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History
/ Bangkok / Constitutional Monarchy
Highway cutting through a town in Thailand
1932,
Jun 24 - The secret People's Party, composed of Siamese
educated in Europe, some of them in high positions in
the royal government or the military, topples the absolute monarchy
while King Prajadhipok is at his summer residence in
Hua Hin. Some 40 princes, high government officials and senior
military officers are arrested and held hostage at the
Ananlasanakan Hall in Bangkok. The group send the following
telegram to King Prajadhipok:
"The People's
Party consisting of civil and military officials have now
taken over the administration of the country and have taken
members of the Royal Family such as H.R.H. Prince Nakhon Sawan
as hostages. If members of the People's Party have received
any injuries, the Princes held in pawn will suffer in consequence.
The People's Party have no desire to make a seizure of the
Royal possessions in any way. Their principal aim is to have
a constitutional monarchy. We therefore invite Your Majesty
to return to the Capital to reign again as king under the
constitutional monarchy as established by the People's Party.
If your Majesty refuses to accept the offer or refrains from
replying within one hour after the receipt of this message,
the People's Party will proclaim the constitutional monarchical
government by appointing another Prince whom they consider
to be efficient to act as King."
King Prajadhipok
replied with the following telegram:
"I have
received the letter in which you invite me to return to Bangkok
as a constitutional monarch. For the sake of peace; and in
order to save useless bloodshed; to avoid confusion and loss
to the country; and, more, because I have already considered
making this change myself, I am willing to cooperate in the
establishment of a constitution under which I am willing to
serve. Furthermore, there is a possibility that, if I decline
to continue in my office as king, the foreign powers will
not recognize the new government. This might entail considerable
difficulty for the government. Physically I am not strong.
I have no children to succeed me. My life expectancy is not
long, at least if I continue in this office. I have no desire
for position or for personal aggrandizement. My ability to
advance the progress of the race alone constrains me. Accept
this sincere expression of my feelings."
Several of
the members of the People's Party who topple the absolute
monarchy will play a predominant role in Thai politics for the
next 30 years.
Participant Phibul Songkhran will be prime minister for
around 15 years, 1938 to 1944 and 1948 to 1957,
sometimes with dictatorial powers, sometimes without; sometimes
reaching the position through a coup d'etat, sometimes through
an election.
Photo: Parliament building in Bangkok
Khuang
Aphaiwong
serves four short terms as prime minister at the end
of, and immediately after Word War II. The first two times he
will step down from office after just a few weeks because
of quarrels within the government or with the National Assembly;
the third time his terms lasts just a few weeks until
the next general election; the forth is interrupted after a
few weeks by a military coup d'etat.
The most colorful figure of the initial group of revolutionaries
is, however, Pridi Panomyong. In the first few governments
of the People's Party, he is in charge of the economy.
When he is suspected to be a communist he has to go into exile
for the first time. He later takes part in a coup that installs
Phibul Songkhran. However, when the Phibul allies himself
with the Japanese during World War II, it's Pridi
Panomyong who organizes the underground resistance movement
against the Japanese and Phibul Songkhran. Pridi, after
being a member of the Council of Regents, ends up for
a while as the sole Regent of Thailand, in behalf of
the minor King Ananda Mahidol. He also serves a short
term as prime minister after World War II. When the military
reinstalls Phibul Songkhran as prime minister in 1948,
he attempts to overthrow him with the help of another military
fraction but fails. Pridi Panomyong dies 1983 at the
age of 83 in exile in Paris, but three years later his ashes
are spread into the Gulf of Thailand in a state ceremony.
1932,
Jun 25 - King Rama VII returns to Bangkok.
1932,
Jun 27 - All department heads, ministers and secretaries
of the monarchial system of government are retired. The Executive
Committee of the People's Party is assigned as provisional
government and a National Assembly is created. The legislative
National Assembly is composed of 70 appointed members.
1932,
Dec 10 - King Rama VII promulgates the constitution,
patterned after Western constitutions. It provides for a Parliament
of which half of the members are elected and the other
half appointed by Royal Command on recommendation of
the cabinet. The prime minister is to be appointed by the King
on recommendation of the National Assembly. Phaya Monapahorn
Nitithada (1884 - 1948) of the People's Party is appointed
the first prime minister. Royal Pardon is granted to
the participants of the revolution.
1933,
Mar 1 - Minister of Economy, People's Party member Pridi
Panomyong (1900 - 1983) presents a national economic policy
based on a socialist pattern with a touch of liberalism.
He is accused of being a communist.
1933,
Apr 1 - For alleged communistic leanings of the present
government, Prime Minister Phaya Monapahorn Nitithada
requests the King to grant him dictatorial powers and
to suspend the session of the Assembly and some of the provisions
of the newly implemented constitution. The King, again left
with little choice as actual power rests with the prime minister,
agrees. Adherence to Communism becomes punishable by 10 years
imprisonment. Dissatisfaction arises in some sectors of
the People's Party leading to the resignation of cabinet members
including former Minister of Economy, Pridi Panomyong,
who silently goes into exile.
1933,
Jun 20 - Disgruntled members of the People's Party topple
the government of Phaya Monapahorn Nitithada, whose turn
it becomes to go into exile (he chooses Penang were he lives
until his death). The National Assembly is reopened;
Phaya Bahol Polpayushasena (1888 - 1947) becomes prime
minister.
1933,
Oct 11 - In protest of the new constitutional government,
a revolt headed by General Prince Bovoradej breaks out
and fighting occurs in Bongkhen, Laksi and Dammuang.
1933,
Oct 24 - The revolt ends with a victory of the government
army, led by Colonel Phibul Songkhran.
1933
Nov - The first national election in Siam is held
for the 78 elective seats in the assembly. Bahol Polpayushasena
remains prime minister.
1934 Jan
- King Rama VII leaves for Europe as the sentiment of the public
for the royal family cools. Pridi Panomyong is allowed
to return to Bangkok after he is cleared of charges of being
a communist.
1935,
Mar 2 - King Rama VII abdicates, leaving no successor.
The National Assembly proclaims his nephew, Prince Ananda
Mahidol, a boy of 10, as legal heir to the throne. As the
proclaimed monarch (who is given the title of Rama VIII) is
underage and aside of that staying with his family in Switzerland
where he attends school, the National Assembly appoints a Council
of Regency to act on his behalf.
1938,
Dec 16 - Pridi Panomyong, aided by the army group
of Phibul Songkhran, a key military leader in the suppression
of the attempted coup d'etat of 1933, oust Prime Minister
Bahol from his post. Phibul Songkhran is appointed
prime minister by the Council of Regency. He concurrently takes
the post of Minister of Defense. Pridi Panomyong becomes
Minister of the Interior.
1939
- A drift toward military dictatorship begins. The prime
minister's assumption of complete power negates the idea of
constitutional and democratic government.
