Thai junta chief gives thumbs-up to Orwell’s ‘Animal Farm’
BANGKOK — The late British writer and social critic George Orwell appears to be back in the good graces of Thailand’s military ruler after a spell in the doghouse five years ago.
Deputy government spokesman Werachon Sukondhapatipak, summing up Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha’s political thoughts as the country prepares to install a new elected government, said his boss recommended reading the Thai edition of “Animal Farm,” ”which is a book that leaves important lessons on how to live life.”
Prayuth’s plug on Wednesday for “Animal Farm” reflected a more positive view of Orwell’s work than the military had right after he seized power in a May 2014 coup. Protesters comparing military rule to the fictional dystopia of Orwell’s “1984” held silent protests by reading the book in public places and were dragged off.
The publicity caused sales of the Thai edition to jump, with the publisher then printing a new edition. The effect on sales of Prayuth’s new recommendation was not immediately clear.