation states that kept their sovereignty during the Colonial Period.

[@yourmom7663]

Bhutan

[@joshuagravel2565]

@@yourmom7663 Your right I forgot about Bhutan. The British only conquered the Duars.

[@aaronleverton4221]

No, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam were not a part of Siam. Siam never had power over Annam and at best can claim to have had power over Cochinchina while it was still Kampuchea Krom due to Thailand's suzerainty over the kings at Oudong prior to the protectorate. And that suzerainty had historically flip-flopped back and forth between Siam and Vietnam.

[@joshuagravel2565]

@@aaronleverton4221 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Thailand.gif

[@pondnon7721]

@@aaronleverton4221 do you think how Siam survive in colony time? If they didn't satisfied lao and Cambodia to France? Siam used Russia Empire to counter balance France and UK but isn't enough to survive tho i just wana know how Siam survive then?

[@schoolofgrowthhacking]

When saying "Ph" or "Th" in Thai romanized spelling, the "H" is silent. Phuket for example is "Poo ket" not "Foo ket" and "Thailand" is not "Thigh Land." So it would be "Pibun" not "Fibun."

[@recom273]

And Pree-Dee, but usually Pee-Dee Banhomyong. Well researched, but the pronunciation was terrible.

[@CautionCU]

The land Thailand tried to take from French Cambodia was largely land that was taken from them in a conflict recently before this. Also the Thai had little other choice than capitulate since the west offered them little more than speed bump status. Once the Japanese troops were in the country there's not much to do.

[@ongtengkee9225]

thai already taken 40% laos land and 20m laos people,is that not enough?

[@CautionCU]

@@ongtengkee9225 Which war?

[@ongtengkee9225]

@@CautionCU lao siamese war by taksin.They don't call them laotian but Isan.Go figure out what is the reason.

[@minimumapature3361]

Thailand took over Isan but Isan took over Thai food

[@ongtengkee9225]

@@minimumapature3361 isan people want to return to laos together with their land,period.

[@mahadyai11223]

พอตอนเรียนประวัติศาสตร์ไทยตอนประถม : ง่ายจังเลย พอตอนเรียนประวัติศาสตร์ตอนมัธยม : โอ้ พระเจ้า นี้มันประวัติศาสตร์จริงเหรอ พอตอนมหาวิทยาลัย : ฆ่าฉัน ฆ่าฉัน ให้ตายดีกว่า

[@Helicopter_LOL]

555

[@NATNETINARELLI]

It was uneasy relationship during WW2. There was a confrontation between local Thais and IJA soldiers in late '42 that almost sparked the end of that relationship. In Kanchanaburi, A Thai monk provided some food to Allied POWS passing by, enraging Japanese soldiers. An IJA soldier slapped Thai monk face (massive offence in Thai eyes), infuriating locals. IJA soldiers also harassed Thai workers lodging temple where that thai monk stayed. IJA soldiers captured some workers but they fought back and killed some of those soldiers. At the end, both sides dissolved the situation. IJA issued "how to behave in Thailand" guidelines for their ignorant troops while Thai government put that thai monk in brief jail and release him later on. One of my late cousin did wood/timber trading business during the war. He frequent Burma railway area. According to his memo, Allied POWs life condition was so bad, they trade anything still valuable (hid from IJA camp guards) for some food. We, Thailand, was like Italy + a bit of Finland during WW2.

[@thelastdefenderofcamelot5623]

so aside from the Burma Railway, the biggest Japanese war crime in Thailand was slapping a monk. thats it?

[@NATNETINARELLI]

@@thelastdefenderofcamelot5623 That is about it LoL. Indirect effect of them stationing over here was that Bangkok was constantly bombed. Also, after losing Burma, they intend to turn Thailand into sort of bigger version of Okinawa battle, using Thais as Cannon-fodders. Lucky for us, they surrendered after two A-bombs!

[@thelastdefenderofcamelot5623]

@@NATNETINARELLI thank for replying.

[@p_1945]

@@NATNETINARELLI in fact Japan can not do not because Japan and free Thai movement (or include OSS and SEA command in India) had psychology war to each other all of the time. Once some free Thai movement leader want OSS and SEA command to authorize operation to fight with Japan in late 44 or 45 but that was never approved due to Japan play psychological war to make OSS and SEA scare to open any operation. PS. Mr.Phibun sometimes he was kinda blind eye to Free Thai movement activity and some what more favor to allied in 1943 when Japan face more lose or stalemate.

