Sarit Dhanarajata
Encyclopedia
Field Marshal
Sarit Thanarat (Thai
: สฤษดิ์ ธนะรัชต์), (June 16, 1908 – December 8, 1963) was a Thai career soldier who staged a coup in 1957, thereafter serving as Thailand
's Prime Minister until his death in 1963. He was born in Bangkok
, but grew up in his mother's home town in Lao-speaking northeastern Thailand and considered himself a northeasterner. His father, Major Luang Ruangdetanan (birth name Thongdi Thanarat), was a career army officer best known for his translations into Thai of Cambodian literature. During his years as prime minister Sarit was a patron of the Lao strongman General Phoumi Nosavan
against the communist Pathet Lao
guerrillas in the neighboring Kingdom of Laos
.
, slowly rising through the Officer Corps. During World War II
he served as commander of an infantry battalion and took part in the invasion and occupation of the Shan States
in Burma. Unlike many of his fellow officers, Sarit was not discharged at the end of the war. Instead, he was promoted to command the 1st Infantry Regiment of the Bangkok-based Guards Division. As a colonel, he played a leading role in the 1947 military coup that overthrew the government of Prime Minister Thawal Thamrong Navaswadhi
, a protege of Pridi Phanomyong
, reinstalling the previously deposed Field Marshal Plaek Pibunsongkram as premier. Thereafter, Sarit took a lasting interest in politics.
in charge. However, economic troubles continued, and in October 1958 Sarit staged a second coup, intended to thwart the undisciplined politicians by imposing Martial law
. Sarit felt that democracy had failed in Thailand and intended to rule according to "Thai ideologies", not imported Western political theories, choosing as his model the supposedly benevolent despots of his country's past.
, silencing the experiments in open politics that had begun in 1955, justifying his actions by arguing for a return to Thai traditions of social law and order.
As prime minister, Sarit accelerated his country's economic development under a plan designed by the United States and the World Bank that promoted both market competition and private investment. He also created the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB), which continues to play an important role in Thailand's economic development, exemplified in Sarit's favorite term; "patana" (development), and slogan; "Nation, Religion, Monarch", represented by red, white and blue colors respectively in the Thai flag
.
Nevertheless, Sarit's regime was the most repressive and authoritarian in modern Thai history, abrogating the constitution, dissolving parliament, and vesting all power in his newly-formed Revolutionary Party. Although he pledged to appoint a constituent assembly to act as a legislature and draft a constitution, no one doubted that the body would merely rubber-stamp his orders. Eventually Sarit's constitution was promulgated but not until after his death.
Sarit banned all other political parties, imposing very strict censorship of the press after the coup, his Revolutionary Party banning eighteen leftist, neutralist, and forbidding starting up of new opposition newspapers. Sarit's "revolution" brought an intense crackdown on the leftists; however, because genuine communists were rare in Thailand, it was the mildly socialist or neutralist professors, politicians, and newspapers who took the brunt of the suppression. Police arrested many dissidents and ethnic Chinese on the first day of the coup, followed by hundreds in the succeeding weeks. Among those arrested were Sang Phathanothai
, Kulab Saipradit, Jit Phumisak
, and Prasert Sapsunthorn.
to attend public ceremonies, visit the provinces, patronise development projects and personally present diplomas to Thailand's government university graduates, helping to bring the monarchy closer to the people and raising the stature of the king to that of high reverence. The practice of prostrating with the head touching the ground before royal audiences, banned decades earlier by King Chulalongkorn
, was reinstated.
Sarit introduced a new generation of economically liberal technocrats to governing, encouraged private and foreign direct investment, launched major rural development projects, and rapidly expanded educational facilities, which, despite his despotic rule, made Sarit generally popular with the Thai public.
, who became Prime Minister, and Praphas Charusathian, who became Deputy Prime Minister. Thanom and Praphas maintained Sarit's authoritarian style of government, his anti-communism, and pro-American policies.
