The Bombing of Bangkok During World War 2 [S5.E21]

The Bombing of Bangkok During World War 2 [S5.E21]

Greg interviews Khun Panarat Anamwathana about the bombing of Bangkok during World War II. Beginning with a discussion about how Thai people today perceive Thailand's involvement in the Second World War, K. Panarat notes that many Thais' attitudes are actually shaped by popular culture and specific romantic stories about that time period in Thai history. Most Thais today don't realize the tragic nature of the conflict and the truly precarious nature of Thailand's relationship with both Japan and the western powers.

Next, K. Panarat discusses the fascinating role of Seni Pramoj, the Thai Ambassador to the United States and his role in leading the Seri Thai, or 'Free Thai,' movement, the pro-Western faction of Thai society. Because of his role, Thailand largely escaped punishment after the West's victory. We also discuss which areas of the city were bombed, how the locals reacted and what role the government took vs grassroots groups in organizing evacuations.

Greg and K. Panarat also elaborate on the unique role of Prime Minister Phibunsongkhram, one of the more colorful characters in Thai history as mentioned previously on the podcast. In short, although the Prime Minister officially supported the Japanese, he also sought aid from both Britain and America in a complicated game of diplomatic brinkmanship, shades of which you can still see in Thai society, where playing both sides can sometimes be a bit of an artform.

Listen in for more details on what Greg and Ed think is the most fascinating period in Thai history.

Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Jaksot(561)

George Dupont: The Only Thai to Fight in the US Civil War [S7.E59] (Classic Recast)

George Dupont: The Only Thai to Fight in the US Civil War [S7.E59] (Classic Recast)

We recount the fascinating story of George DuPont, the only Thai person who fought in the American Civil War. The first record of George in the U.S. is in 1859, but almost nothing is known of how or w...

25 Helmi 202527min

Ajarn Ed: Explaining America to Thai University Students [S7.E58]

Ajarn Ed: Explaining America to Thai University Students [S7.E58]

Greg questions Ed about his main job - teaching 'American Studies' to Thai college students. Effectively, Ed's job and his side gig (the podcast) are opposites of each other, given that he is attempti...

18 Helmi 202539min

Hmmm…A Few Things About Bangkok That Are Over & Underrated [S7.E57]

Hmmm…A Few Things About Bangkok That Are Over & Underrated [S7.E57]

Greg and Ed discuss various aspects of Bangkok that they believe are either overrated or underrated. The guys start with things that they believe get too many props. Greg mentions the Grand Palace and...

11 Helmi 202538min

Redefining What A Modern Family Means in Thailand [S7.E56]

Redefining What A Modern Family Means in Thailand [S7.E56]

Continuing the exploration of some of the unexpectedly progressive moves that Thailand makes from time to time, Greg interviews his friend Jacob, an American, and his husband Geng, a Thai, about their...

4 Helmi 202554min

Bangkok's Craft Brew Godfather: A Chat with Khun Chit [S7.E55] (Classic Recast)

Bangkok's Craft Brew Godfather: A Chat with Khun Chit [S7.E55] (Classic Recast)

Greg interviews the fascinating Wichit Saiklao, godfather of craft beer in Thailand and founder of Chit Beer, with podcast friend Scott Coates sitting in for fun. Khun Chit relates how he first learne...

28 Tammi 202541min

What Changes Would Ed Make if He Was in Charge of Thailand? [S7.E54]

What Changes Would Ed Make if He Was in Charge of Thailand? [S7.E54]

Greg and Ed engage in a bit of fantasy as Ed imagines what he would do if he were the Prime Minister (or maybe more accurately, dictator) of Thailand. Ed begins with the caveat that he can only see th...

21 Tammi 202544min

What's It Like Being An Exchange Student in Thailand? [S7.E53]

What's It Like Being An Exchange Student in Thailand? [S7.E53]

Greg interviews our new friend Jannik Hiller about his experience as an exchange student in Thailand. Jannik explains that while a university student, he decided he wanted to do an exchange year in a ...

14 Tammi 202547min

Keeping Resolutions in Bangkok: A Fool's Errand? [S7.E52]

Keeping Resolutions in Bangkok: A Fool's Errand? [S7.E52]

Greg and Ed ring in 2025 with a difficult look back at their New Year's Resolutions from 2024. They recognize the obvious: if you don't keep your resolutions, you only have yourself to blame. But they...

7 Tammi 202534min

Suosittua kategoriassa Yhteiskunta

olipa-kerran-otsikko
sita
siita-on-vaikea-puhua
kaksi-aitia
i-dont-like-mondays
gogin-ja-janin-maailmanhistoria
uutiscast
poks
antin-palautepalvelu
rss-nikotellen
mamma-mia
kolme-kaannekohtaa
yopuolen-tarinoita-2
aikalisa
rss-murhan-anatomia
meidan-pitais-puhua
rss-palmujen-varjoissa
rss-haudattu
naakkavalta
mystista