[@senakaweeraratna741]

Thailand was supportive of Japan. But various ethnic and religious communities in Asian countries were also symphathetic and supportive of Japan's catch cry ' Asia for Asians'. Japan is the only major power in the world that openly declared the liberation of Asia from Western colonial domination, as one of it's primary goals in entering WW2. The majority of Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims in Asian countries supported Japan as they were opposed to Western colonial rule of Asia.

[@jessnalulila5709]

If only they didn't treated most countries they invaded worse than the western powers...

[@saipimol]

Most of our forefathers support Japanese forces indirectly during the war against colonial power. Stick with your own kind is something we should learn from them,I guess

[@senakaweeraratna741]

@@saipimol Agree. 'Asia for Asia' was a popular call made by Japan that reverberated throughout the Asian region. Nobody wants to be a second class citizen in their own country. That is what happened to natives in European colonies in both Asia and Africa. Japan's entry to WW2 ended Western imperialism in Asia.

[@saipimol]

@@senakaweeraratna741 even here in India, Japanese forces invasion of now call northeast India reshaped into the political dimension which one of the reasons the British left India

[@saipimol]

Because other than Thailand, almost all Asian countries were under the imperialist European colony during the 2nd world war. The Asian or natives having no say to support which allied or the axis. But the Indian National army (INA) under Subhash Chandra Bose made an alliance with Japan to force the British out of India. The battle of Kohima(Nagaland, India) between the Japanese with INA against the the allied forces were one of the heaviest casualties the British forces incurred during the war.

[@williamavery6985]

Thank you for the video. I grew up not knowing that Thailand allied with Japan, and was shocked when I became aware of it in my 20s. I'd often wondered why. Now I know. Thanks again.

[@unitcharles8278]

FunFact : Pleak in Thailand mean Strange. So you can call him General Strange ( but we call him General P ) Yeah He gonna have his own movie name General Strange : In the multiverse of madness Wait? No?

[@acrusty7944]

what a liar! at that time there were no such countries as Laos and Cambodia. There were french colonies named Annam, Cochinchina and French Lao in completely different borders. A part of Cochinchina and the whole French Lao was a territory of Siam for centuries before they were stolen by French colonial empire. That's why the Japanese helped Thailand to take back some of it's territory. the war you describing was a war of independence of Thailand against colonial parasites.

[@TheThaiLife]

I never knew this and it's different than what people are taught here. I did know that due to an Amity Treaty, Americans are the only foreigners allowed to own land and business here due to WW2 but I never knew the details. Now I know. Thank you!

[@pop401k]

Outstanding information!! Thank you!

[@XO0FX]

Thailand Japan 🇹🇭🇯🇵❤️

[@Minefroz]

Yes the betrayals of gayland

[@suhribzevolution645]

ไทยกับญี่ปุ่นมิตรภาพตลอดไป

[@davidbowie5023]

I think people ignore that while Thailand did initiate modernisation the same year with Japan (1868), their geopolitical climate prevented Thailand from becoming an empire, whereas Japan maximised from their isolated terrain to become one. As for the result, the Thais were far less prepared for a full scale war like Japan.

[@greenkoopa]

I always use Phibun as one of my commanders in World Conqueror 3. Not because he's good, he just had a low deployment cost

[@greenkoopa]

16 likes isn't very much, but way more than I was expecting for that game reference 🤣🤣

[@harrymoore9096]

Have an extra one from me even though I have no idea what you’re talking about

[@hejasolar]

I am 60 years old German & didn't know these facts at all.

[@hansulrichjohner2694]

I am actually living in the Isaan, and there is still things happening after the Red Khmer regime, with the ASEAN the borders opened an now people from Cambodia come sopping here and fill up the hospitals, but the thais are friendly and this causes no problem. As a kid my wife heard Red Kmers marauding over the country, stealing cows and buffalo for their sustainance in Au Smach, 200 m elevated above Cambodian ground and inacesible for the Vietnamese, controlling the country. Here the Red Khmer stayed into the 90ties.

