These developments were followed in May 1942 by the introduction of a new simplified form of spelling that was designed to facilitate learning . Although this reform seemed to make good deal of sense in strict pedagogical terms, it was not well received among certain sections of the educated public: some critics charged that the whole body of the nation's literature would be lost to future generations while a number of well-known authors and newspapermen ceased writing altogether in protest. Since the idea lacked real support outside the state leadership, it was not surprising that as soon as Phibun relinquished power in July 1944, the new system was abandoned and the old spelling reintroduced. Once again, as had been the case earlier when Mongkut and Vajiravudh tried to initiate linguistic change, a conscious attempt on the part of the state to reform the language proved unsuccessful .