Japan’s Only Pacific “Ally” – Phibun’s Thailand – WW2 Biography Special

Thailand's prime minister and de-facto dictator Plaek Phibunsongkhram imported European fascism, nationalism and militarism to his country. But when Japan's threat to South-East Asia became imminent, Phibun didn't know what to do. His story is one of utter indecisiveness and opportunism.

Hosted by: Indy Neidell
Written by: Joram Appel
Director: Astrid Deinhard
Producers: Astrid Deinhard and Spartacus Olsson
Executive Producers: Astrid Deinhard, Indy Neidell, Spartacus Olsson, Bodo Rittenauer
Creative Producer: Maria Kyhle
Post-Production Director: Wieke Kapteijns
Research by: Joram Appel
Edited by: Miki Cackowski
Sound design: Marek Kamiński

Sources:
IWM HU 675
From the Noun Project: people by ProSymbols, tick by akash k

Soundtracks from the Epidemic Sound:
Johannes Bornlof - Deviation In Time
Philip Ayers - Trapped in a Maze
Rannar Sillard - March Of The Brave 4
Fabien Tell - Last Point of Safe Return
Johannes Bornlof - The Inspector 4
Farrell Wooten - Blunt Object

A TimeGhost chronological documentary produced by OnLion Entertainment GmbH.

[paulphanachet]

I’m Thai and I love it! I joined the Time Ghost army when you guys covered the Franco-Thai war last year. I was a fan since your WW1 series. This is awesome team!

[lillyie]

1940: Go Japan!
1945: I have never heard of this man in my entire life

[cuber]

Nice no one talks about Thailand during the World wars.

[maciejkamil]

I loved that portrait disappeared when the Phibun did.

[jonbaxter]

Thailand really avoided the worst of both sides of the war.

[aaa]

I live in southern of Thailand where those Japanese armies landed on the beach, a kilometer away from my home. I’ve heard about them from elderlies when I was a child, yet it was unclear for the whole context. Until I realized that it was a part of the world-scale warfare (technically, my home was where the operation for Malaya began, as he explained in the video)

[thomasaffolter]

To their credit, Thailand did a good diplomatic balancing act that kept foreign powers out for years.

[StickWithTrigger]

Dude said "brb" and then logged off

[daveirwin]

I love how Time Ghost covers all the countries and leaders of the war, and not just the major players.

And, as a side bonus, I got to learn why we are given Western style eating utensils at Thai restaurants.

[Epsa_]

Thailand is one of the most underrated nations in history, survived colonisation while being surrounded by both Britain and France. Played a relatively important part in WW2 and had good relations in WW1. Their previous kingdoms, Sukhothai, Ayutthaya, Thonburi, Rattanakosin. Ayutthaya was even the biggest city in the world at one point, before it’s destruction. Great nation, great people, great culture.

[joepalooka]

I've been reading and studying WWII history for over 50 years, and there are always new chapters to learn that you never discovered before. Thailand is one of those stories that is rarely discussed. Thanks for such a great educational video which expands our knowledge of WW2.

[RandomRetr]

Had no idea of Thailand’s role during the Pacific escalation. This is something you just don’t read in books. Thank you for this

[elwin]

I LOVE THAILAND!! Had the opportunity to go to Pattaya Beach in March, 1987 while i was in the US Navy. One of my favorite port visits ever.

[azamshahuddin]

No wonder when I was living in Thailand in the early 1980s as a Malaysian Diplomat's son, Japanese Pop Culture was very popular like a lot of Anime were shown on the local tv stations and the many Japanese department stores.Many years later as an adult, I came to know the reason why-Thailand had a long friendship with Japan dating back to World War 2 when the 2 countries were Allies.

[totallynotalpharius]

Thailand : declare war on America

Thai ambassador : suck it

[bangscutter]

Thailand in South East Asia is like Sweden in Europe during World War 2. Surrounded on all sides by greater powers and effectively becoming a buffer state between greater powers. Both have to carefully navigate diplomacy to maintain neutrality, by playing all sides. The difference being that Thailand at that time had nationalistic expansionism agenda on top of maintaining the status quo.

[thedreadtyger]

Fascism With Thai Characteristics: The Thoughts of Leader Phibun

[abian]

"A greater Thailand" Boy I got some news for you

[CULTR]

Japan: Are you our ally?
Thailand: Well yes, but actually no.

[zolafuckass]

I don't know why, but that quick zoom on the line "that is not the case though" was pretty darned funny.