[@deandecoursey2334]

So, the 6 AM and 6 PM playing of the national anthem and standing respectfully for it can be traced to a decree by Thailand’s Prime Minister in 1938.

[@suppanutjaroanphan3527]

The name of Thai Prime Minister Is actually read as "Plak Pibunsongkram", And Thai people known him as "Chom Pon Pol." Chom Pon means Field Marshal. But his name was written correctly in the video.

[@_wakeful]

"Why Was Thailand the ONLY Country in Asia to Align with the Axis?" Japan: Am I a joke to you?

[@bennett8535]

Japan WAS the Axis, or at least one third of it: Germany, Italy, and Japan. So it couldn't really align with itself.

[@KBA2K1023]

Germany and Italy: Wake up! You are the Axis itself.

[@fedrickthegreat2138]

Severely underrated part Of history you guys should teach at schools And replace the people running the history channel along with epic history TV kings and generals and much more historically accurate KZbinrs

[@knowledgeforyou2024]

In the past, Thais specialized in combat, punch boxing and Muay Thai were told in French and Japanese. They are very good at the geography of the country. There are still firearms and cannons that are produced by themselves and weapons from East Asia, China, Japan and Europe because Siam has long trade with Europeans and East Asia, China, Taiwan, Japan and Russia before World War I, about 500 years old, is the big brother. of the original ASEAN region without a doubt If there was no World War Laos and Cambodia wouldn't have happened, and I've known this since living in Hua Hin before the epidemic 3 years ago. Thai people are so friendly that you don't even want to cause them problems. Thai people have many face shapes. You will be the whole world there. All races are there. everything is very good Cheaper and better than Thai baht compared to other currencies. I may have thought of it myself or I don't know. But I think you should know that there are nice countries in the world. This is Thailand, my 1st home. From living in Thailand and vacationing in Thailand for 3 years, I'm sure why Japanese people don't want to fight Thai people in World War 2. They are friendly but When it comes to fighting, they fight and are very scary. From former homeless people in the Pacific ✌✌😍😍🍻🍻👍👍

[@michaeldavidson1909]

Very informative. Thanks

[@ImmortalDragon21]

When the narrator says prepare Thai resistance fighters all I can think of is Thai (tie) fighters. Love hearing about these lesser known nations of the wars though, keep ‘em coming.

[@mirrorocean3852]

From what I read and personal accounts from elderly relatives - most of whom deceased; Thailand was officially, publicly and politically enthusiastic about Japan being a dominant Asian military power and challenging the Western powers, considering that Thailand was already territorial disputes with France, Britain and Nationalist China. Aligning with Japan was considered favorable to Thailand regaining former Thai provinces from France and Britain as nationalism was an order of the day.

[@gingertom56]

I don't think the Thai government had much chioce.

[@bryanwalker6125]

I have lived in Thailand for more than a dozen years but have never heard any of this history. Thank you so much.

[@timisaac8121]

Really Aces Video- Truly enjoyed. Did not realize Thailand declared war on USA!! Axis and Allies makes more sense now!! Thanks!

[@hughjass1044]

More new learning! I love it!

[@alexlo7708]

They were not allied. But at the time ,no one can help Thailand from being seized by Japan army. So, like Belgium or Netherland under the German nazi ,Thai was forced to subjected to Japan.

[@shabushi1997]

Plaek admired German nationalism, and adopted, he changed the name of Siam to Thailand due to the concept that the land only belongs to Thai, just like Deutschland only belongs to Deutsch people. Plaek also hated Chinese migrants once said Chinese people were a threat to the nation like Jews in Germany

[@alfredpaquin3563]

I love Thailand without question. They were our staunch allies in Vietnam. They are a beautiful people with a beautiful Country. If you don't know these people, you should.

[@WalruswithTaste]

Thailand also attempted to invade Xishuangbanna in China. Even though they dealt the Chinese forces a heavy blow they were ultimately unable to take the province. Supposedly the Thai government lied to their people and declared that they had taken province.

[@jparsit]

you know the real Thais.

