Thailand and World War II

Direk Jayanama was Deputy Prime Minister in 1941 when Thailand was forced to allow Japanese troops safe passage through Thai territory on their way to attack Singapore. In early 1942 he reluctantly became Thai Ambassador to Japan, and after his return to Thailand in 1943 played a significant role in the Free Thai movement. Based largely on his diaries, Thailand and World War II provides a unique, first-hand account of Thailand's diplomatic, military, and economic history between 1938 and 1948. Jane Keyes lives in Seattle.