The Free Thai Movement was a Thai underground resistance movement against Imperial Japan during World War II. Seri Thai were an important source of military intelligence for the Allies in the region.
M.L. Karb Kunjara (second from left) with American and Chinese military officers during his Free Thai operations in China.
From the front row left to right: Police General Adun Adundetcharat, Ambassador Seni Pramoj and future Prime Minister Pridi Phanomyong
Free Thais who received the Medal of Freedom in 1945. From left to right: Air Chief Marshal Dawee Chullasapya, Major General Boonmark Tesabutr, Commander Vimol Viriyavidh, Piset Pattaphongs, M.C. Yuthisatien Sawadivatana, M.L. Ekachai Kumpoo, Anond Srivardhana, Dr. Sala Tsanond, Air Marshal Sith Savetsila, Umnuay Poonpipatana, Udomsak Pasavanij, Kusa Punyarchun, Somjit Yos-sunthorn.
Japanese invasion of Thailand
The Japanese invasion of Thailand occurred on 8 December 1941. It was briefly fought between the Kingdom of Thailand and the Empire of Japan. Despite fierce fighting in Southern Thailand, the fighting lasted only five hours before ending in a ceasefire. Thailand and Japan then formed an alliance making Thailand part of the Axis alliance until the end of World War II.
Thai Prime Minister Plaek Phibunsongkhram
No. 1 Squadron RAAF Lockheed Hudsons at Kota Bharu in 1941
HTMS Matchanu and Wirun at Kobe Port
Thai Junior Soldiers ("'Yuwachon Thahan"), along with the 38th Infantry Battalion and Provincial Police of Chumphon, fought the Imperial Japanese Army at Tha Nang Sang Bridge, Chumphon Province, on 8 December 1941.