1939,
Sep 3 - World War II begins in Europe and Siam declares
neutrality. To be protected from outside aggression, Siam signs
a treaty with Japan making Siam an ally of the Japanese
who in exchange recognize her territorial integrity.
1940,
Jun 12 - Non-aggression pacts are also concluded by Siam
with Britain and France.
1941,
Dec 7 - Siam and Japan clash as Japan demands free passage
through Siam to attack the English territories and Thais resist.
1941,
Dec 8 - Japan starts the war in Asia and the Pacific by
bombing Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, the Philippines and Singapore.
While Winston Churchill advises Siam to defend herself,
Siam allows free passage to Japanese troops. Japan promises
to respect Siam's independence and sovereignty.
1941,
Dec 21 - Japan and Siam sign an alliance pact which includes
the agreement that Tokyo will help Bangkok get back territories
lost to Britain decades earlier. Siam in return undertakes
to assist Japan in the war against the US and the United Kingdom.
1942,
Jan 25- British and American planes begin raiding Bangkok
and Siam declares war on the UK and the US.
1942
- Phibul Songkhran comes into complete control of the
government without any organized opposition. He concentrates
on foreign affairs and international politics, hoping
to bring power to Siam.
1942,
Dec 1 - Communist forces that have been operating in Siam
since 1927 formally organize the Communist Party of Siam.
1943
- Pridi Panomyong organizes an underground resistance
movement against the Japanese in Siam, in cooperation with the
Free Thai Movement in the US, founded by the Siamese
Ambassador to Washington, Seni Pramoj who had earlier
refused to deliver Prime Minister Phibul Songkhran's
declaration of war against the US to the US government. This
action helps Siam gain the sympathy and support of the allies.
1944,
Jul - Phibul Songkhran's government is toppled by
its own National Assembly.
1944,
Aug - Khuang Aphaiwong (1902 - 1968), still a member
of the original group of the People's Party that staged
the revolution against the absolute monarchy, is appointed the
new prime minister. He returns to titles of nobility
as well as the old system of writing and drawing, all of which
had been abolished by Phibul Songkhran whose main intention,
aside from personal power, had been to turn Thailand into a
more modern country. All political prisoners are released.
1945,
Aug 15 - Word War II ends.
1945,
Aug 16 - With approval of the National Assembly, Siam's
declaration of war on the US and Great Britain is repudiated
by Pridi Panomyong, at that time the sole Regent of Siam
in behalf of King Ananda Mahidol who still studies in
Switzerland.
1945,
Sep 1 - Prime Minister Khuang resigns from office
and the disobedient former ambassador to Washington, Seni
Pramoj, becomes new prime minister. Khuang organizes the
Democratic Party, the first political party in Siam composed
of conservative and monarchist groups.
1946,
Jan 1 - Siam signs a peace pact with Great Britain
and India.
1946,
Jan 5 - Diplomatic relations with the US and Great
Britain are re-established and treaties concluded prior to the
war are revived.
1946,
Feb - After general elections, Khuang Aphaiwong again
becomes prime minister but as he doesn't want to accept a bill
of the National Assembly to cut public expenses, steps
down again after just a few weeks.
1946,
Apr - Pridi Panomyong becomes prime minister.
1946,
May 10 - A new constitution providing for two chambers
in the National Assembly is proclaimed.
1946,
Jun 9 - King Ananda Mahidol is found shot dead in
his bed at the Grand Palace. His brother Bhumiphol Adulyadej
is proclaimed King of Siam under the royal title King Rama
IX.
1946,
Aug - Pridi Panomyong is relieved as prime minister
and Thawal Dhamrongnawaswasti takes over.
1946,
Dec - Siam is admitted as the 55th member of the United
Nations.
1947,
Nov 8 - A military group including then Colonel Sarit
Thanarat (June 16, 1908 - Dec 8, 1963) stages a bloodless
coup d'etat. The conditions had been favorable as high
increases in the costs of living have caused widespread discontent.
1947,
Nov 9 - A new provisional constitution providing
for a bicameral system is proclaimed. Upon the invitation of
the coup leaders, Khuang Aphaiwong assumes for the third
time the office of prime minister. The group also reinstalls
Phibul Songkhran, who had ruled Siam for the most time
since 1938, as commander-in-chief of the army
1948,
Jan 29 - A general election is held which puts the
Democratic Party in the majority in the Assembly. In this election,
Prasert Rapsunthorn, the Communist Party of Siam's first
postwar secretary general is elected to Parliament.
1948,
Feb - Khuang, founder and leader of the victorious
Democratic Party, is re-elected by the new National Assembly
as the prime minister of Siam.
1948,
Apr 6 - Khuang Aphaiwong is forced by the army to
resign for failure to bring down the high costs of living. Phibul
Songkhran becomes prime minister again.
1949,
Feb 26 - Pridi Panomyong backed by supporters attempts
a coup which is poorly executed despite being well-planned.
1949,
Feb 29 - The coup, with numerous casualties, is crushed
by Phibul's army forces. Pridi Panomyong flees to China.
1949,
Mar 23 - A new permanent constitution is proclaimed
as replacement of the provisional constitution of 1947. Siam
changes its name to Thailand ("Phratet Thai" in Thai).
1950
- Thailand sends forces to Korea in response to the UN's
appeal for troops.
1951,
Jun 29 - In an effort to challenge the political power of
the army and to regain some influence in national affairs, a
group of navy officers kidnap Prime Minister and military strongman
Marshall Phibul Songkhran while he attends the ceremony
to receive from the US a dredger named Manhattan as part
of their military assistance to Thailand. While being held hostage
aboard the ship for several days, negotiation for organizing
a new form of government are conducted. This event, although
finally crushed by government-loyal soldiers, has negative effects
on the position of Phibul Songkhran. Power and influence
pass, rather silently, to General Sarit Thanarat and
General Pao (the two will later become rivals).
1951
- Cadres of the Communist Party of Thailand begin to
infiltrate the countryside. There are several groups
of communists in Thailand. The Communist Party of Thailand
seeks to overthrow the government and monarchy. The Communist
Party of Malaya on the border of Thailand and Malaya has
Malaya as its main interest but has included a part of
Thailand in its subversive activities. The third is a minor
communist group with Marxist/Leninist orientations, operating
in the cities as well as the countryside. Of the three, the
Communist Party of Thailand is the most serious threat.
1951,
Nov 29 - Generals Sarit Thanarat and Pao Sriyanonda
dissolve the National Assembly. The event is known as
the "radio coup" as it is just reported on the radio
without further elaboration. The new military strongmen seek
to reinstate the 1932 constitution and rule rather from
the background, keeping Marshall Phibul Songkhran as
prime minister though with considerably less influence.
