Stir in saffron milk, sugar, and hot water and bring to a boil over high.

The Strange Origins of Pad Thai.In the 1930s, Thailand suffered from a loss of rice because of limited production in the rice fields and flooding.

This created problems for both the nation’s economy and the people’s nutritional intake.At the same time, the region began to gradually modernize under U.S. advice, and in 1938, Plaek Phibunsongkram became Prime Minister and focused on putting it into practice.. To maintain valuable grain assets and as part of the campaign to westernize and unify the nation, the Thai government under his leadership began to promote rice noodles.Because noodles only used 50% of the grain, it was more efficient and cheaper to manufacture.

As part of the campaign to Westernize and unify the nation, Siam was renamed Thailand and efforts were made to adopt Western appearances in order to appear more sophisticated.The Thai government also conceived the dish known as "Pad Thai" to preserve the rice resources of the nation as well as defend it.

Government officials assured the general public that by eating the dish, they were serving their country, because with a distinct national identity, they would be less vulnerable to exploitation by other national powers, as had occurred in other parts of Asia during the early 20th century in Malaysia, Cambodia, and Vietnam..

The shift in Thai culture had a good impact on the relationship between Thailand and the U.S. in the long run.Add dates and broth to saucepan with chiles, and bring to a boil over high.

Remove from heat; cover and let stand until chiles and dates are soft, about 10 minutes.Discard cinnamon stick.

Transfer broth mixture to tomato mixture in blender.Set mole aside.. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large saucepan over medium-low.