Figure 1.--With the death of King Prajadhipok, the crown then passed to the King's nephew--Ananda Mahidol. He was just a boy at the time. The National Assembly recognized as king (March 1935). He was a 9-year-old boy going to school in Switzerland. This meant that at a time when World War II was approaching, the monarchy was unable to influence public policy. Here we ee the young king dressed in a sailior suit. Hr looks to be about 10 year old.

With the death of King Prajadhipok, the crown then passed to the King's nephew--Ananda Mahidol. He was just a boy at the time. The National Assembly recognized as king (March 1935). He was a 9-year-old boy going to school in Switzerland. This meant that at a time when World War II was approaching, the monarchy was unable to influence public policy. The military led by Defence Minister Major General Phibun at first cooperated with civilian liberals led by Pridi as Foreign Minister. They worked together for a while. General Phibun became prime minister (December 1938). He ended cooperation with civilian politicans and moved toward a more obvious military dictatorship. He admired Benito Mussolini, more than Hitler. The Phiburn Government as a result took on some Fascist trappings. Phibun ordered the arrest of 40 political opponents (early 1939). They included both monarchists and democrats. And after predetermined public show trials, 18 men were executed. These were the first political executions in the country for over a century. Many others, includiung Prince Damrong and Phraya Songsuradej, were exiled. Phibun also launched a xneophobic campaign against the Chinese minority who dominated the country's business sector. He ordered Chinese schools and newspapers closed. He increased taxes on Chinese businesses. Thailand became a Japanese ally during World War II and adhered to the Axis. They supported the Japanese war effort, but with a few exceoptions did not take an active role in the fighting. Japanese troops attacking Burma were allowed to move through Thailnd as well as supplies. The King returned to Thailand after the War (December 1945). He was by all accounts popular with the Thai peope. Some onservers believe his heart was not in being king. Living in Switzerland for more than decade would not seem to be the best peparation for being king. The King only 6 months later was found shot dead in his bed (June 1946). It was initially beieved to have been a tragic accident. Medical examiners subsequently ruled it a murder. Authiorities arrested three royal pages. They were tried under irregular conditions, found guilty, and quickly execured. The young King's mysterious death has been the subject of much controversy in Thailand.

Created: 10:17 AM 2/17/2013
Last updated: 10:17 AM 2/17/2013