1952
- The government appoints the "upper" half of the members of
the new unicameral Assembly; most appointees are from
the rich class. On the other hand, the Communist Party
of Thailand, realizing the lack of capable cadres, begins
sending students for Marxist-Leninist education to China
and North Vietnam. Communism becomes banned in Thailand.
1952,
Feb - General elections for members of the "lower" half
of the Assembly are held. Military backed candidates
win by large margins.
1948-1953
- Years of prosperity in Thailand due to high yields in rice.
1952-1955
- Corruption and political intrigues grow and suppressive measures
are adopted against suspected leftists.
1954
- Thailand becomes a founding member of the Southeast Asian
Treaty Organization (SEATO) along with the US, Great
Britain, France, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines and
Pakistan. Its headquarters is in Bangkok.
1957,
Feb - A general election is held but marred by massive
cheating as a result of the multiple party system, introduced
two years earlier.
1957,
May - King Bhumiphol shows dissatisfaction with Field Marshall
Phibul Songkhran by not attending the ceremonies to celebrate
the 2,500th anniversary of Buddhism. Foreign educated
Communist cadres return to change the image of Communism in
the countryside and front organizations are formed.
1957,
Sep 16 - The Military Party, led by army chief Sarit
Thanarat, seizes power and ousts Marshall Phibul Songkhran
and General Pao Sriyanonda. Phibul flees via Cambodia
to Japan where he dies in 1964 without staging another
comeback on the Thai political scene. Pao flees to Switzerland
where he remains until his death a few years later. Pote
Sarasin serves as caretaker prime minister.
1958,
Jan - After another general election, Thanom Kittikachorn
becomes prime minister of Thailand.
1958,
Oct 20 - Another coup d'etat by army chief Sarit Thanarat
takes place, allegedly because of the government failed to solve
economic problems.
1959,
Jan 28 - The Revolutionary Party of Sarit Thanarat
(at the previous coup, his party was named Military Party) proclaims
a new constitution and forms a National Assembly which
nominates Sarit Thanarat (June 16, 1908 - Dec 8, 1963)
as prime minister.
1961
- The Sarit Thanarat government announces its First
6-Year Plan. Subsequent governments will keep the habit
of making economic development plans in the form of such plans.
In the same year, the Association of Southeast Asia (ASA)
is organized by Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines. Later
it will be enlarged and adopt the name Association of Southeast
Asian Nations (ASEAN). The Communist Party of Thailand
resolves to launch a "people's war".
1961-1962
- Suspected Communists are arrested and executed. The Communist
Party adopts a Maoist strategic line.
1963,
Dec 8 - Sarit Thanarat dies of liver malfunction
and Thanom Kittikachorn is appointed prime minister by
King Bhumiphol.
1964
- Conditions in Indochina look threatening to both the
US and Thailand. As the US moves in troops, Thailand's
involvement deepens as it becomes the staging ground
for US operations in Laos. At the same time, internal insurgency
grows into national proportions.
1965,
Jan 1 - The Communist Party of Thailand declares
the formation of the People's Liberation Army, its military
arm. Likewise two front organizations are put up namely the
Thai Independence Movement and the Thai Patriotic
Front.
1965,
Aug 5 - The first Communist Party of Thailand's armed
attack on Thai authorities takes place near Nakhon Phanom
in the northeast where a jeep load of police is ambushed.
1965,
Aug 7 - A communist offensive begins at Phupon Range
in northeastern Thailand and spreads in all directions.
1965
- Thailand becomes directly involved in the wars in Indochina
as it begins sending combat units to South Vietnam
amounting to 14% of the Royal Thai Army's total strength.
Domestically the government launches a nationwide Communism
Prevention Program which forces hundreds of communist terrorists
to flee into the forests. Encounters between Thai government
forces and the troops of the Communist Party of Malaysia
begin in the southern provinces.
1965,
Nov - In the Daendin district of Sakhon Nakhon in
northeastern Thailand, the army holds a Communism Suppression
Campaignduring which tanks, aircraft and artillery fire
vaguely in the direction of communist bases. Later, the army
turns savagely on the inhabitants of Ban Bor Kae Noi
district.
1966
- A radio broadcast from China called the Voice of the People
of Thailand begins airing to Thailand. At Mt Hin Lat Thap
Fa in Udon Thani province in northeastern Thailand, Suivit
Niemshi a.k.a. Sahai Yudh forms an impregnable camp as a
staging point for a planned communist advance to Bangkok. It
is called Base Asia; a communist government is established
there.
1967
- Leaders of the ASEAN countries, including those of
new members like Singapore and Indonesia, sign the Bangkok
Declaration. Member countries bind themselves to help each
other to accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural
development through joint endeavors in a spirit of equality
and partnership in order to strengthen the foundation for a
prosperous and peaceful community of southeast Asian nations.
1967,
Nov - The Red Meo War takes place in which tribe
people of the north fight against the central government for
trying to evacuate them.
1968-1975
- Effects of the Vietnam War are felt in Thailand in
nearly every aspect of life. Construction of hotels, bars and
massage parlors picks up as there is a lot of requests for such
facilities from US military personnel engaged in the
Vietnam War and in Thailand for R & R (rest and recreation).
1968,
Jun 20 - A new constitution is promulgated, creating
a bicameral parliament consisting of a Senate and a House
of Representatives.
1968,
Jul 26 - A 5-man group of communist guerillas under
Sahai Yudh enters the Royal Thai Air Force Base at Udon Thani
and destroys aircraft used against targets in Vietnam. One Thai
security guard is killed.
1969,
Feb 10 - A general election is held.
1969,
Mar 7 - Thanom Kittikachorn is elected by Parliament
and becomes prime minister of Thailand for the 3rd time.
1969
- The National Student Center of Thailand, an organization
of student activists, is formed while communists recruit village
soldiers.
1971
- Thai communists adopt a program to create combat villages
that will provide protection to "liberated" areas.
1971,
Oct - Students first show signs of becoming a politically
active group when they hold their first major demonstrations.
1971,
Nov 17 - Field Marshall Thanom Kittikachorn stages
a bloodless coup d'etat against his own government. He
takes complete dictatorial control of the kingdom, abrogates
the constitution, dissolves the parliament, disbands
the cabinet and proclaims martial law. Cited reasons
are the alleged non-effectivness of the constitution, non-cooperation
of political parties, and terrorism in the north. The Revolutionary
Party, controlled by Thanom, backs his dictatorial government.
A 5 member National Executive Council is formed, chaired
by Thanom. Among the other members are former prime minister
Pote Sarasin and Field Marshall Prapass Charusathiara.
1972
- The communist insurgency swells in the northern provinces.
Communist guerillas go as far as using helicopters to
attack Thai military positions. Laotian guerrillas are
believed to take part in offensive actions of the Communist
Party of Thailand in Nan Province.
