The 1947 Coup: A Turning Point in Thai History
An academic exploration of the pivotal military takeover of November 8, 1947, in Bangkok, which fundamentally altered Thailand's political trajectory and the balance of power.
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Background
Post-War Geopolitics and US Influence
Following World War II, the United States sought to establish a global commercial and financial order centered on capitalism, actively working to contain the spread of communism. As part of this strategy, the U.S. established an embassy in Bangkok in 1945, appointing diplomats Charles Yost and Kenneth Landon. Many of these officials had prior experience with the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the U.S. anti-communist intelligence agency, and had collaborated with the Free Thai Movement, led by Pridi Banomyong and elements supportive of the Thai monarchy.[1]
Pridi Banomyong and Royalist Factions
The period after the war saw a divergence of goals between Pridi Banomyong's faction and the royalists. While they had cooperated during the war against Japanese influence, their post-war objectives clashed. The royalists aimed to reverse the political changes initiated by the 1932 revolution and reportedly sought the restoration of absolute monarchy. Pridi's group, having gained influence following the departure of the pro-Japanese leader Plaek Phibunsongkhram, found themselves in opposition to these royalist ambitions.[3]
The Ananda Death Crisis
A profound political crisis erupted on June 9, 1946, with the death of the young King Ananda Mahidol. Found dead from a gunshot wound, the circumstances surrounding his demise were highly contentious. Pridi's political opponents, particularly the Democrat Party and royalist factions, quickly disseminated rumors accusing Pridi and his supporters of regicide to advance republican aims. Pridi's government responded with emergency measures, including censorship and arrests, but ultimately resigned on August 21, 1946. He was succeeded by Luang Thamrong, who served as a political front for Pridi.[8][2][7]
Prelude to the Coup
Alliance of Phibun and Royalists
By 1947, Plaek Phibunsongkhram harbored ambitions of returning to Thai politics. He found common cause with the royalist faction, led by Khuang Aphaiwong, who supported Phibun's potential premiership.[11] Retired military figures, including Phin Choonhavan and Kard Kardsonggram, initiated contact with Phibun, informing him of coup plans with the assistance of the Democrat Party. The military sought to regain influence, while the royalists saw the king's death as an opportunity to advance their agenda.[14]
The Thamrong Government's Scandals
The government led by Luang Thamrong faced significant public criticism due to corruption allegations. A government program involving the distribution of substandard farming equipment led to accusations of embezzlement, infamously dubbed "devouring the hoes and spades."[citation needed] Furthermore, Thamrong privately confided in the U.S. Ambassador Edwin F. Stanton, suggesting that evidence implicated King Bhumibol in the death of his predecessor. These factors contributed to the government's precarious position.[15]
The Coup Unfolds
Military Seizure of Power
In the early hours of November 9, 1947, the armed forces, orchestrated by figures including Plaek Phibunsongkhram, initiated the coup. Tanks were deployed to Amphorn Gardens, near the government center, leading to the immediate arrest of Prime Minister Thamrong. Simultaneously, another contingent searched for Pridi Banomyong. Forewarned by an informant, Pridi managed to escape, though his residence was fired upon and his family arrested. He found refuge under the protection of Admiral Luang Sinthusongkramchai at the Royal Thai Navy base.[10]
Declaration of the National Military Council
The coup leaders formed the "National Military Council" (NMC), comprising prominent figures such as Lieutenant General Phin Choonhavan, Police General Phao Sriyanond, Colonel Sarit Dhanarajata, and others.[citation needed] On the morning of November 9, General Choonhavan, acting as the junta's spokesman, delivered a radio address justifying the coup. He cited the government's alleged incompetence, the resulting high prices, and shortages of essential goods as the primary reasons for the takeover.[10]
Royalists Regain Influence
The coup was met with celebration by royalist leaders, including Khuang Aphaiwong and Seni Pramoj. The NMC subsequently invited Khuang Aphaiwong, then Leader of the Opposition, to assume the position of Prime Minister. On November 25, 1947, the Regent, Prince Rangsit of Chainat, sanctioned the provisional charter, or the Constitution of 1947, drafted by royalists like Seni and Kukrit Pramoj. This charter significantly enhanced the powers of the monarchy, restoring many prerogatives lost since the 1932 Revolution.[10][18]
Consequences and Legacy
Restoration of Royal Assets
In 1948, the new royalist government enacted legislation strengthening the monarch's control over the Crown Property Bureau, effectively reversing the nationalization measures implemented by the People's Party following the 1932 revolution. Former Queen Rambhai Barni also had 6 million baht, previously seized by the People's Party, returned to her.[18]
Constitutional Shifts and Phibun's Return
Following the coup, Khuang Aphaiwong's party secured a majority in the subsequent elections, and he was confirmed as Prime Minister. However, on April 6, 1948, the NMC forced Khuang to resign, inviting Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram to return to the premiership for a second term on April 8, 1948. The 1947 and subsequent 1949 Constitutions, heavily influenced by royalist principles, significantly restored monarchical authority, mirroring aspects of the pre-1932 constitutional framework.[18]
Military Ascendancy and Political Precedent
The 1947 coup marked a significant consolidation of power for the Royal Thai Army, establishing a precedent for future military interventions in Thai politics under the guise of national preservation. Phibun resumed his dictatorial rule, which lasted until 1957.[citation needed] Pridi Banomyong was eventually smuggled out of Thailand by British and American agents on January 20, 1948, and died in Paris in 1983.[10] The coup elicited minimal public response, and the Democrat Party remained in opposition until 1975.
Key Figures and Factions
Infobox Data
The following table summarizes the key participants and outcomes of the 1947 coup:
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Disclaimer
Academic and Historical Context
This document has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence, synthesizing information from publicly available sources, primarily Wikipedia. It is intended for academic and educational purposes, providing an analysis of the 1947 Thai coup d'รฉtat for higher education students.
Historical Analysis, Not Definitive Truth: While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy based on the provided source material, historical interpretation can be complex and nuanced. This content represents one perspective derived from the source and may not encompass all historical viewpoints or subsequent scholarly revisions.
Source Limitations: The original source material may contain inherent biases, omissions, or require further verification. This AI-generated content reflects those potential limitations. It is not a substitute for rigorous academic research using primary sources or consulting multiple scholarly works.
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