Sarits relationship with King Bhumibol, was evident when the King ordered 21 days of official mourning in the palace after his death, with Sarit's body lying in state under royal patronage for 100 days and their Majesties the King and Queen attending his cremation on March 17, 1964.
battle between his son, Major Setha Thanarat, and his young wife, Thanpuying Vichitra Thanarat, reveals the massive extent of Sarit's wealth (US$ 140 million). Sarit was discovered to have owned a trust company, a brewery, 51 cars, and some 30 plots of land, most of which Sarit gave to the dozens of mistresses
he was found to have had. Thai language newspapers published the names of 100 women who claimed to have shared his bed, shocking the public when it was learnt how corrupt he had actually been.
. This include:
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Safeguarding the Constitution Medal – 1934 – for helping put down the Boworadej Rebellion
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Companion (Fourth Class) of the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant
– 1940
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Commander (Third Class) of The Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand – 1941
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Chakra Mala Medal – 1942
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Knight Commander (Second Class) of The Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand. – 1948
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Knight Grand Cross (First Class) of the Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand – 1949
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Knight Grand Cross (First Class) of the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant
– 1950
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King Rama VIII
Royal Cypher Medal, 2nd Class – 1950
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Knight Grand Cordon (Special Class) of The Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand – 1951
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Knight Commander (Second Class, lower grade) of The Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom Klao
– 1952
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Knight Grand Cordon (Special Class) of the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant
– 1952
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King Rama IX
Royal Cypher Medal, 2nd Class – 1953
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Knight Grand Commander (Second Class, higher grade) of the Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom Klao
– 1953
King Rama IX
Royal Cypher Medal, 1st Class – 1958
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Knight Grand Cordon (Special Class) of The Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom Klao
– 1959
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Knight of The Ancient and Auspicious Order of the Nine Gems
– 1959
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Border Service Medal – 1962
Knight Grand Commander of the Honourable Order of Rama
– 1962
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Boy Scout Citation Medal – 1962
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Victory Medal – World War II
– 1962
Field Marshal
Field Marshal is a military rank. Traditionally, it is the highest military rank in an army.-Etymology:The origin of the rank of field marshal dates to the early Middle Ages, originally meaning the keeper of the king's horses , from the time of the early Frankish kings.-Usage and hierarchical...
Sarit Thanarat (Thai
Thai alphabet
Thai script , is used to write the Thai language and other, minority, languages in Thailand. It has forty-four consonants , fifteen vowel symbols that combine into at least twenty-eight vowel forms, and four tone marks ....
: สฤษดิ์ ธนะรัชต์), (June 16, 1908 – December 8, 1963) was a Thai career soldier who staged a coup in 1957, thereafter serving as Thailand
Thailand
Thailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...
's Prime Minister until his death in 1963. He was born in Bangkok
Bangkok
Bangkok is the capital and largest urban area city in Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or simply Krung Thep , meaning "city of angels." The full name of Bangkok is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom...
, but grew up in his mother's home town in Lao-speaking northeastern Thailand and considered himself a northeasterner. His father, Major Luang Ruangdetanan (birth name Thongdi Thanarat), was a career army officer best known for his translations into Thai of Cambodian literature. During his years as prime minister Sarit was a patron of the Lao strongman General Phoumi Nosavan
Phoumi Nosavan
Phoumi Nosavan was a Lao military and political figure of the Vietnam War . Nosavan was of Chinese descent....
against the communist Pathet Lao
Pathet Lao
The Pathet Lao was a communist political movement and organization in Laos, formed in the mid-20th century. The group was ultimately successful in assuming political power after the Laotian Civil War. The Pathet Lao were always closely associated with Vietnamese communists...
guerrillas in the neighboring Kingdom of Laos
Kingdom of Laos
The Kingdom of Laos was a sovereign state from 1953 until December 1975, when Pathet Lao overthrew the government and created the Lao People's Democratic Republic. Given self-rule in 1949 as part of a federation with the rest of French Indochina, the 1953 Franco-Lao Treaty finally established a...
.
Military career
Sarit Thanarat was educated at a monastery school, and entered the Royal Thai Military Academy in 1919, not completing his military studies until 1928, after which he was commissioned as a Second LieutenantSecond Lieutenant
Second lieutenant is a junior commissioned officer military rank in many armed forces.- United Kingdom and Commonwealth :The rank second lieutenant was introduced throughout the British Army in 1871 to replace the rank of ensign , although it had long been used in the Royal Artillery, Royal...