1972,
Nov - Throughout the month, the National Student Center
of Thailand (NSCT) conducts a campaign against Japanese
goods. The students demand that Tokyo makes concessions
concerning Thailand's trade deficit with Japan. Anti-Japanese
feelings in the Thai population raise to a level, not reached
since the end of World War II. The anti-Japanese campaign marks
the beginning of the students' recognition as a political
force in Thailand.
1972,
Dec - The NSCT holds the first protracted rally,
directed against the junta's decision to consolidate its power
by placing the judiciary under direct government control.
1972,
Dec 1 - At 12:23, the auspicious time given by the royal
astrologer, Prince Vijiravudh, eldest son of King Bhumiphol,
is invested as Crown Prince.
1972,
Dec 15 - A new legislative Interim Assembly is instituted
and the prime minister is entrusted with forming a new cabinet.
Mid
73 - Student demonstrations widen.
1973,
Oct 14 - A student rally develops into a colossal protest
which leads to a confrontation of soldiers and students. As
the confrontation becomes violent more than 400 people die,
several thousands are wounded and 4 buildings are burned.
The day is later designated as Wan Maha Wippasok (The
most tragic day). King Bhumiphol persuades Prime Minister Field
Marshall Thanom Kittikachorn and his two closest associates,
Deputy Prime Minister Field Marshall Prapass Charusathiara
and Colonel Narong Kittikachorn (a son of Thanom), to
leave the country. The rector of Thammasat University, Sanya
Dhammasakdi, is appointed prime minister. For several days,
Bangkok remains in a state of chaos as police and military forces
keep off the streets to escape acts of revenge from roaming
bands, mainly composed of students.
1973,
Dec 10 - The King selects thousands of individuals
from all walks of life to represent the general population in
electing among themselves members for an Interim National
Assembly.
1973-1974
- Prices of commodities go up and social unrest, disorder
and anti-government activities increase. The government of Sanya
Dhammasakdi is widely considered weak.
1974
- The country becomes politicized along ideological lines.
Leftist and rightist forces oppose and confront each other on
political and non-political issues. The hotel and textile industries
are badly hit by strikes.
1974,
Mar 7 - The National Assembly begins deliberating
a draft of a new constitution.
1974,
Jun - In the leftist scene, links are established among
students, workers, and peasants. Students
provide protest facilities and act as mediators between workers
and peasants on the one hand and the government on the other
hand. Students are getting more sympathetic to the workers
and peasants. However, the student movement splits with
vocational students turning right and parting from the
NSCT to form their own separate group called the Red
Gaur. (The designation "red" in their name is misleading
as they are rather opposed to communist ideology.) This split
of the students' movement, for no clear reason, causes bomb
throwing and violence. In an amazing development of group identities
in the following months, academic students form a considerable
leftist block while vocational students form an equally
considerable rightist block.
1974,
Jul 3 - A bloody 3-day riot begins in Bangkok's Chinatown
when a Thai policeman issues a ticket for wrong parking
to an ethnic Chinese taxi driver. Because the taxi driver
is unwilling to obey police orders to move his vehicle, the
police want to take him to the precinct. The riot breaks out
when the taxi driver resists arrest and Chinese youth
of the vicinity try to come to his rescue. The riot leaves 30
killed and hundreds injured. As many of the rioting bands
had been youth, among them also some political motivated groups,
student activism in general loses much of its popular
support.
1974,
Aug 15 - The draft constitution is approved by the National
Assembly with 280 to 6 votes.
1974,
Sept - Some 1,200 peasants from the northern and
eastern portion of Thailand join demonstrations in Bangkok,
supported by students, workers and even monks and novices. They
demand land allocations, financial aid and enactment
of a Land Rent Act. It is the biggest peasant demonstration
in Thai history.
1974,
Oct 7 - The tenth constitution takes effect.
1974,
Oct - Demonstrations of leftist students concentrate on
tin mining rights in the Gulf of Thailand because of
foreign participation; alleged corruption behind the
deal is exposed.
1975
- Communist regimes come to power in Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos.
1975,
Jan 5 - 22 Political parties vie for mandates in a national
parliamentary election. The Democratic Party wins 72 seats.
1975,
Feb 15 - Diplomat Seni Pramoj, leader of the Democratic
Party, is elected prime minister by a three party coalition.
1975,
Feb 21 - Peasants' Federation of Thailand leaders
are fatally shot.
1975,
Mar 6 - After only 2 weeks in office, Seni Pramoj
is forced to step down as Parliament refuses to endorse his
political agenda.
1975,
Mar 17 - Seni's younger brother, Kukrit Pramoj, forms
a new government in spite of the fact that his Social Action
Party has just 18 representatives in Parliament. Kukrit
earns himself the reputation of an extremely skilled politician.
1975,
Apr 17 - The Khmer Rouge move into Phnom Penh
and take over Cambodia.
1975,
Apr 30 - The Vietcong takes Saigon, thereby
ending the Vietnam War with a communist victory. The fall of
the two neighboring countries under communist rule encourages
leftist groups in Thailand to revive their 'anti-imperialist'
campaign.
1975,
May - Thailand is one of the first non-communist countries
to give diplomatic recognition to the Khmer Rouge government.
1975, May
- For the second time, peasants from the northern and eastern
parts of Thailand rally in Bangkok demanding land distribution,
a comprehensive speedy land reform and suspension of
all charges against peasant leaders. The government stands
tough on these issues.
1975,
Jun - Thai Prime Minister Kukrit Pramoj begins visiting
countries considered to have unapproachable political philosophies,
such as China. He meets Mao Zedong and Beijing agrees
to have full diplomatic relations and exchange of embassies.
1975 Jun/Jul
- Workers and student activists are hunted by rightist squads,
seeking retaliation.
1975,
Aug - Students and farmers stage a strike for the
failure of the police authorities to give justice to the murdered
leaders of the Farmer's Federation.
1975,
Dec 2 - In Laos, the communist Pathet Lao takes over
the government and declares the Laos People's Democratic
Republic.
1976
- Various rightist organizations are formed to fight communism
such as the New Force Movement and the Village Scout
Organization.
1976
- Rightist groups become more and more violent throughout
the year, time and again attacking left wing academic
students' demonstrations. Several leftist politicians and student
leaders are assassinated throughout the year. Foreign
investment declines due to government instability.
1976,
Jan 1 - Workers go on a major strike organized by the Confederation
of Labor Unions in Thailand. The reason for the strike is
an increase in prices of basic commodities. Because of the wide
range effects of the strike, the government is forced to dictate
lower prices.
1976,
Jan 12 - Prime Minister Kukrit Pramoj dissolves Parliament
after being plagued by different kinds of demands from some
2,000 officials gathered at Nawaphon. They are protesting
against the presence of alleged communists disguised
as socialists in Parliament.
1976,
Apr 4 - A new general election is held with 19 competing
parties. The Democratic Party wins 114 out of 279 seats.
