[Cerilopasei]

Nice to see that someone remembers - nice post, Jerome.

It's nothing to be ashamed of. You just found a somewhat hidden part of Thailand's past, that's all. Strange, isn't it? Thailand, a country famous for its nationwide remembrances of past glorious events and traditions, is so silent when it comes to remembering -or at least acknowledging- its recent past.

Everyone knows of Loy Krathong, Songkran; the legend of Suriyothai was made into a famous movie; Thai children have to recite "naam mee pla, tungna mee khao" from the Ramkamhaeng stone; King Naresuan's legendary battle with the Burmese prince is cast in stone.

And yet, the events of 14 October '73, and the massacre of activists also in October, three years later - these and other 'touchy' subjects are largely left in the dark. Books written about them are banned in the country. Erected monuments lay nearly forgotten. Any leftover commemoration is becoming increasingly ritualistic, retaining less and less meaning.

Thailand just needs to look overseas for a positive example. Just last year, a book written about the Holocaust was given the Nobel Literature prize. If Europe can look into the eyes of the Nazi monster, bringing it out with several documentaries and countless remembrances, so can Thailand with her monsters.

But such a thing must be nothing new to you, I'm sure. After all, Japan is still blamed for not acknowledging its wartime atrocities, and for respecting war criminals as heroes.

Jerome, you noted that there aren't that many books on Thai history. I agree with that, as far as true Thai history goes. The books currently on the Thai market passed the censors cutting board by omitting the 'touchy details' ie. coloring the the real deal in all shades of pink.

You are lucky that you live in Japan - there are books outside Thailand that tell how things really were. Those are banned here though...

Does anybody have any suggestion for good books on both modern and not so modern Thai history? For modern Thai history, I'd go for The Revolutionary King, by William Stevenson, a Farang with direct access to the Royal family. Although people reported minor inaccuracies in the book, it's your best (read: only) chance to see recent times from the perspective inside the court, and the life of Rama IX. Don't let the unfortunate subtitle fool you, it has nothing to do with the notorious King and I.

For not-so-recent history, I recommend anything published by White Lotus Press. I learned a lot from just the few books that I read from this publishing company. Unflattering, down-to-earth reports and descriptions of the Siamese royals is also a plus.

For reliable, accurate description of times before Thonburi (ie. Ayutthaya, Sukhothai, Lanna, etc.) - I have no idea. Just one advice: avoid Thai literature! Yes, it's that bad. Let me tell you this anecdote to show you how backwards they are:

There were two professors, a Farang and a Thai, researching the times of King Ramkamhaeng of Sukhothai. They stumbled into evidence that questioned the authencity of the fabled Ramkamhaeng Stone. When they published their findings, it caused such an uproar, that the two poor fellows were nearly stoned! Demonstrations organized, effigies burned, etc.

Crowds demanded the repatriation of the distinguished Farang professor who's been in Thailand for around three decades; they also called for the resignation of the Thai professor, whose professorship was revoked, if I recall it correctly.

So there you are.