The Greater East Asia War : Memories of the People of Ban Bu and the Pakklong Bangkok Noi Community

Abstract

This article examines the lives of the people of Ban Bu and the Pakklong Bangkok Noi (mouth of the Bangkok Noi canal) community during the Greater East Asia War (1941–1945). They were greatly and adversely affected by the war because they lived close in proximity to the Bangkok Noi Railway Station, which was occupied by the Japanese army forces, and was subsequently one of the prime targets of the Allied forces' bombing. The study recorded their memories through oral accounts, which is one way to elicit historical evidence that was not written down. These records are supplemented by maps, photographs, other locally written accounts such as biographies, memoires and documents produced during the war time, official records, books and related articles and research studies. Moreover, a survey of the area was conducted. The study helps us to understand life in that area during the war. The local history approach of this study helps record and preserve the memory of important everyday events of the past.