8 November 1947

Coup Group topples Thamrong government

Military officers launched a bloodless coup to overthrow the government of Premier Thamrong Nawasawat, and abrogated the 1946 constitution.

The 2am revolt shifted power to the self-proclaimed ‘Coup Group’, headed by veterans of the 1972 Shan States campaign Lt Gen Phin Choonhavan and Gen Phao Sriyanond and backed by former prime minister Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram. The Coup Group said the action was necessary to protect royal prestige and end endemic corruption that had tarnished the constitution signed by the late King Ananda Mahidol. The regent, Prince Rangsit, quickly signed off on a new constitution, which was seen as strengthening the monarchy, and the coup leaders appointed an interim government headed by Khuang Aphaiwong, announcing general elections would be held in January 1948.

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej sent a message from Switzerland on November 25 stating the coup leaders were not seeking to take power for themselves ‘but aim only to strengthen the new government which will administer for the prosperity of the nation’.

Rumours that forces loyal to former Premier Pridi Banomyong and the Thamrong administration were gathering in the countryside, planning to take back the capital did not materialise. Leading members of the Coup Group also included army colonel Sarit Thanarat and air force chief Fuen Ronnaphagrad.

8 November 1947

Coup Group topples Thamrong government

Military officers launched a bloodless coup to overthrow the government of Premier Thamrong Nawasawat, and abrogated the 1946 constitution.

The 2am revolt shifted power to the self-proclaimed ‘Coup Group’, headed by veterans of the 1972 Shan States campaign Lt Gen Phin Choonhavan and Gen Phao Sriyanond and backed by former prime minister Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram. The Coup Group said the action was necessary to protect royal prestige and end endemic corruption that had tarnished the constitution signed by the late King Ananda Mahidol. The regent, Prince Rangsit, quickly signed off on a new constitution, which was seen as strengthening the monarchy, and the coup leaders appointed an interim government headed by Khuang Aphaiwong, announcing general elections would be held in January 1948.

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej sent a message from Switzerland on November 25 stating the coup leaders were not seeking to take power for themselves ‘but aim only to strengthen the new government which will administer for the prosperity of the nation’.

Rumours that forces loyal to former Premier Pridi Banomyong and the Thamrong administration were gathering in the countryside, planning to take back the capital did not materialise. Leading members of the Coup Group also included army colonel Sarit Thanarat and air force chief Fuen Ronnaphagrad.