Watch the BBC’s “Soul of the Nation” interviews with the Thai King

A fascinating glimpse into the “Soul of the Nation” in this BBC documentary from the 1980’s that has some rare footage of HM The King talking with a BBC reporter in English. A must watch if you have never seen before.  It is in two parts. This one was recently posted on youtube and lasts 23 minutes.

UPDATE: Someone else has also uploaded more complete versions of the documentary onto youtube.

Soul of a Nation (Part 1) – 1 hour and 14 minutes
Soul of a Nation (Part 2) – 38 minutes

The following information about the documentary was posted by the FCCT: “As a piece of history, it is certainly unique as BBC reporter David Lomax put question after question to Thailand’s beloved monarch as they sat together on the floor at Chitlada Palace. The questions were not always welcomed, but they were always answered. Soul of a Nation is a rare opportunity to hear directly from His Majesty the King, the world’s longest reigning living monarch, his views on the monarchy in general and the Buddhist ideal of the Devi Raj, his own role in modern Thai history, and about subjects never before openly discussed, including the tragic shooting death of his elder brother, Rama VIII.”

7 thoughts on “Watch the BBC’s “Soul of the Nation” interviews with the Thai King

  • April 4, 2013 at 12:11 am
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    Thankm you for posting the links to these episodes.

    I found them fascinating pieces of history, particularly given that they were created quite close after the Thammasat University incident.

    On the second episode it seems the episode has been cut short, specifically half way through the interviewer’s question that I think says “…your son’s hanging effigy…” and then it ends.

    Do you know where I can find the complete second episode please>

    Reply
  • November 19, 2012 at 8:15 am
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    Greetings Richard. Thank you for this amazing documentary. I’m a professor and thoroughly appreciate this gesture of yours to put up the links to the documentary. I hope to show this to my students. However, I noticed in part II, there are only 38 minutes worth of footage, with the ending abruptly cut off. Is there a part III that is the conclusion to this documentary? Thank you so much.

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  • August 22, 2012 at 12:42 am
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    Thank you for showing this. It is so great.
    I love the king of Thailand, the way he work. He is the giver and the care. I deeply know he worked so hard and work all his life and also his family.
    I like the VDO a lot. I shared to all my Thai friend in Germany and FB.

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  • June 29, 2012 at 12:02 am
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    Thank you very much for sharing the most valuable footage of our (I’m Thai) beloved King and Queen. It’s a great pleasure and joy to watch. Thank you.

    Reply
  • May 18, 2012 at 11:06 pm
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    Many thanks for this, and the links.
    I fell in love with the country and its people 10 years ago, and this helps me update my studies of the history and culture. I’m sure my (Thai) wife will enjoy seeing her beloved king in his younger days too . . . .

    Reply
  • May 15, 2012 at 3:19 pm
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    Outstanding – also “The Soul of a Nation”.
    As I lived and worked in Thailand from 1953 to 1979 I would like to know if these are available as DVDs from
    you. Thank you for a fine job.

    Reply

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