[@amerain1729]

@@jparsit The OG Tai people's home

[@maidenhunter8363]

@minzo nakul he is probably some angry khmer raging over our country history :D

[@sanglkvn9305]

You failed to mention that prior to the coming of the British and the French, Laos, Cambodia and the four northern states of present-day Malaysia including Penang and Lankawi Islands were under Siam's rules for a long time (close to a hundred years, if not longer). That's the reason why Thailand wanted them back. Losing these territories really saddened King Rama V of Siam as these territories were about to be annexed as part of the country.

[@vennsim71]

Is Thailand still wanting them back? What’s the sentiments like in Thailand with regards to that lost land?

[@sanglkvn9305]

@@vennsim71About 30 - 40 years ago, back when I was still in school, students were taught to remember how many times lands were lost. Time has passed, situation has changed and people have changed. Thai people gradually are separated from these territories so we don't think about them much anymore. What Thailand had lost will never be regained in the same way again. We just have to be happy with what we still have left and do out best to protect it.

[@vennsim71]

@@sanglkvn9305 guess you are around my age then… I think some things are not as emphasised as time moves forward… while some are not much forgotten… like the atrocities of the Japanese in Asia-Pacific. A lot of people still have elders in their households whom lost love ones, and pretty much neither forgotten nor forgiven…

[@sanglkvn9305]

@@vennsim71 May I know where you are from? I'm Chinese Thai.

[@vennsim71]

@@sanglkvn9305 I’m Chinese Singaporean

[@Dominus_Potatus]

As Indonesian, I see Thailand as th most freedom country in Asia. They have a lot of Trans even before it was popular, recently they legalize Marijuana. The land of freedom indeed

[@nics129]

Yes, and the only reason we really are against the allies at the time is because it is the allies that tried to make us not free (colonize) for the past 2-3-400 years. For this narrator to start off the topic by claiming Gen Piboon Idolize hitler is why Thai join Axis and ignore colonialism that is still in place at the time is just disgusting

[@travelingman1125]

Legalize marijuana forever ❤️

[@claas.relotius]

because Thailand was the only free country duh

[@arthurmosel808]

The Thai Royral family had one prince who was pro-Japanese and one pro-Allied. Thailand kept friendly to both sides favoring whoever had the greater power.

[@farshimelt]

Always, and always play both ends against the middle.

[@TheCrisdo]

Interesting and underrated topic. Good job! only onne thing: "Ph" in Thai language/names is not intonated as an "f". In contradiction it is pronounced as a strongly aspired "P". Definitely looking forward to get more on that topic...

[@brianriggs2335]

Very informative video

[@barriolimbas]

Cause the rest were Western colonies with no choice on the matter, and Thailand saw Japan as an ally against Western expansionism.

[@BHuang92]

"Japan invades Thailand" Japan: Declare war on America!! Thailand: *How about no....*

[@fanwtn5124]

Thai ambassador to be exact lol what a cheeky move xD PS I'm Thai, and I know how our country work in world war

[@demoscassi8055]

Actually it was both 'yes' and 'no'. Politicking at it finest.

[@kirayoshikage4728]

Thailand: Well yes, but actually no

[@enthuesd]

Can't wait for more Thailand history

[@Ounsook1]

I am from Thailand I learnt this topic in school that during that time Thailand was neutral and was not on anyone's side in ww2 but then the Japanese army wants to use Thailand as a pathway for the land invasion to the nearby countries from Thailand. Thailand does not have a choice and was forced to join the Japanese side due to the far less effective army, and also Thailand's president at that time is willing to help Japan but for me I personally don't like that decision to join the axis side because we could stay neutral and let the Japanese do their own thing which could results in no casualty or loss among the Thai citizen, soldiers however we are just unlucky that even if we are neutral or on the axis side the allies have to stop the Japanese invasion by bombarding Japanese army situated in Thailand anyway, it is a dilemma.

[@farshimelt]

You learned two basic things in school, both from Confucious; Obedience and memorization.