1976,
Apr 20 - Seni Pramoj is again elected by Parliament
to serve as prime minister.
1976,
Aug - Former military strongmen Thanom Kittikachorn
returns as Buddhist monk to Thailand from self-exile
in Singapore, a development which angers leftwing students.
1976,
Oct 5 - Leftwing students assemble at the Thammasat University
to protest the return of Field Marshall Thanom and his cohorts.
1976,
Oct 6 - Thousands of rightwing activists concentrate
around Thammasat University. Before noon, they start
to attack the leftwing students and storm Thammasat University.
After this initial attack, the rightwing mob is joined by police
and military forces who start shooting indiscriminately
at the students. Students who try to flee the campus
are held and mutilated by the rightwing mob that has encircled
the campus. The massacre lasts for almost two days. The
official body count is 41 dead students, though unofficial
figures are considerably higher. Almost 3,000 students
are arrested and brought to various detention centers
set up in a hurry. On the evening of October 6, a so-called
National Administrative Reform Council, led by Admiral
Sangad Chalawyoo, topples the government of Prime Minister
Seni Pramoj and installs General Thanin Kraivixien as
new prime minister. Leftwing activists flee in droves into the
mountains to join the Communist Party of Thailand. The
National Administrative Reform Council immediately dissolves
the parliament; other political parties as well as groups with
military activities are banned. The Thanin government becomes
one of the most repressive in modern Thai history. Thanin
is heavily guided in his day-to-day decisions by astrology
and palmistry. He is himself a palmist, holding palm
reading sessions with the fees going to charity projects; he
once is also photographed reading from the palm of visiting
Japanese Prime Minister Fukuda and his wife during their
state visit to Thailand.
1977,
Mar 26 - General Chalard Hiranyasiri attempts a coup
against the Thanin government but fails. He is first demoted
and, on April 21, 1977, executed by firing squad.
Several of his collaborators are sentenced to life imprisonment.
1977,
Oct 20 - Admiral Sangad Chalawyoo, whose coup on
Oct 6, 1977 installed Thanin Kraivixien as prime minister, leads
as Defence Minister of the Thanin government another successful
coup, together with Supreme Commander General Kriangsak
Chomanan. The coup plotters present themselves as the Revolutionary
Party. The post of prime minister falls to Kriangsak.
Though also military-installed, the Kriangsak government proves
to be much less dictatorial than the Thanin government.
While the Thanin government had scheduled a return to democracy
within 12 years, the new military backed government promises
elections within one year.
1978
- The Kriangsak government pursues a foreign policy of fence-mending
with the communist neighbors to the east. Diplomatic relations
are restored with Vietnam.
1978,
Nov 4-8 - Deng Xiaoping of China visits Thailand.
Agreements on trade and scientific cooperation
are signed.
1978,
Dec - Kriangsak enacts a constitution with temporary
clauses that favor the military. The constitution institutes
a two chamber parliament, with a lower house of elected
representatives and an upper house of appointed senators.
The way they are appointed, it is secured that the military
will be represented with a substantial number of senators.
1979,
Jan 7 - After almost a year of constantly increasing
armed conflicts between the Chinese-oriented communists
of Cambodia and the Soviet-oriented communists of Vietnam, Vietnamese
troops, together with Cambodian recruits march into
Phnom Penh, topple the Khmer Rouge regime and install
a Vietnamese-backed puppet government. In the following
months, the terror methods of the Khmer Rouge rulers are exposed
to a shocked world public, sort of giving the Vietnamese a posthumous
justification for the invasion of the neighboring country. However,
Thailand feels threatened by the de facto territorial
expansion of Communist Vietnam. In spite of the worldwide low
regard of the Khmer Rouge, Thailand pops up financially,
logistically and morally the Khmer Rouge remnants
that have again turned into a guerilla force, as the Khmer Rouge
are the potentially strongest counter balance in Cambodia
against the Hanoi-installed and controlled government. Furthermore,
Thailand also is instrumental in the establishment of two more
anti-Phnom Penh guerilla forces, the rather rightist Khmer
People's National Liberation Front of former Cambodian Prime
Minister Son San and the forces loyal to ex-monarch Prince
Norodom Sihanouk. The three guerilla fractions remain in
control of areas bordering Thailand; Thailand even agrees to
channel arms shipments from China to the Khmer Rouge
through it's territory. Thai government policy pursues the worldwide
economic isolation of Vietnam because of the Cambodian
invasion, as well as the non-recognition of the Vietnamese-installed
government in Phnom Penh. The Thai positions are soon adopted
by all of ASEAN, making the economic organization a political
broker for developments in Cambodia.
1979
- Refugees from Cambodia flood Thailand, a development
that is said to cause an increase in inflation nationwide, affecting
the country's business and labor sector. The European Community
assigns its first ambassador to ASEAN to reside in Bangkok.
The military launches an amnesty program during which more than
8,000 armed insurgents surrender to the authorities,
most of them coming from the provinces of Chiang Rai, Phayao,
Sakhon Nakhon and Mukdahan. At the same time, the Communist
Party of Thailand weakens because of the rift between China
and Vietnam, mostly over the Vietnamese invasion of Cambodia.
1979,
Apr 22 - As promised, the forces that came to power in the
October 20, 1977 coup hold a general election. It is
won by General Kriangsak, who had in 1977 been installed
as prime minister by the military. That military leaders who
take over the Thai government through a coup d'etat have a high
chance of becoming elected leaders of the country is a peculiarity
of Thai politics. The country's chief executive is not elected
directly by the people as it is the case for example
in the US and France or any country with a presidential form
of government. Rather, in Thailand the chief executive (prime
minister) is chosen by the parliament, and depending
on the constitution in force, he must or must not
even be a Member of Parliament. Therefore, the elected chief
executive never has to have much popular appeal; rather,
he has to garner the support of local political leaders.
Representatives are elected on a strictly local level, as for
example in Great Britain, and representation in Parliament does
not depend on what percentage of votes a party won nationwide;
in every constituency, a number of candidates with the most
votes go to Parliament, and losers stay out. Within the constituencies,
established political structures in most cases secure
certain shares of votes for certain candidates, regardless of
the candidates' party affiliation. Acting military governments
have obviously no difficulties of securing the support of at
least one fraction striving for power in any constituency.
Where opposition cannot be rendered unpopular through propaganda,
opposition candidates can be obstructed in many ways.
As Kriangsak and his supporters had established a well-based
political organization while in power, it was widely regarded
as a foregone conclusion that Kriangsak would continue
to be prime minister after the election. In the months that
follow his election, Kriangsak expands his policy of political
and economic liberalization; he also grants amnesty to
former members of the Communist Party of Thailand.
1979,
Nov 30 - The US embassy on Wireless Road in Bangkok
suffers a pre-dawn attack by grenade launcher. Though
there is some damage, no one is injured.
