15 December 1957

Sarit’s coalition wins a majority Only 30 percent of eligible voters cast ballots in national election

Fresh elections were held and the leader of September’s bloodless military coup, Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat, led his newly created Chart Sangkhom, or National Socialist Party to capture a majority in the National Assembly.

Only about 30 percent of voters participated, but many described the poll as orderly. To ensure he could dominate Parliament, Sarit invited other politicians to join his government.

Gen Praphas Charusathien joined Sarit’s party, along with 123 former assembly members and others from the Seri Manangkasila Party. They formed an alliance with the Unionist Party, led by Sukit Nimanhemin. Together, their coalition had a majority in Parliament. Sarit said his goals were to maintain Thailand’s independence, to promote Buddhism, to respect other religions and to uphold the monarchy, which he considered sacred.

Later, Chart Sangkhom Party and its Unionist Party allies unanimously voted for Lt Gen Thanom Kittikachorn, who was officially named by the King as prime minister on January 1, 1958.

15 December 1957

Sarit’s coalition wins a majority Only 30 percent of eligible voters cast ballots in national election

Fresh elections were held and the leader of September’s bloodless military coup, Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat, led his newly created Chart Sangkhom, or National Socialist Party to capture a majority in the National Assembly.

Only about 30 percent of voters participated, but many described the poll as orderly. To ensure he could dominate Parliament, Sarit invited other politicians to join his government.

Gen Praphas Charusathien joined Sarit’s party, along with 123 former assembly members and others from the Seri Manangkasila Party. They formed an alliance with the Unionist Party, led by Sukit Nimanhemin. Together, their coalition had a majority in Parliament. Sarit said his goals were to maintain Thailand’s independence, to promote Buddhism, to respect other religions and to uphold the monarchy, which he considered sacred.

Later, Chart Sangkhom Party and its Unionist Party allies unanimously voted for Lt Gen Thanom Kittikachorn, who was officially named by the King as prime minister on January 1, 1958.