Thanom Kittikachorn | Research & Encyclopedia Articles

(b. 1911), Thai prime minister. Born August 11, 1911, Thanom Kittikachorn graduated from the royal military academy of Chula Chom Klao in 1931. He was involved in the overthrow of Pibul Songkram's government in 1957. After the inconclusive elections of December 1957, he became the caretaker prime minister until October, when Sarit Thanarat assumed power. As Sarit's deputy, Thanom became the prime minister after Sarit's death in December 1963 and became field marshal in 1964.

Thanom ruled with Field Marshal Praphat Charusathien and General Kris and continued the policies of Sarit, but without the same degree of control. The main problem was the increasing Communist insurgency. Thailand was closely aligned with the United States in the war in Vietnam. International investment and U.S. military expenditure in Thailand resulted in considerable economic growth for the country. In the February 1969 elections, Thanom's United Thai People's Party secured 75 seats out of 219 in the lower house, giving them the largest representation among the thirteen parties. However, military rule was imposed in 1971. Student unrest and mass demonstrations led to the end of Thanom'sregime in October 1973, shortly after which Thanom and his family fled to the United States. The end of authoritarian rule by student unrest and demonstrations has remained a symbol of the democratic aspirations of the Thai people, and the government's decision to honor Thanom in 1999 for his service to the Royal Guard was dropped due to protests.

Sardesai, D. R. (1997) Southeast Asia: Past and Present. 4^th ed. New Delhi: Vikas.

Tarling, Nicholas, ed. (1992) The Cambridge History of Southeast Asia, 11. Cambridge, U.K.: Cambridge University Press.

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