Lessons from history

Can a conflict that took place almost 250 years really have relevance to the lives of today’s Thais?

Graphic designer Kerati Wannalertsiri believes it not only can but does. He compares the Burmese siege of Ayutthaya in 1765 to the current “wars”, both economic and political, being waged against modern Thailand from without – the global economic crisis – and within – the red and yellow shirts.

He explains the Burmese sacking of the ancient Siamese capital in his seven-minute video “The Fall of Ayutthaya”, which has gone viral on social media.

“I think all young people in this social media era are interested in politics but most of us refrain from criticising what we don’t like as we’ll be categorised as supporters of the other side. In fact, most of us are neutral in our views,” says the 23-year-old.

A graduate in architecture from King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Lat Krabang, he submitted the video clip, which uses graphics and animation to detail the historical war and compares the political situation at that time with circumstances today, for his thesis. At the time, he says, he hoped it could be used as a teaching tool in history classes but now realises that not too many students are interested in delving deeper into Thailand’s past to learn about its present.

“Yet history teaches us so such,” he says. “It shows us that unless we unite, we cannot beat a common enemy.”

“The Fall of Ayutthaya” was picked up last June by the Thailand Creative and Design Centre for the ninth edition of its annual Ploy Seang project, which provides support for new graduates as they take their first steps towards their dream careers. It received critical feedback from the exhibition and went public in November. But it wasn’t until last month that it made its appearance on Facebook and quickly went viral.

“I’ve loved drawing since I was a child. While I was at primary school, I used to draw pictures after class while I was waiting from my father to pick me up,” he recalls.

“But it wasn’t until I had the opportunity to go to the US as a Grade 5 exchange student that I realised just how valuable my drawing skills could be. I was incredibly lonely for the first few weeks but when I did a portrait of one of my classmates, suddenly everyone wanted one and I quickly became the most popular boy in class! That made me realise just how much I loved drawing so when I came back to Thailand, I decided to study art.”

Kerati credits his freedom of thinking to the way he was raised. Born into a middle class family, he was allowed to do what he wanted provided he had a good reason, wasn’t extravagant and didn’t exceed his power.

While at university, he became involved in his faculty’s drama group and was chosen by his peers to act as producer of their plays.

“I love literature,” he says with a smile, adding “And I enjoy going to the movies too. I particularly like dramas, such as “The Queen”, “Le Vie En Rose” and “Memories of Matsuko”.

He doesn’t approve of Thailand’s censors banning films, pointing out that the rating system works well in managing what movies are suitable for different age group. “Most of the time, the public doesn’t know why the censors have chosen to ban a certain movie. Bans are not the answer.”

While proud of “The Fall of Ayutthaya” and pleased at its success, Kerati says he’s not so keen on the teasing he’s endured from his friends about his fame.

“I’m much more careful to think before I speak,” he says. “I don’t want people repeating what I say as gospel. It’s the same with posting video clips. Some do well while others fail. But I really don’t think that people who like one video clip should praise it to death while abusing one they don’t like. Surely it makes more sense to offer constructive criticism so that its creator can work on developing it.”

He also believes that given their interest in politics, adults should not be so quick to label the opinions of young people as espousing one side or the other.

“We may not have a say in politics but we do show our concerns for society in tangible ways,” he says. “I have friends who ride bicycles to work to promote a low carbon society. Others donate money and goods to the disabled or those affected by flooding. Youth networks don’t receive a lot of publicity but they do a great deal to help.”