, slowly rising through the Officer Corps. During World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
he served as commander of an infantry battalion and took part in the invasion and occupation of the Shan States
Shan States
The Shan States were the princely states that ruled large areas of today's Burma , Yunnan Province in China, Laos and Thailand from the late 13th century until mid-20th century...
in Burma. Unlike many of his fellow officers, Sarit was not discharged at the end of the war. Instead, he was promoted to command the 1st Infantry Regiment of the Bangkok-based Guards Division. As a colonel, he played a leading role in the 1947 military coup that overthrew the government of Prime Minister Thawal Thamrong Navaswadhi
Thawal Thamrong Navaswadhi
Rear Admiral Thawal Thamrong Navaswadhi was the 8th prime minister of Thailand from 1946-1947.A career naval officer of Chinese ancestry, Admiral Thamrong was a leading member of the anti-Japanese Seri Thai resistance movement during World War II. He became Thailand's elected prime minister on...
, a protege of Pridi Phanomyong
Pridi Phanomyong
Pridi Banomyong was a highly revered Thai politician. He was a former Prime Minister and Senior Statesman of Thailand, and was named one of the world's great personalities of the 20th century by UNESCO in 2000.-Family background:...
, reinstalling the previously deposed Field Marshal Plaek Pibunsongkram as premier. Thereafter, Sarit took a lasting interest in politics.
Sarit's coups
During the early 1950s, Pibunsongkhram's government had become increasingly corrupt, and the parliamentary election of 1957 was blatantly rigged to keep Pibunsongkhram in power. Public outrage and student protests, accompanied by the known displeasure of Thailand's king, led Sarit to stage a coup in September 1957, but a serious deterioration of his health led Sarit to fly to the United States of America for treatment, leaving Deputy Prime Minister Thanom KittikachornThanom Kittikachorn
Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn was a military dictator of Thailand. A staunch anti-Communist, Thanom oversaw a decade of military rule in Thailand from 1963 to 1973, until public protests which exploded into violence forced him to step down...
in charge. However, economic troubles continued, and in October 1958 Sarit staged a second coup, intended to thwart the undisciplined politicians by imposing Martial law
Martial law
Martial law is the imposition of military rule by military authorities over designated regions on an emergency basis— only temporary—when the civilian government or civilian authorities fail to function effectively , when there are extensive riots and protests, or when the disobedience of the law...
. Sarit felt that democracy had failed in Thailand and intended to rule according to "Thai ideologies", not imported Western political theories, choosing as his model the supposedly benevolent despots of his country's past.
Sarit's tenure
On October 19, 1958, Sarit informed his generals of his plans for a "revolution". To no one's surprise, the following day he declared Martial lawMartial law
Martial law is the imposition of military rule by military authorities over designated regions on an emergency basis— only temporary—when the civilian government or civilian authorities fail to function effectively , when there are extensive riots and protests, or when the disobedience of the law...
, silencing the experiments in open politics that had begun in 1955, justifying his actions by arguing for a return to Thai traditions of social law and order.
As prime minister, Sarit accelerated his country's economic development under a plan designed by the United States and the World Bank that promoted both market competition and private investment. He also created the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB), which continues to play an important role in Thailand's economic development, exemplified in Sarit's favorite term; "patana" (development), and slogan; "Nation, Religion, Monarch", represented by red, white and blue colors respectively in the Thai flag
Flag of Thailand
The flag of the Kingdom of Thailand shows five horizontal stripes in the colours red, white, blue, white and red, with the middle blue stripe being twice as wide as each of the other four. The design was adopted on 28 September 1917, according to the royal decree about the flag in that year; the...
.
Nevertheless, Sarit's regime was the most repressive and authoritarian in modern Thai history, abrogating the constitution, dissolving parliament, and vesting all power in his newly-formed Revolutionary Party. Although he pledged to appoint a constituent assembly to act as a legislature and draft a constitution, no one doubted that the body would merely rubber-stamp his orders. Eventually Sarit's constitution was promulgated but not until after his death.
