Invisible Enemy in 1937-1945 : Citizen’s Sickness in Modern Thai Literary work
Keywords:
Modern Thai Literary work, Disease, TuberculosisAbstract
Abstract
This article aims to study presentations of pictures showing citizen’s sickness as a result of diseases during 1937 - 1945. The study is basedon pictures of some Thai important contemporary literatures. As a result of the study it is found that Thai society faced with germs and serious diseases, especially tuberculosis which was an important disease. Besides, there were some other diseases that killed people’s lives. Apart from having the diseases mentioned in social and medical history,it is stated in many Thai contemporary literatures such as Ying Kon Chua (Bad Woman), Khang Lang Phap (Behind the Painting), Panthipa, etc. Such sickness pictures of people represent state and its public health as well as state’s support to people’s health. If the people are weak, national strength is affected. Therefore, citizen’s sickness is one kind of “Invisible Enemy” that the state must urgently suppress so as to strengthen national strength in addition to other policies to boost nationalism.