War and Peace

In September 1939, war broke out in Europe, but for most Thais, this event held little importance. Thailand announced a policy of neutrality, which was respected. On December 7, 1941, the Japanese sent an ultimatum to the Pibul Administration. Japan wanted to cooperate with Thailand in exchange for the right to move troops and equipment across Thailand. The following day, Japanese troops moved into Thai territory and resistance was put up by some This garrisons. Pibul retuned and ordered a ceasefire. A military pact was signed between Thailand and Japan on December 21, 1941. On January 25, 1942, Thailand declared war on the United States and Britain. Why did Pibul wanted to ally with Japan? Pibul was a long-time admirer of the Japanese. He saw the change in the balance of power that came with emergent Japan and how Thailand could benefit from it. Pibul also saw alliance with Japan as an opportunity to secure lost territories. Japan offered to return territories in North Malaya, lost to Britain in 1909. Pibul could not resist the temptation. Popularity of Pibul soared as early Japanese victories led to restoration of Thai control over some states of Malaya and Burma. On August 15th, Japan surrendered. The government of Khuang Apaiwong resigned. Thailand tried to repair ties with the Allies. In January 1947, Thailand was accepted into the United Nations.