17 November 1971
Unexpected coup as government declares martial law
At 7pm, Prime Minister Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn, went on Bangkok Radio and declared martial law, abrogating the constitution, dissolving Parliament and disbanding the cabinet in a move to consolidate his and the military’s power. The coup placed all authority in the hands of the security forces chiefs, sidelining elected politicians. Thanom, accompanied by Gen Praphas Charusathien, Pol Gen Prasert Ruchirawong and ACM Dawee Chullasapya, reported to the King on the necessity for the new ‘Revolutionary Party’ to take action. The King gave his blessing to the new party during an audience at Chitralada Palace late that evening.
Since the promulgation of the constitution in BE 2511 [1968], and after general elections, some groups of people have abused their constitutional rights and caused incitement and destruction, and used their influence within and outside Parliament to disrupt the work of the government, raising difficulties and causing delays, all for personal gain,’ Thanom explained. ‘Instead of cooperating to solve various problems and forestall the threats, certain groups took the opportunity to create disruption, obstruct and prevent the government from solving the problems easily.’
Thanom announced the formation of a nine-member National Executive Council (NEC) to direct affairs of state for the following five years—the period of the military leaders’ Third Plan—to ‘set our house in order again’. The NEC said it would take drastic action against communist terrorists. Steps would also be taken to prevent leftist politicians from indoctrinating students, labourers and farmers, he said. Army chief Praphas warned students they would be severely punished if they created disturbances or broke the law. Speaking to 4,000 Territorial Defence students at their annual royal parade in Royal Plaza, he warned, ‘If you make trouble you will be sorry. The heaviest penalties will be meted out to you.’
17 November 1971
Unexpected coup as government declares martial law
At 7pm, Prime Minister Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn, went on Bangkok Radio and declared martial law, abrogating the constitution, dissolving Parliament and disbanding the cabinet in a move to consolidate his and the military’s power. The coup placed all authority in the hands of the security forces chiefs, sidelining elected politicians. Thanom, accompanied by Gen Praphas Charusathien, Pol Gen Prasert Ruchirawong and ACM Dawee Chullasapya, reported to the King on the necessity for the new ‘Revolutionary Party’ to take action. The King gave his blessing to the new party during an audience at Chitralada Palace late that evening.
Since the promulgation of the constitution in BE 2511 [1968], and after general elections, some groups of people have abused their constitutional rights and caused incitement and destruction, and used their influence within and outside Parliament to disrupt the work of the government, raising difficulties and causing delays, all for personal gain,’ Thanom explained. ‘Instead of cooperating to solve various problems and forestall the threats, certain groups took the opportunity to create disruption, obstruct and prevent the government from solving the problems easily.’
Thanom announced the formation of a nine-member National Executive Council (NEC) to direct affairs of state for the following five years—the period of the military leaders’ Third Plan—to ‘set our house in order again’. The NEC said it would take drastic action against communist terrorists. Steps would also be taken to prevent leftist politicians from indoctrinating students, labourers and farmers, he said. Army chief Praphas warned students they would be severely punished if they created disturbances or broke the law. Speaking to 4,000 Territorial Defence students at their annual royal parade in Royal Plaza, he warned, ‘If you make trouble you will be sorry. The heaviest penalties will be meted out to you.’