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Thailand Phibun and the Nationalist Regime
The promoters, both civilian and military, had given their
political movement a nationalist label, but unanimity among them
went no further than acceptance of the official ideology.
Although it was essential for the stability of any cabinet that
they work together, relations between the civilian and military
factions steadily deteriorated as more civil offices went to
military personnel. Sensing a tendency toward military rule that
he could no longer contain, Phahon retired in December 1938.
Phibun took office as prime minister, with his rival, Pridi, as
finance minister.
The Phibun regime sold nationalism to the public by using
propaganda methods borrowed from authoritarian regimes in Europe,
and nationalism was equated with Westernization. To make clear to
the world--in Phibun's words--that the country belonged to the
Thai, in 1939 the name of the country was officially changed to
Muang Thai (Land of the Free), or Thailand. That same year Pridi
introduced his "Thailand for the Thai" economic plan, which
levied heavy taxes on foreign-owned businesses, the majority of
them Chinese, while offering state subsidies to Thai-owned
enterprises. The government encouraged the Thai to emulate
European fashions, decreeing, for example, that shoes and hats be
worn in public. Betel chewing was prohibited, and opium addicts
were prosecuted and, if Chinese, deported.
Although nationalism was equated with Westernization, it was
not pro-Western, either politically or culturally. Thai
Christians, especially those in government service, as well as
Muslims, suffered official discrimination. The clear inference of
government statements was that only Buddhists could be Thai
patriots. At its source Thai nationalism was anti-Chinese in
character. Regulations were enacted to check Chinese immigration
and to reserve for the Thai numerous occupations that had
formerly been held predominantly by Chinese.
Phibun's nationalist regime also revived irredentist claims,
stirring up anti-French sentiment and supporting restoration of
former Thai territories in Cambodia and Laos. Seeking support
against France, Phibun cultivated closer relations with Japan.
The Thai nationalists looked to Japan as the model of an Asian
country that had used Western methods and technology to achieve
rapid modernization. As Thailand confronted the French in
Indochina, the Thai looked to Japan as the only Asian country to
challenge the European powers successfully. Although the Thai
were united in their demand for the return of the lost provinces,
Phibun's enthusiasm for the Japanese was markedly greater than
that of Pridi, and many old conservatives as well viewed the
course of the prime minister's foreign policy with misgivings.
Data as of September 1987
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