by Chris Baker (Author), Chris Baker (Author), Pridi Banomyong (Author), Pasuk Phongpaichit (Author)
Pridi Banomyong (1900-83) was one of the greatest figures in twentieth-century Thailand. At the age of just twenty-seven, he started the movement which led to the 1932 revolution against Thailand's absolute monarchy. Through the 1930s, he introduced a wide range of reforms in law, local administration, economic policy, and foreign affairs. During the Second World War, he formed the Seri Thai resistance movement against the Japanese occupation. After the war, he served briefly as prime minister and became deeply involved in the politics of the Asian region during decolonization. From 1947 onwards, Pridi was opposed by US-backed militarists who seized power by coup, murdered his associates, overturned many of his liberal reforms, and established dictatorial rule. In 1949 he fled into exile and never returned.
Pridi by Pridi contains nineteen selections from Pridi's writings, speeches, and interviews which focus on his personal background and his active political career from 1932 to 1949. They include a new translation of the outline economic plan of 1932, which still excites controversy today. They also include first-ever English translations of Pridi's most important writings about the 1932 revolution, the Seri Thai movement, the monarchy, and his contemporaries.
Format: Paperback
Pages: 295
Publisher: Silkworm Books Includes the first English translations of writings, speeches, and interviews by one of the greatest figures in 20th-century Thailand.
Published: 01 Aug 2000
ISBN 10: 9747551357
ISBN 13: 9789747551358
Book Overview: