REVIEW
The unofficial court jester of Modernising Siam
An unusual, revealing and entertaining account of a controversial figure in Thai history
- Published: 7 Jan 2013 at 00.00
- Newspaper section: Life
He claimed that his only aim was "to benefit the royalty, my country, and the Buddhist religion." But many others, especially those in power, thought he was a nut and a "Man of Great Nuisance to Society".
THE MAN WHO ACCUSED THE KING OF KILLING A FISH The Biography of Narin Phasit of Siam 1874-1950 by Peter Koret Silkworm Books, Chiang Mai ISBN 978-616-215-043-2 725 baht
In 1909, Narin Phasit has risen from commoner origins to become governor of a province at the young age of 35 _ no mean feat in the absolutist era. Discovering the province riven with banditry, he proposes a campaign of suppression. His superiors oppose him vehemently. He defies them, succeeds spectacularly and is rewarded with a medal and royal audience.
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