Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Bangkokians mistake Hollywood-Hired tanks

Bangkokians mistake Hollywood-Hired tanks

Bangkokians mistake Hollywood-Hired tanks

BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) - Tanks and troops appeared on the streets of Bangkok,

sparking fears that yet another military coup was being staged, local newspapers

reported on Dec. 14.

But the military deployment Dec. 13 turned out to be Hollywood hiring Thais to recreate

the Vietnam War.

The Bangkok Post reported that startled motorists around the Royal Plaza-a focus

of military action in coups past-telephoned to inquire whether another power grab

was under way.

Six tanks, 10 military trucks and about 2,000 Thai extras were hired for a scene

from "Heaven and Earth," directed by Oliver Stone. The movie tells the

real life story of a Vietnamese woman caught up in the war.

Stone, a Vietnam War combat veteran, is the director of several popular films including

"Wall Street," "JFK" and the award-winning Vietnam movie "Platoon."

Most of the shooting for "Heaven and Earth" has been done on the Thai resort

island of Phuket. A section of the capital was used to recreate a typical Vietnamese

urban scene.

The Royal Plaza, around which several 19th and early 20th century buildings are set,

was used to recreate Saigon, the capital of what was once South Vietnam.

Military coups have plagued Thailand since 1932 when absolute monarchy was abolished.

Many have been bloodless and consisted of a show of force, often tanks rumbling through

the streets of Bangkok.

Last May, the military gunned down pro-democracy demonstrators during four days of

street violence. The protests led to the ouster of a military strongman and democratic

elections.

MOST VIEWED

  • 12th Cambodia int’l film festival to see return of Hollywood star

    Phnom Penh is set to come alive with the magic of cinema as the highly anticipated 12th Cambodia International Film Festival (CIFF) takes centre stage. Boasting an impressive line-up of 188 films from 23 countries, including captivating shorts, feature films, documentaries and animation, the festival promises an

  • Bareknuckle champion wants Kun Khmer fighter

    Dave Leduc, who is the current openweight Lethwei boxing champion in Myanmar, has announced that he will travel to Cambodia this year to challenge SEA Games gold medallist Prum Samnang any time that is convenient, after their planned match later this month in Slovakia was

  • Struggling Battambang artist dreams of staging full-scale gallery exhibition

    Leav Kimchhoth, a 55-year-old artist from Battambang province, is a familiar face to locals and tourists alike on the streets of the riverside in Phnom Penh. The one-armed painter and illustrator often hawks his work near the night market on weekends and public holidays. He

  • Fresh Covid warnings as Thai hospital fills

    A senior health official reminds the public to remain vigilant, as neighbouring countries experience an increase in Covid-19 cases, with the latest surge appearing to be a result of the Omicron XBB.1.5 sub-variant. Or Vandine, secretary of state and spokeswoman for the Ministry of Health,

  • New Law on Taxation comes into effect

    Cambodia has enacted the eagerly-awaited new Law on Taxation, which aims to improve the national tax regime’s compliance with present and future international standards and economic conditions; encourage accountability, effectiveness and transparency in the collection process; and promote investment in the Kingdom. King Norodom

  • PM warns of int’l election interference

    With the national election scheduled to take place in less than two months, Prime Minister Hun Sen has warned foreign nations and their diplomats not to interfere into Cambodia’s domestic affairs. He also hinted that their statements on court verdicts handed down to any