Luang Wichit and the Consolidation of the New order 1933-38 regard to the present, their historical knowledge was limited to a virtually singular vi of the Thai pas view, it should be remem- bered, that Damrong and Wichit had shaped and put in place. Given Wichit's historical dramas were conceived as an ideal means for projecting particular views and eliciting certain sentiments which transcended the divisions within contemporary Thai society. The remainder of this chapter looks at a number of these plays which will be examined more closely and discussed in relation to the broader context in which they were produced. Laa'at Suphan The first of Wichit's historical musical dramas, Luat Suphan rThe Blood of Suphan], appeared in August 1936. The basic outline of the play which is set in the Ayuthayan period 0350-1767 during one of the Thai-Burmese wars, is as follows: Suphan (Suphanburi), in central Siam, is invaded by the Burmese and the population is forced to work for the conquerors. Mangrai, a Burmese officer, is a man of compassion wishing to treat the subjugated Thais fairly. He comes to the aid of a young woman, Duangchan, and her parents who are being abused by Mangratho, one of his fellow officers. Although enemies in war, Mangrai and Duangchan find they are attracted to each other, and he offers to free her and her parents. She refuses, however, telling him she could never abandon her people just to save herself. Eventually, he decides to allow the captive Thais to escape, and although Duangchan begs to remain with him, Mangrai urges her to flee, hopeful that they will meet again in more peaceful times. Shortly after Duangchan's departure, the Burmese commanders, led by Mangrai's father hold an investigation into the escape of the Thais. In the course of these investigations, Mangrai admits he is responsible for releasing the captives and is sentenced to death. At the same time, Mangrathos mistreatment of Duangchan and her parents is revealed and he is immediately executed. Just before Mangrai is to suffer the same fate, Duangchan returns to plead for his life, but her appeal is refused and he too is put to death. Duangchan is released and she leaves in search of the villagers who have hidden in the jungle. On the way she comes across the bodies of her parents who have been killed by Mangrathos men in revenge for his death. Duangchan is enraged, and on meeting up with the survivors of Suphan calls on them to join her to attack the Burmese. The people follow her into battle