Thai Government and the Problem about Korean Prisoners of War after the End of the Second World War
Keywords:
Prisoners of War (POW), Thai Government, Allies, Korean, Second World WarAbstract
The status of Korean Prisoners of War (POWs) after the Second World War differed from that of Japanese soldiers, and also Allied soldiers who had been POWs of the Japanese Army. Japanese soldiers and civilians were recognized by the Thai government and the Allies as defeated combatants and were treated as prisoners. Allied Dutch, Australian and British soldiers and civilians, who were captured and used by the Japanese Armed Forces as coolies, were viewed as victors. Hence, these former POWs were treated kindly, with the Government providing as many necessities of life as possible and following their demands. The status of Korean POWs, however, was vague. On the one hand, Koreans were also the victims of the invasion of the Japanese Empire. On the other hand, many Korean soldiers stationed with the Japanese Armed Forces were war criminals wanted by the Allies. Moreover, some Koreans, although not charged as war criminals, supported and admired the Japanese Empire, while another group loathed and resisted it. Nevertheless, they had to spend their lives together in concentration camps in Thailand until repatriation to Korea in 1946. Therefore, the living conditions of Koreans in Thailand after the end of the Second World War were very complex, reflecting the policy of the Thai government towards them.
References
ภาษาไทย
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