How Thailand was effected by World War 2
Short Term Effects
At the start of the War, Thailand was a country that was ruled the Phibun government. It was the only country in South East Asia not under European rule. It was 200,000 square miles and had a population of 14,000,000. It's name had just been changed to Thailand.
Although Thailand played an important part in the War, they didn’t have many civilians fighting leaving most of the work and fighting to the Japanese. 108 military members died during the Thai-Franco war and 5,600 military members died either fighting against or with the Japanese. There were also 2,000 civilian deaths due to frequent bombings by the Allied Forces among the railway and in places such as Bangkok. These were crucial parts of the Japanese plan and the British were enemy’s of Thailand throughout the latter part of the War. Only 0.04% of the population of 1939 died due to war related causes.
Land previously lost to the French was regained in the Thai-Franco War. The Thai people were very happy about this as losing to the French twice before was a humiliation. They also now had territory that they thought was rightfully theirs.
In the early stages on the railway, Thais were used but the Japanese stopped this as they were hard to control. They found that they has lots more control over workers of other nations. Thais often escaped and were not effected by the punishment as others. They were generally put to work on what was considered the easier sections although all work had a difficult element.
Some Thai people such as Boonpong Sirijaphan helped POWs on the railway. Their stories are ones of courage, strength and inspiration. Thai people were also forced to give up land and supply food for the railway.
The Thai government was greatly effected by the Japanese alliance. Even though they were not technically conquered by the Japanese, the Japanese had a large influence on all decisions. The Japanese were very good at infiltrating the government so they would get what they wanted. Having essential control over Thailand was very important for the Japanese.
Thailand managed to avoid many trials for war crimes as the Seri Thai had helped the Allies. Many soldiers and government members that could have been prosecuted were pardoned as they used the excuse of heavy Japanese influence. As Thailand was never officially at war with the US, the US stood up for Thailand and had a large influence on the trials and punishments. Britain however demanded a shipment of rice to Malaya as retribution. This was carried out.
Immediately after the War, Thailand was run by the Seri Thai government directed by Pridi Banomyong. They were no longer allied with Japan. They were on good terms with the United States but not England. Thailand was stable.
At the start of the War, Thailand was a country that was ruled the Phibun government. It was the only country in South East Asia not under European rule. It was 200,000 square miles and had a population of 14,000,000. It's name had just been changed to Thailand.
Although Thailand played an important part in the War, they didn’t have many civilians fighting leaving most of the work and fighting to the Japanese. 108 military members died during the Thai-Franco war and 5,600 military members died either fighting against or with the Japanese. There were also 2,000 civilian deaths due to frequent bombings by the Allied Forces among the railway and in places such as Bangkok. These were crucial parts of the Japanese plan and the British were enemy’s of Thailand throughout the latter part of the War. Only 0.04% of the population of 1939 died due to war related causes.
Land previously lost to the French was regained in the Thai-Franco War. The Thai people were very happy about this as losing to the French twice before was a humiliation. They also now had territory that they thought was rightfully theirs.
In the early stages on the railway, Thais were used but the Japanese stopped this as they were hard to control. They found that they has lots more control over workers of other nations. Thais often escaped and were not effected by the punishment as others. They were generally put to work on what was considered the easier sections although all work had a difficult element.
Some Thai people such as Boonpong Sirijaphan helped POWs on the railway. Their stories are ones of courage, strength and inspiration. Thai people were also forced to give up land and supply food for the railway.
The Thai government was greatly effected by the Japanese alliance. Even though they were not technically conquered by the Japanese, the Japanese had a large influence on all decisions. The Japanese were very good at infiltrating the government so they would get what they wanted. Having essential control over Thailand was very important for the Japanese.
Thailand managed to avoid many trials for war crimes as the Seri Thai had helped the Allies. Many soldiers and government members that could have been prosecuted were pardoned as they used the excuse of heavy Japanese influence. As Thailand was never officially at war with the US, the US stood up for Thailand and had a large influence on the trials and punishments. Britain however demanded a shipment of rice to Malaya as retribution. This was carried out.
Immediately after the War, Thailand was run by the Seri Thai government directed by Pridi Banomyong. They were no longer allied with Japan. They were on good terms with the United States but not England. Thailand was stable.
Long Term Effects
Thailand was left with many things after the War; some that still remain today. After the War it was left with a railway, a new government, and a large tourism industry based on the history of the War.
Thailand after World War 2 had a railway on their land. The Burma side was torn down. The Thai government bought the Thai-Burma Railway in 1947 for 1.5 million dollars. They didn’t do anything with it for 10 years and the railway was closed until 1957. In 1957 the government opened a part of the railway between Namtok and Nong Pladuk. This is still open and is where visitors can ride the Death Railway and marvel at the hardships and poor conditions faced by POW’s and Romushu. It is now a popular tourist attraction.
These tourist attractions have provided an insight into the past and world war 2 in Thailand. Many visitors are Thai people.
Many people in Thailand have a job related to a historical site, the railway, or tourism. They work at cafe’s nearby, selling souvenirs, staffing museums or guiding tours.
Thailand now has a close relationship with Australia. Australia often holds ANZAC services in places along the railways where so many Australians were forced to work and where 20% of all Australian WW2 deaths occurred. Australia has opened museums in partnership with the Thai Government. Over 400,000 Australians visit Thailand each year and exchange programs have been formed because of the connection to the railway. Deakin University has held trips where students and staff have the opportunity to visit historical war sites. The Weary Dunlop Boon Pong Exchange Fellowship has also been set up to provide opportunities for surgeons from Thailand to Australia to help further their knowledge.
Japan is now a major trading partner, the military alliance and crimes committed under the Japanese rule forgotten. As of 1952 Thailand is a military ally of the United States of America.
Thailand was left with many things after the War; some that still remain today. After the War it was left with a railway, a new government, and a large tourism industry based on the history of the War.
Thailand after World War 2 had a railway on their land. The Burma side was torn down. The Thai government bought the Thai-Burma Railway in 1947 for 1.5 million dollars. They didn’t do anything with it for 10 years and the railway was closed until 1957. In 1957 the government opened a part of the railway between Namtok and Nong Pladuk. This is still open and is where visitors can ride the Death Railway and marvel at the hardships and poor conditions faced by POW’s and Romushu. It is now a popular tourist attraction.
These tourist attractions have provided an insight into the past and world war 2 in Thailand. Many visitors are Thai people.
Many people in Thailand have a job related to a historical site, the railway, or tourism. They work at cafe’s nearby, selling souvenirs, staffing museums or guiding tours.
Thailand now has a close relationship with Australia. Australia often holds ANZAC services in places along the railways where so many Australians were forced to work and where 20% of all Australian WW2 deaths occurred. Australia has opened museums in partnership with the Thai Government. Over 400,000 Australians visit Thailand each year and exchange programs have been formed because of the connection to the railway. Deakin University has held trips where students and staff have the opportunity to visit historical war sites. The Weary Dunlop Boon Pong Exchange Fellowship has also been set up to provide opportunities for surgeons from Thailand to Australia to help further their knowledge.
Japan is now a major trading partner, the military alliance and crimes committed under the Japanese rule forgotten. As of 1952 Thailand is a military ally of the United States of America.