Thieves’ attempt to erase history has backfired
I was upset that PM Prayut Chan-o-cha treated the stolen memorial plaque like a manhole cover, saying, “It’s not all that important.” Not important? To me, it is tantamount to the US flag on the moon being replaced by a Chinese one and President Trump shrugging and saying, “Just a flag.”
Nonetheless, there is a bright side to everything. The disappearance has stirred public interest in the significance of the plaque, when and why it was mounted there and by whom. The more the authorities mimic Sergeant Schultz of the sitcom “Hogan’s Heroes” – “I know nothing! Nothing!” – the more attention the plaque generates. Social media are now overwhelmed with comments, angry words, discussions and articles on the 1932 revolution and on the almost-forgotten Khana Ratsadon, a group of Thais who uprooted the absolute monarchy. Thais are now curious about the revolution like never before, all thanks to PM Prayut.
Meanwhile, I’m afraid that we are never going to see the original plaque again. I’m sure it’s already been melted down and cast into a spittoon or toilet seat or some such stuff, as part of a voodoo spell to subdue the ghost of Khana Ratsadon.
Somsak Pola
Samut Prakan
