The story of how Thailand's royals managed to get the BBC to broadcast a palace propaganda film — and why it's still the most remarkable and revealing documentary ever made about the monarchy
One more comment: This all took place about about 5 years before I spent two years in Thailand, and the whole crazy story brings back memories. Of course I was very young and we had no internet (or even TV in the house) back in those days. Therefore my only access to news about the king was through gossip and propaganda before each movie at the movie theatre. One Farang friend of mine did have an audience with one of the princesses (who called on her because of a common hobby), and reported that she was totally friendly and normal. It was emphasized to me that the king was very Western. As for the crown prince (I had no idea what his name was or even what he looked like as no one displayed pictures of him), I was told by a Thai in a whisper that he was a "very bad man" and would never become king. The whole time I was in Thailand, there was a fear of our mail being read, such that even in letters we spoke in code if we had anything negative to say about the government. I was on high alert at all times not to do any of the taboo things like lick a stamp (with a picture of the king on it). I jumped to attention in theatres and stood still for the national anthem. I started to internalize all the reverance for King Bhumibol even as I knew how illiberal it was. I thought to myself, I will never be able to explain to friends at home why I am doing this thing that felt both right and wrong at the same time (showing respect to a king). I was actually quite relieved to come home. I'd had enough of Thailand after two years.
Amazing story, with so many shocking documents uncovered. The cabal about the king's desire to present his side of the story with regard to the Thammasat massacre and subsequent coup, could be a story in itself. I was a little puzzled when I heard in the documentary that the palace "adopted" commoner children (where are these little princes and princesses today?) Your framing it as grabbing pets is something to consider. Do the people have the power to turn down any "request" from the king and queen? It's therefore nonconsensual. I seem to recall that Kim Kardasian from the US tried to adopt a child they instantly fell in love with, and in that case were gently rebuked for not considering that the child, despite being poor, might already have parents and prefer to stay with them. Also your writing was excellent. Loved the description of Ms. Winter's convoluted "epiphany" leading to the origins of this film.
I don't think the king and queen come across as badly as you believe. I think your impression is skewed by your knowledge of them. It's funny how Winter and the royals didn't seem to realise how long and dull the documentary would be to someone not infatuated with the royal family. It doesn't serve as very good propaganda if people turn over after 10 minutes.
It was fascinating to hear Vajiralongkorn speak though. He sounds like Anthony Hopkins's Hannibal Lecter XD. 'If you want to ask a fish what it feels like to be a fish, maybe you should go and ask them' could be the line of a Bond villain XD
One more comment: This all took place about about 5 years before I spent two years in Thailand, and the whole crazy story brings back memories. Of course I was very young and we had no internet (or even TV in the house) back in those days. Therefore my only access to news about the king was through gossip and propaganda before each movie at the movie theatre. One Farang friend of mine did have an audience with one of the princesses (who called on her because of a common hobby), and reported that she was totally friendly and normal. It was emphasized to me that the king was very Western. As for the crown prince (I had no idea what his name was or even what he looked like as no one displayed pictures of him), I was told by a Thai in a whisper that he was a "very bad man" and would never become king. The whole time I was in Thailand, there was a fear of our mail being read, such that even in letters we spoke in code if we had anything negative to say about the government. I was on high alert at all times not to do any of the taboo things like lick a stamp (with a picture of the king on it). I jumped to attention in theatres and stood still for the national anthem. I started to internalize all the reverance for King Bhumibol even as I knew how illiberal it was. I thought to myself, I will never be able to explain to friends at home why I am doing this thing that felt both right and wrong at the same time (showing respect to a king). I was actually quite relieved to come home. I'd had enough of Thailand after two years.
Amazing story, with so many shocking documents uncovered. The cabal about the king's desire to present his side of the story with regard to the Thammasat massacre and subsequent coup, could be a story in itself. I was a little puzzled when I heard in the documentary that the palace "adopted" commoner children (where are these little princes and princesses today?) Your framing it as grabbing pets is something to consider. Do the people have the power to turn down any "request" from the king and queen? It's therefore nonconsensual. I seem to recall that Kim Kardasian from the US tried to adopt a child they instantly fell in love with, and in that case were gently rebuked for not considering that the child, despite being poor, might already have parents and prefer to stay with them. Also your writing was excellent. Loved the description of Ms. Winter's convoluted "epiphany" leading to the origins of this film.
I don't think the king and queen come across as badly as you believe. I think your impression is skewed by your knowledge of them. It's funny how Winter and the royals didn't seem to realise how long and dull the documentary would be to someone not infatuated with the royal family. It doesn't serve as very good propaganda if people turn over after 10 minutes.
It was fascinating to hear Vajiralongkorn speak though. He sounds like Anthony Hopkins's Hannibal Lecter XD. 'If you want to ask a fish what it feels like to be a fish, maybe you should go and ask them' could be the line of a Bond villain XD
Welcome back! That's great background. This has popped up in my YT recommendations but the long run time put me off. I'll have to set aside some time
please Thai language 🙏🏻
The documentary is available on youtube :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v28koYsdy38&t=328s