What happens
The Pacific Story traces Thailand's history of independence and its loss to Japan during World War II. It opens with Luang Pibul Songgram, the Thai leader who rose to power in the 1930s with methods resembling Hitler's, and his decision to ally Thailand with Japan against the United States and Britain. The program then looks back through the centuries: the legendary hero Phra Ruang, the arrival of European and American envoys at the Siamese court, and the reforms of King Chulalongkorn. It follows Siam's careful diplomacy during World War I and the 1932 revolt that ended absolute monarchy and brought Luang Pibul to the fore. Presented by the National Broadcasting Company in December 1943.
Thailand (Siam) and the Pacific region, from the legendary past to World War II
Characters: Luang Pibul Songgram, Phra Ruang, King Chulalongkorn, King Prajadhipok, Smith, Mr. Balestier, Mr. Stewartridge, King Rama VI
Listen for: The account of how Luang Pibul rose to power and aligned Thailand with Japan, and the historical episodes of Siam's diplomacy and independence
Written from the episode itself; it never gives away the ending. Every recording is remastered for the stream: cleaned of rumble, hiss and mains hum (and the old TV whine where we found it), then levelled in two passes to steady broadcast loudness, so one show is never quieter than the next.