Khana Ratsadorn and the use of propaganda movies after the Boworadet Rebellion

Abstract

The Boworadet Rebellion was an important factor urging Khana Ratsadorn to use more defiant policies against King Prajadhipok, and resulting in the king’s abdication in 1935.

The rebellion also led to an increasing role of the military in Thai politics. By having to compromise with Prajadhipok, the revolution of 1932 did not democratize Siam. Rather, Khana Ratsadorn still consented to the king to maintain his role in politics and the armed forces. However, the reconciliation was devastated by the Baworadet Rebellion, which was supported by the royalists. After the end and defeat of the rebellion, Khana Ratsadorn surely realized that they could control the armed forces and that Prajadhipok neither had the vigorous military power nor was he obeyed by all of the soldiers. Therefore, it was a golden opportunity to eliminate Prajadhipok's influence and power in the armed forces and also potentiate the military power and gave a role to the soldiers who were members of Khana Ratsadorn, particularly Phibunsongkram. Khana Ratsadorn began by using antagonistic policies to diminish the power and role of the king. In this context, the films became one of the most important apparatuses that Khana Ratsadorn used to persuade people to support the revolution and the armed forces.

Keywords: Khana Ratsadorn, Film, Boworadet Rebellion