[@abdillahsoetoto674]

Because they are United and have great king

[@huahintrainspotters]

"Join the Axis but not lose the war"

[@diabloarmofhell6710]

ผมสงสัยว่า ถ้าเกิดกับคนรุ่นนี้ จ่ะคิด ทำแบบนั้น ได้ใหม? หรือ มีแนวทางที่ดีกว่า ในการบรรเทาความรุนแรงของสงคราม เช่นใน จีน เรียกว่าถ้าเชื่อไทยสักหน่อย รับรอง ไม่ฉิบหาย เพราะเก๋าเรื่องแบบนี้มานานแล้ว

[@fanwtn5124]

A so called "Oriental Italy" or "Japan's Italy" 555

[@Nolaris3]

Funny enough Phibun was heavily inspired by Mussolini (more so than Hitler) and did a lot to model Fascist Italy. So the comparison is closer than you think

[@fanwtn5124]

@@Nolaris3 Yep haha… just like how Mussolini wanted to restore the Roman Empire, Phibun also wanted to take back lost territories to restore the Kingdom

[@right_here_waiting]

Siam diplomacy was a thing since the beginning of the colonization era not just started in WW2 period. You should know that before critiquing on how a cornerd dog fights. it doesn't fight for their pride but its life. It happened that Siam was such a clever cornered dog and it did survived with its life although badly injured.

[@mehae_1991]

2:06 “land of the free” the word free mean free from colonialism

[@gary1477]

Just a few corrections: 1. Siam is pronounced as See - am 2. Thailand was not the only Asian country allied with Japan. Indonesia, Burma, Vietnam, Manchukuo and the Philippines were also allies. If Japan had conquered British India, it too would have become a puppet state under Chandra Bose. 3. After WW2, Phibun became a monk to escape arrest. 4. Thailand was chosen as a name, as part of a suppression of Chinese in Thailand. 5. In exchange for rice, Thailand bought Japanese locomotives, war planes and submarines. 6. Cambodia, Laos, the Shan State and the northern states of Malaya were all at one stage part of Siam and Lanna. 7. The Thai ambassador did present a declaration of war to the US Secretary of State. He was told to put it away. The US was already aware of of this declaration as they had broken Japanese and Thai codes.

[@mich722]

@卍 A Buddhist Meat Eater 卐 Correct.

[@hi-vz4un]

สยาม = Sa yam

[@chrisdcsilva]

As far as I know, Philippines was never an Ally of the Japanese. They invaded us! The molested a lot of our Filipino women and they destroyed our country, all because we are a US ally. The Philippines was the second most destroyed country during the World War II after Poland. And MacArthur liberated us against the Japanese at the end of WW2. So no. The Philippines was never a Japanese ally during the second world war.

[@gary1477]

@@chrisdcsilva Yes, the Philippines under President Laurel was an ally of the Japanese during WW2.

[@starkillerdude1914]

You kinda forgot to mention Ananda Mahidol the king of Thailand role and his suspicious suicide in 1946

[@jparsit]

If you want the true, find info at the British. Just like the Chinese dynasty, assasination come from within. Do not mention in Thailand, people still living in the first century.

[@Slaphappy1975]

When Seni Pramoj called for volunteers my grandfather was studying to become a professor of geology at the Colorado School of Mines. He joined-up with the Seri Thai and was trained by the OSS. After completing his training the US Navy shipped him to India and then flew him "over the Hump", ie the Himalayas, into Yunnan province (Southern China). From there he trekked south to fight the Japanese. To this day I still have 2 war medals that were given to him by the OSS and the CIA (a friend of the CIA medal). Although not very many Thais know of the true role of the Seri Thai, they were the key reason why Thailand was treated as an occupied nation at the end of the war by the Allies. The British really wanted to classify them as a defeated combatant but the US refused, mainly because of how many Thais fought for the Seri Thai. I couldn't be more proud of my grandfather's role in World War 2. Thank you for shining a light on this hugely important and largely forgotten chapter in Thai history.

[@rockolaray]

What a wonderful story. Your grandfather was a real Thai patriot and hero. For your grandfather I want to say: "Thank you for your service".

[@mausplan3890]

I heard the deep relationship between the Thai Royal family and the UK and US governments were key in convincing the US Air Force not to bomb Bangkok - as nearly all buildings were wooden at that time it would have the same outcome as the firebombing of Kobe and Tokyo. King Rama 9 was born in the US.

[@chaiyasitsongserm]

Not at all, but the royal family was the main and first supporter of free Thai. The underground movement required money, which the royal family was. The first group to provide funding because others are still uncertain about the effort even Pridi Banomyong

[@mirrorocean3852]

The allies dropped tons of bombs in Bangkok