1980,
Feb 29 - Because the Kriangsak government seems to
be unable to handle the crisis brought about by the Cambodian
refugees, Kriangsak resigns.
1980,
Mar 12 - General Prem Tinsulanonda, formerly Defence
Minister and concurrently Army Chief, becomes prime minister
of Thailand. He adopts a tougher anti-Vietnamese stand
and pursues an economic and financial policy which will become
the base of Thailand's extraordinary economic growth
in the 80's. Prem is very close to the country's Royal Family,
and, for his fatherly approach to political problems and conflicts
within his government, earns the nickname Papa Prem -
in spite of being a bachelor.
1980.
Apr 19 - A Thai Airways Avro aircraft crashes shortly
before landing at Bangkok's Don Muang Airport. 43 passengers
die, among them 4 foreigners; 10 survive. The accident is
caused by a heavy rain storm.
1980,
Jun 23 - More than 24 hours of fighting takes place in Aranyaphratet
as some 300 Vietnamese soldiers, based and active in
Cambodia, cross the border and occupy 3 Thai villages. Thai
casualties are 60, those of the Vietnamese are 75.
1981,
Mar 30 - Five Indonesian Muslim fundamentalists hijack
a domestic Garuda flight to Bangkok and demand the release
of political prisoners in Indonesia. An Indonesian commando
team, flown in from Djakarta, storms the plane, killing
all five hijackers. None of the passengers is hurt.
1981,
Apr 1 - A group of young military officers later
to be known as Young Turks seizes government centers
in Bangkok. They claim to be critical of the failures of past
military governments and to be supporting democracy,
but widespread opinion is that they are just power-hungry.
Prem evades the coup plotters and flees to Khorat. The
rebels keep major government installations in Bangkok occupied
for almost 3 days. The country's Royal Family also moves
to Khorat; the Royal Family supports Prem as it becomes evident
through a radio broadcast message by Queen Sirikit. This
support enables Prem to group behind himself loyal forces and
send them into Bangkok.
1981,
April 3 - The rebels led by General San Chipatima
give up. Chipatima and other leaders of the failed coup manage
to flee the country. All participants in the coup attempt
are given Royal Clemency a month later.
1982,
Jan - The Thai military conducts a major offensive
against the forces of notorious drug lord Khun Sa to
drive him from his stronghold at Baan Hin Taek in Chiang
Rai Province, on Thai soil. After a month of fighting Khun Sa
retreats with his Shan United Army into Burma.
1982,
Apr 5 - Bangkok holds a big party for its 200th birthday.
The main event is a royal fluvial parade on the Chao
Phaya river.
Mid
1982 - The army invents a new anti-insurgency program.
This program gives farming land to armed pioneers willing to
defend the area against communist attacks. As the program
succeeds, the guerilla forces retreat to areas along the Laos
border. The radio station Voice of the People of Thailand
is closed down in China.
1982,
Jul 16 - Army Sergeant Major Amornsak attempts to
assassinate Prime Minister Prem while on a visit to an
artillery facility in Lopburi by firing an anti-tank
rocket at the prime minister's party. The rocket hits a
tree instead; no one is hurt. The incident is kept secret
for almost a year. On June 2, 1983, Amornsak is sentenced
to 25 years in prison.
1982,
Dec 1 - In northeastern Thailand. more than one thousand
arms-carrying communists surrender en group to the government,
represented by Army Commander General Arthit Kamlangek,
thus practically ending the communist insurgency in this part
of Thailand. As December 1, 1942 was the founding day
of the Communist Party of Thailand, the party ceases to be a
threat to the Thai government after exactly 40 years.
1982,
Dec 2 - A suitcase bomb placed in the Iraqi embassy
explodes when a bomb specialist tries to defuse it. The two-story
building of the Iraqi embassy is leveled in the explosion,
several other buildings are heavily damaged. The bomb specialist
is the only casualty.
1983,
Jan - Cambodian government troops, backed by Vietnamese
units, conduct a major offensive against the three united
resistance fractions. The fighting spills over onto Thai
soil. More than 47,000 Cambodians flee to Thailand.
1983,
Mar 3 - The Parliament rebuffs a military bid to retain
temporary constitutional clauses.
1983,
Mar 16 - In a snap vote, the Parliament rejects again a
provision in the constitution that will preserve the key
role of the military in the Thai government.
1983,
Mar 18 - A royal decree dissolves the National Assembly.
1983,
Mar 30 - A Malaysian army unit attacks communist armed
guerillas in the town of Grik forcing a group of guerillas
to flee to Thailand.
1983,
Mar 31 - Vietnamese groups begins spraying bullets into
the Khmer Rouge headquarters on Thai territory,
drawing Bangkok into a defensive campaign. Intense exchange
of artillery and tank fire kills 30 civilians and injures
some 300 persons. Approximately 22,000 Cambodian civilians
flee to Thailand for refuge.
1983,
Apr 18 - A national parliamentary election is held. In this
election, none of the country's 14 political parties wins a
majority in the 324 seat House of Representatives. Upon
invitation of the 4 largest parties in Parliament, Prem who
is not himself a Member of Parliament forms a new government.
1983,
Oct - Bangkok is hit by the worst floods in 40 years.
1984,
Mar - A dispute between Thailand and Laos develops over
three villages: Ben Mai, Bang Klang and Van Sabang.
1984,
Mar 11 - Some 7,000 sticks of dynamite levels the walled
compound and residence of Chinese nationalist General Li
Wen Huan in Chiang Mai. The blast destroys 40 other houses.
The assassination is believed to be the work of the Shan
United Army of drug lord Khun Sa who is suspected
to attempt to wipe out the Kuomintang remnants that have
fled from the Chinese communists to Burma in 1949 and from Burma
to Thai territory in 1961.
1984,
May 11 - Pope John Paul II arrives in Bangkok for
a two-day visit. He holds an open-air mass and visits refugee
camps along the Cambodian border.
1984,
Jul 20 - The military raids hide-outs of communists in Bangkok
and arrests 16 communist rebel leaders, found to be in
possession of 131,000 US Dollar, several cars and firearms.
1984,
Sep 14 - As the Thai economy begins to dwindle Bangkok depositors
and investors rush to banks and investment houses to
retrieve their money. The stock market takes a nose dive.
1984,
Oct 23 - The 159 member nations of the United Nations vote
to install Thailand to its 15 member Security Council.
1984,
Nov 6 - The Baht is devaluated by 14.8%, from
around 23 to around 27 Baht for 1 US dollar. Because of this
devaluation, five generals write to Prime Minister Prem demanding
a reshuffle of the cabinet, expressing their belief that
the prime minister could better improve the economy if some
people in the cabinet vacate their seats. On the same day, Vietnamese
troops attack a lightly manned Thai border Patrol Police Outpost
near Surin at the Thai-Cambodian border, 420km (263mi)
from Bangkok. 3 Thais die, 31 are wounded and 5 are missing.
