Siam: Margaret on "The Pakai Affair"

Siam: Margaret on "The Pakai Affair"

Margaret tells the story of "The Pakai Affair". It started when Margaret spent the year battling some health issues and couldn't fulfill her responsibilities at the school. Her illness became part of the plan of Bertha Blount, one of "the villain[s] in the piece." Bertha's ward, Pakai, had been appointed head teacher of the Anokul Safri School two days before Margaret was reappointed headmistress. Margaret was not consulted in any way. Pakai was a woman who led a very immoral life, of Margaret's age, and had several lovers. Margaret found it extremely unpleasant working with Pakai. There seemed to be a stone wall in Pakai's heart. When Margaret was in Nakhon, a woman came to her with the most shocking story about Pakai and her immoral actions. Margaret began to take action about the issue, and when she had enough evidence about Pakai and confirmation from other people, she decided to act quickly to avoid the government closing the school due to the immorality of the head teacher. She arranged to have Pakai sent away for a time and someone else was put in charge of the school. Pakai's belongings were collected and shipped to her. She never came back. This incident that involved Pakai was crucial in the life and future of the school. But once in Bangkok, Pakai managed to persuade Mrs. McFarland and Paul Eakin that she was innocent and dismissed unjustly, and that her name was dishonored. Rev. Kru Plueng (of Bangkok) and Paul Eakin came to Trang to investigate the situation. They met with the Landons who brought the evidence (the letters). The two men took the next train back to Bangkok, in shame, completely overwhelmed by what they had discovered about Pakai. When she realized that she was losing the case, Pakai decided to bring Margaret to court, but this also failed. Police warned Margaret to be careful about herself, apparently because of threats from Pakai's lovers. Without the letters, the Landons would have been unable to make their case. No witnesses were going to speak. Pakai would have been vindicated. The Landons would have had to leave the station. "And Paul Eakin would have been delighted to be able to do it because he just loathed me," says Kenneth.

Landon, Margaret (1903-1993) Landon, Kenneth (1903-1993)

January 1, 1934

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LC62-01

Over a course of 13 years Kip Landon (Kenneth Landon Jr.) began recording stories from his parents, Margaret and Kenneth Landon, resulting in 95 hours of recordings. Beginning on July 20, 1976, recording finished in June, 1978. The project resumed again in 1982 for a few months. After a long break, the third recording period began in 1988 and concluded in March 1989.

Kenneth and Margaret Landon

1:21:25

Margaret and Kenneth P. Landon Papers, 1824-2000

Hour 62, clip 1

Sub-Series 8: Audio and Video

Series 1: Biographical