Siamese coup d'état of 1948

Siamese coup d'état of 1948 (รัฐประหารในประเทศไทย พ.ศ. 2491) occurred on the morning of Tuesday 6 April 1948, a coup by the same group of people that led the coup Rear admiral Thawan Thamrongnawasawat on 8 November 1947. That is, a group of people who support Field Marshal Plaek Phibulsongkram, former Prime Minister who was vacated after the end World War II.

Khuang Aphaiwong in 1947

Coup

After the group of soldiers led by Lieutenant General Phin Choonhavan (the rank of that time) conducted a military coup, Rear admiral Thawan Thamrongnawasawat, on 8 November 1947. Then appointed Major Khuang Aphaiwong, the leader of the Democrat Party. Opposition Party in the House of Representatives, acting as Prime Minister to manage the general election of members of the House of Representatives.

Later in the election, 29 January 1948, the Democrat Party, able to win the election to receive the highest voice in the House of Commons. Amidst an environment that indicates the true authority is Field Marshal Plaek Phibulsongkram, the national military commander. Which the coup committee appointed to hold this position and provide support. And there is a possibility that there may be a coup d'etat. Because both before and after the election with the efforts of a group of people Trying to prevent Major Khuang Aphaiwong Prime Minister to the point of being granted an audience with His Royal Highness Dhani Nivat president of the Privy Council. In order not to appoint Major Khuang but Prince Dhani Nivat has responded to let it be a process of the council, and the government of Major Khuang There was a conflict with the junta. Regarding the appointment of Maj. Gen. Phao Sriyanond, Deputy Chief of Police, one of the members of the coup committee was Deputy Minister of Interior. But the Minister of Interior, Chit Mansilp Sinardyotharak, did not agree. Since the coup after the new coup announced that it would not interfere with the government's work. In all this, Gen. Kat Katsongkhram, the deputy leader of the coup, announced that not true and the junta did not want to take another coup again.

Shortly after the election Have a group of people Call yourself "The Democratic Council" consists of a group of politicians led by Lieutenant General Phraya Thephasadin, including The MPs of the Democrat Party also own a part, such as Mr. Luan Pong-sophon, Mr. Phong Sittitham, Mr. Liang Chaikan, together to support the Field Marshal Plaek Phibulsongkram By writing down on the sign that it would be requested "Supporting Field Marshal Forever", which this group of people have gathered together at Sanam Luang and Lumphini Park, and have hunted a list of people to support Field Marshal Plaek Phibulsongkram

After that, on April 6, 1948, at about 09.00 hrs, which is on Chakri Day, which is a public holiday. A group of 4 officers consisting of Pol.Col. Kan Chamnong Phumiwet, Major General Sawat Sawatdironnachai Sawatdikeat, Col. Khun Silapasornchai and Pol. Lamai Uthayananon dressed in going to meet the swordsman, holding a gun, met Major Khuang Aphaiwong at a guesthouse in the alley opposite the National Stadium, claiming that he had paid 28 million baht for expenses on his way back from Keng Tung after the end of the world war. Major Khuang which had previously been disbursed from the Ministry of Finance in the amount of 9 Million baht, but Major Khuang refused to pay, This is a conflict between Major Khuang and this group of soldiers already. Which made earlier that there was a rumor that a coup would occur and finally, requesting that Mr Khuang resign from the Prime Minister's interior 24 hours, claiming that the military coup d'etat, 8 November 1947, saw that Mr Wong's government could not solve the economic problems of the nation that had fallen. Especially in the cost of living that has skyrocketed

When this group of soldiers returned, at noon, Major Khuang sent a confederate soldier to meet the senior military officer who was the leader of the coup on 8 November 1947 at the Suankularb Palace, which was the command base. To ask for confirmation on this matter, but was not found later at 14.00 hrs. Lt. Gen. Phin Choonhavan, the leader of the coup d'etat, traveled to meet Major Khuang by himself to the house. And confirm the needs of the military officers. Major Khuang tried to contact with Naval commander, and the air commander for protection but not as a result. Major Khuang called the cabinet meeting all at the house to get to know the attitude. Even Mr Boon Teng Tong Sawat, Minister of Government Affairs, Ministry of Interior confirmed that he would order the police to arrest this group of military officers as a rebellion. With fear that it would cause bloodshed In addition, MR Khukrit Pramoj, the Minister of Finance, confirmed that the government could not reduce the cost of living down to the real coup d'etat.

At the end of 16.00 hrs., The meeting had drafted the resignation of Major Khuang and resigned from the Prime Minister on 8 April 1948 and the end of April, That same year, The Cabinet passed a resolution for Field Marshal Plaek Phibulsongkram to continue as Prime Minister. Is the beginning of the reign of the new Marshal Plaek. Lasted almost 10 years

Due to this coup, was done internally using only a few military officers. Without moving any personnel to make it known "Silent Coup", which the media at that time called this event "Hijacking the Prime Minister"[1]

References

1. หนังสือ นายควง อภัยวงศ์ กับพรรคประชาธิปัตย์ โดย ณัฐวุฒิ สุทธิสงคราม (กรุงเทพมหานคร, พ.ศ. 2522)