Thailand and Japan's southern advance, 1940-1945 / E. Bruce Reynolds.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Reynolds, E. Bruce.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

International relations.

Japan--Foreign relations--Thailand.

Japan.

Thailand--Foreign relations--Japan.

Thailand.

World War, 1939-1945--Southeast Asia.

World War, 1939-1945.

Physical Description:

xvi, 334 pages : maps ; 22 cm

Place of Publication:

New York : St. Martin's Press, 1994.

Summary:

The crises that marked the dramatic expansion of Japanese rule over Asia posed unique problems for Thailand. The only independent country in Southeast Asia, Thailand was clearly too weak to withstand Japan, but, as a sovereign state, it had the great advantage that it could not be "liberated" by the Japanese military in the same manner as the European and American colonies. The abilities that had proven so vital in fending off British and French imperialism were also to be essential in dealing with Japan. This fascinating study, based on Japanese, Thai, and English language sources - including the Office of Strategic Services files and MAGIC intercepts - examines the circumstances and strategies that led Thailand into a wartime alliance with Japan, Tokyo's efforts to integrate Thailand into the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere, and Thai maneuvers to resist Japan's embrace. Finally, it explains how, during the latter stages of the war, the Thai were able to maintain relations with the Japanese while surreptitiously establishing links with the Allies.

Contents:

1. Japanese-Thai Relations from Ayutthaya to the New Siam 1

2. Phibun and the Japanese, 1938-1941 25

3. A War of Nerves 53

4. The Moment of Truth 81

5. A Squandered Opportunity 113

6. Japan's New Deal for Asia 141

7. The Downfall of Phibun 169

8. The Tense Final Months 199.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages [297]-310) and index.

ISBN:

0312104022

OCLC:

28505231