1984,
Nov 7 - In a radio broadcast, General Arthit Kamlangek,
the powerful army chief and supreme commander of the kingdom's
military forces, airs harsh words on the devaluation
of the Baht. Because of this, the government organizes a pro-devaluation
program; 4 out of 5 generals who were signatories of the above
mentioned letter to Prem reaffirm their loyalty to the
prime minister.
1985,
Mar 6 - The Thai military forces some 1000 Vietnamese
troops to retreat from one of three hills on Thai territory
which the Vietnamese had captured the preceding days. Vietnamese
troops are regularly intruding into Thai territory in
attempts to outflank units of the Cambodian resistance
groups. As these groups receive support through Thailand
and even have possible escape routes through Thai territory,
their backs are kept free - as long as Vietnamese troops attacking
the resistance fractions respect Thai territory. The
Thai counter attack against the intruding Vietnamese troops
leaves some 60 people dead.
1985,
Apr 20 - At Trat, some 1,200 Vietnamese troops attack
Thai positions situated 3 to 4 kilometers from the Gulf of Thailand.
1985,
Sep 9 - The Young Turks fraction of the Thai military
again attempts to topple the government of General Prem but
fails again. Suspected masterminds of the coup attempt
are cashiered Army Colonel Manoon Roopkachorn and his
brother, Wing Commander Manas Roopkachorn; Manas and
Manoon who had also been involved in the aborted coup attempt
in April, 1981, flee the country. Among the supporters
of the coup attempt were several former high ranking officials,
among them former Prime Minister Kriangsak Chomanan,
former Supreme Commander General Sermna Nakhon, former Army
chief General Yos Thepasdin, former Air Force chief Marshall
Krasae Satharat and former Air Force chief Marshall Arum Promthep.
Within 10 hours, government-loyal troop led by General Chavalit
Yongchaiyuth quell the rebellion. There are 5 casualties,
2 of them foreign journalists.
1985,
Sep 17 - The retired military leaders who were involved
are detained. Some 40 active military officers are arrested
during the wave of searches that follows the initial arrests.
1986,
Jan 12 - Kukrit Pramoj resigns as leader of the Social
Action Party, the largest party in the coalition backing
Prime Minister Prem (who is a member of no party). He
is succeeded by Foreign Minister Siddhi Savetsila.
1986,
Apr - Prime Minister Prem does not grant a 1-year extension
in office to General Arthit thereby ending the general's
term on September 1, 1986. This move of the prime minister counters
the traditional assumption that army chief is a stepping stone
to premiership.
1986,
May 1 - Tension spreads as the country prepares for the
July 27 elections for Parliament.
1986,
May 9 - Record rainfall of 25cm (10in) in 24 hours
causes serious flooding in Bangkok.
1986,
May 27 - Prime Minister Prem relieves General Arthit
from his powerful post of Army Commander-in-Chief because of
rumors of assassination plots and a pending coup allegedly
to be led by Arthit. General Arthit is replaced by General Chavalit
Yongchaiyuth.
1986,
Jun 23 - On Phuket Island protestors set a plant for the
processing of tantalum on fire when Industry Minister
Chirayu Issarangkun is to attend a hearing over the plant.
The protesters also burn the Merlin Hotel (where the
minister was believed to be staying) and several cars and buses.
As the protest is said to have been encouraged by General Sanong,
the officer is fired from military service.
1986,
Aug - The newly elected Parliament again chooses Prem
as prime minister. An anti-Prem group in Parliament stages a
walk-out during the inaugural session to prevent his nomination,
but to no effect.
1986,
Nov 8 - Six locomotives, linked together and under repair
at the State Railway's Bangsue facilities, are mistakenly
set into motion and travel 7 kilometers unattended, finally
crashing into Bangkok's main station Hua Lamphong. The
accident causes the death of four people and injures
three.
1986,
Dec - Thai and Laotian representatives meet
to settle the border conflicts between the two countries.
1987,
Mar 25 - Army Commander-in-Chief General Chavalit
announces an all-out offensive against Vietnamese troops
who have intruded into Thai territory beyond the set 5km limit.
1987,
Apr 1 - Former prime minister Kukrit Pramoj, in a
Bangkok seminar on Thai politics, speaks of Chavalit
together with the Internal Security Operation's Command
(a powerful counter-insurgency body) as having been brainwashed
by the communists.
1987,
Apr 5 - 250 men of Thailand's Ranger Force attack the residence
of Kukrit Pramoj because of the latter's comment on Chavalit
and part of the military.
1987,
Apr 28 - In Pattani province, some 540 members of the Communist
Party of Malaysia surrender to the Thai government. They
explain their surrender with their wish to participate in Thailand's
economic development.
1988,
Aug 31 - A Thai Airways Boeing 737 plunges into the
sea off Phuket Island, killing all 74 passengers and
crew members. According to investigation results, the plane
crashed after its pilot made some unprepared moves to avoid
a mid-air collision with another Boeing 737, belonging
to the Hong Kong airline Dragonair.
1988,
Jan 2 - The First Hotel in Bangkok burns. 13 guests
are killed, 11 of them foreigners.
1988,
Feb - Chavalit arranges the cease-fire agreement
with Laos that will end the country's bloody clashes with the
communist neighbor.
1988,
Feb 9 - A Soviet-built Vietnamese jet crashes while
attempting to land on Bangkok's Don Muang Airport. 75
of the 81 people on board die; pilot and co-pilot are among
the survivors.
1988,
Apr 28 - A political crisis in parliament evolves during
the discussion of a copyright and anti-piracy
law that many members of parliament oppose for nationalistic
reasons. The bill seeks to extend the effectiveness of Thai
copyright protection to products registered in the US and
other countries with whom Thailand has diplomatic relations.
1988,
Apr 29 - The 44 member cabinet resigns. After a short conference
with the King, Prime Minister Prem dissolves Parliament
and calls for an election on July 24.
1988,
May 2 - Army Chief Chavalit submits his resignation
letter but the Defense Minister was previously advised by Prime
Minister Prem to reject the resignation.
1988,
May, 24 - Thai national Porntip Nakirunkanok (nicknamed
Pui) is crowned Miss Universe in Taiwan.
1988,
July 24 - In national elections, the Chart Thai Party captures
more votes than any other.
1988,
Aug 4 - The leader of the Chart Thai Party, General Chatichai
Choonhavan, becomes the 17th prime minister of Thailand.
One of Bangkok's English language newspapers, The Nation,
in a publication on the occasion of the papers 20th anniversary
tagged him "a well-known playboy politician whose two-and-one-half
year rule was to be marked by scandals, power plays and a feud
with the military." (The anniversary edition of The Nation was
published after Chatichai was ousted by the military;
see below.) Chatichai becomes famous for his approach
to political problems. His standard statement: "No problem!"
