The director of a film commissioned by the junta has defended a scene depicting smiling students painting a lovely portrait of Adolf Hitler.
Although Hitler’s cameo in a film series commissioned by Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha to promote his “12 Thai Values” seemed likely an act of defiance, its director said he “didn’t think it would be an issue.”
READ: In Prayuth’s ‘Thai Values,’ school children love painting Hitler
“I didn’t think it would be an issue … I have seen so many people using it on T-Shirts everywhere. It’s even considered a fashion. It doesn’t mean I agree with it, but I didn’t expect it to be an issue at all,” Director Kulp Kaljaruek was quoted in an interview with Khaosod English.
In the video, which reportedly is intended to promote the value of “democracy,” wholesome looking children smile as they put the final touches on a glorious painting of Hitler with his arm raised into a fist beneath a large swastika wreathed with laurels. Not bad work given the children appear to be about 9.
Kulp says it was his artistic license to use Hitler to portray the boy’s “spoiled” character. Like he’s a little Hitler, who “always gets his way.” Just like a Thai schoolchild version of the architect of the systematic murder of millions of people. Well that explains that.
Khaosod English also prized another insightful quote from Prayuth’s spokesman. Col. Sansern Kaewkumnerd, who without having seen the film offered his take:
“If I were to make an uneducated guess,” he said, “it may have been intended to say that democracy has good and bad sides.”
Related:
In Prayuth’s ‘Thai Values,’ school children love painting Hitler
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Former education minister: Kids need to study more Hitler, history in general
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Nein! KFC threatens lawsuit against non-existent Hitler fried chicken restaurant