More factually, Chatichai's political agenda is "to turn
battlefields into market places". He pursues the policy
of brokering the entry of Communist and underdeveloped neighboring
countries into the world economy - to the benefit of Thailand
which he envisioned as economic center of Indochina.
1988,
Nov 6 - An earthquake measuring 5 on the Richter scale rattles
Bangkok skyscrapers. Though people in high-rise buildings panic,
no one is hurt.
1989,
Mar 4 - The Chatichai government launches its Southern
Seaboard Development Project, aimed to propel industrialization
of southern Thailand as it was achieved for the eastern coastal
region with the highly successful Eastern Seaboard Development
Project.
1989,
Nov 3 - Typhoon Gay hits southern Thailand, killing at least
500 and causing damage, officially set at about 300 million
US Dollars.
1990,
Apr - A series of mysterious deaths of Thai workers
in Singapore makes it to the headlines. From 1983 to April 1990,
more than 200 Thai workers had died during their sleep
in Singapore for no apparent reason. In the tradition
of the term AIDS, the undefined new disease that struck the
Thai workers was named "Sudden Unexplained Nocturnal Death Syndrome".
Medical investigation has so far not produced any clear explanation.
Culture shock is supposed to play a role.
1990,
Sep 24 - Near the Wireless Road / Petchburi Road intersection
in Bangkok, a gas tanker crashes into a house at around
22:00 and explodes. Initially, 37 people die but in the
following days, a further 63 succumb to burns.
1990,
Dec 8 - In a move to consolidate his eroding political power,
Prime Minister Chatichai resigns after being reassured
that he would be renominated by Parliament as prime minister.
In the following days, he forms a new government including
several former opposition parties.
1991,
Feb 15 - A trailer truck carrying explosives blows
up in a small town in the southern Thai province of Phang
Nga, killing more than 170 people. The truck had
first overturned after trying to manage a curve too quickly.
The explosives did not detonate immediately but only after a
large crowd had assembled at the accident site. Among
the several theories on what triggered the explosion was also
the allegation that scavengers had started going through
the truck load to see what could be salvaged. Carelessness while
doing so could have caused the explosives to blow up.
1991,
Feb 23 - Once again, the Thai military topples a
government. In a bloodless coup d'etat, led by Supreme Commander
General Sunthorn Kongsompong and Army Commander Suchinda
Kraprayoon, the administration of General Chatichai Choonhavan
is ousted; Chatichai and several other politicians are arrested
when boarding a flight to Chiang Mai. The rebels establish the
National Peacekeeping Council which, however, does not
involve itself into day-to-day politics. Parliament and constitution
are suspended, martial law is declared. The military
cites as reason for the coup graft and corruption. Nevertheless,
General Chatichai's disrespect for political demands of the
military were probably also important. The National Peacekeeping
Council initiates an investigation into "unexplained
wealth" of politicians.
1991,
Mar 1 - The National Peacekeeping Council enacts an interim
constitution. The interim constitution specifies that a
National Legislative Assembly (NLA) is formed of 200
to 300 representatives who are to be chosen by the National
Peacekeeping Council. The Legislative Assembly will, according
to the interim constitution, have the duty to pass a new
permanent constitution, as well as to review royal decrees,
proposed by the cabinet. The new permanent constitution is supposed
to be drafted by a special committee of no more than 20 member
who are to be appointed by the Legislative Assembly. The Chairman
of the National Peacekeeping Council is given the authority
to appoint and to fire the prime minister,
as well as to take any action to prevent or put down
any acts which may undermine or disrupt peace and the security
of the nation, the Throne, the economy, resources, morals or
the health of the people.
1991,
Mar 2 - The military appoints a civilian, businessman and
former diplomat Anand Panyarachun, as 18th prime minister
of the country. The military's choice for Anand as prime minister
is seen as concession to international public opinion.
Though some key positions such as Defence and Interior
are held by military officers, Anand forms a cabinet
mainly of civilians, many with a business background.
1991,
Mar 9 - The military junta releases former prime
minister Chatichai Choonhavan and a number of other politicians.
Chatichai is allowed to go into self-exile in Great Britain.
1991,
Mar - The military sets up a National Legislative Assembly,
composed largely of its backers and own officers. The respected
lawyer Dr Ukrit Mongkolnavin is appointed Chairman of
the Assembly. The Assembly's main task is to pass a new permanent
constitution.
1991,
May 26 - A Boeing 767-300 of the Austrian Lauda
Air (owned by the former formula one world champion Niki
Lauda) crashes in midair over Thai territory. All 223 passengers
and crew on board die, among them 87 Austrians and 43 other
Europeans. The aircraft was on its flight from Hong Kong
to Vienna and had stopped over at Bangkok's Don Muang
Airport. Initially, it was considered possible that a bomb
had been planted on the craft during the stopover on Don Muang.
However, later it was believed that a technical defect,
a midair switch of one of the engines into reverse thrust,
had caused the accident.
1991,
Aug 30 - Army Commander-in-Chief Suchinda Kraprayoon,
considered the most powerful member of the National Peacekeeping
Council, promises general elections for March 1992.
He also indicates that he might become the country's next prime
minister if the Samakkhi Tham Party wins the elections.
The Samakkhi Than Party was founded after the military coup
of February 23. It is widely regarded to be the party-arm of
the military junta. Since the party had been established, it
had won over a large number of regional politicians from
the parties dominating the political scene before the coup.
1991,
Sep 22 - Thai Prime Minister Anand Panyarachun begins
a four-day state visit to China. In talks with Chinese Prime
Minister Li Peng in Beijing it is agreed to widen the
trade between the two countries. Politically, Thailand is regarded
as one of the closest non-communist friends of China
as the two countries widely agree on the Cambodia issue and
have been the key backers of the Khmer Rouge resistance
against the Vietnam-imposed government in Phnom Penh.
1991,
Oct 18 - Cambodia's ruling Vietnam-backed People's Revolutionary
Party adopts a new platform which endorses a pluralistic
society. The party's General Secretary Heng Samrin
is replaced by Chea Sim who is believed to be willing to cooperate
with liberal-minded Prime Minister Hun Sen.
1991,
Oct 21 - In Paris, a historic peace pact is signed,
aimed to end 13 years of civil war in Cambodia. The pact provides
for extensive UN presence in Cambodia until elections
are held, as well as for a disarmament of the Cambodian
fractions (the Vietnam-installed government and the three guerilla
groups, including the Khmer Rouge).
1991,
Dec 7 - The National Legislative Assembly passes a new
constitution by a vote of 262 to 7. It's the kingdom's 14th.
The new constitution puts vast powers in the hands of the Senate,
to be appointed by the National Peacekeeping Council. Student
activists and politicians who had been deposed by the military
coup of February 23 and had not aligned themselves with the
new powers that be, criticize the new constitution as
undemocratic.
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