Sarit banned all other political parties, imposing very strict censorship of the press after the coup, his Revolutionary Party banning eighteen leftist, neutralist, and forbidding starting up of new opposition newspapers. Sarit's "revolution" brought an intense crackdown on the leftists; however, because genuine communists were rare in Thailand, it was the mildly socialist or neutralist professors, politicians, and newspapers who took the brunt of the suppression. Police arrested many dissidents and ethnic Chinese on the first day of the coup, followed by hundreds in the succeeding weeks. Among those arrested were Sang Phathanothai
Sang Phathanothai
Sang Phathanothai was a Thai politician, union leader, and journalist. He was one of the closest advisors to Field Marshal Phibunsongkhram....
, Kulab Saipradit, Jit Phumisak
Chit Phumisak
Chit Phumisak was a Thai author, historian, poet and Communist rebel. His most influential book was The Face of Thai Feudalism , written in 1957 under the pseudonym Somsamai Srisootarapan. Other pen names used by Chit include Kawi Kanmuang and Kawi Srisayam...
, and Prasert Sapsunthorn.
The Monarchy
Under Sarit, the public role of the Thai monarchy, which had been restricted by Phibun, was allowed to resume. Sarit arranged for King Bhumibol AdulyadejBhumibol Adulyadej
Bhumibol Adulyadej is the current King of Thailand. He is known as Rama IX...
to attend public ceremonies, visit the provinces, patronise development projects and personally present diplomas to Thailand's government university graduates, helping to bring the monarchy closer to the people and raising the stature of the king to that of high reverence. The practice of prostrating with the head touching the ground before royal audiences, banned decades earlier by King Chulalongkorn
Chulalongkorn
Phra Bat Somdet Phra Poramintharamaha Chulalongkorn Phra Chunla Chom Klao Chao Yu Hua , or Rama V was the fifth monarch of Siam under the House of Chakri. He was known to the Siamese of his time as Phra Phuttha Chao Luang . He is considered one of the greatest kings of Siam...
, was reinstated.
Sarit introduced a new generation of economically liberal technocrats to governing, encouraged private and foreign direct investment, launched major rural development projects, and rapidly expanded educational facilities, which, despite his despotic rule, made Sarit generally popular with the Thai public.
Sarit's demise and aftermath
Sarit unexpectedly died late 1963 from liver failure, just as his economic measures were proving successful. Power transferred peacefully to his deputy generals Thanom KittikachornThanom Kittikachorn
Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn was a military dictator of Thailand. A staunch anti-Communist, Thanom oversaw a decade of military rule in Thailand from 1963 to 1973, until public protests which exploded into violence forced him to step down...
, who became Prime Minister, and Praphas Charusathian, who became Deputy Prime Minister. Thanom and Praphas maintained Sarit's authoritarian style of government, his anti-communism, and pro-American policies.
Sarits relationship with King Bhumibol, was evident when the King ordered 21 days of official mourning in the palace after his death, with Sarit's body lying in state under royal patronage for 100 days and their Majesties the King and Queen attending his cremation on March 17, 1964.
Posthumous revelations
After Sarit's death, his reputation took a heavy blow when a bitter inheritanceInheritance
Inheritance is the practice of passing on property, titles, debts, rights and obligations upon the death of an individual. It has long played an important role in human societies...
battle between his son, Major Setha Thanarat, and his young wife, Thanpuying Vichitra Thanarat, reveals the massive extent of Sarit's wealth (US$ 140 million). Sarit was discovered to have owned a trust company, a brewery, 51 cars, and some 30 plots of land, most of which Sarit gave to the dozens of mistresses
Mistress (lover)
A mistress is a long-term female lover and companion who is not married to her partner; the term is used especially when her partner is married. The relationship generally is stable and at least semi-permanent; however, the couple does not live together openly. Also the relationship is usually,...
he was found to have had. Thai language newspapers published the names of 100 women who claimed to have shared his bed, shocking the public when it was learnt how corrupt he had actually been.
Royal decorations
As usual with senior Thai military officers and politicians, Sarit received many royal decorations in the Honours SystemThai Honours Order of Precedence
State decorations awarded by Thailand take the form of orders and medals. This page lists them by order of precedence.-Royal decorations:# Knight and Dame of the Most Auspicious Order of the Rajamitrabhorn...
. This include:
Safeguarding the Constitution Medal – 1934 – for helping put down the Boworadej Rebellion Companion (Fourth Class) of the Most Exalted Order of the White ElephantOrder of the White Elephant
The Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant is the most awarded order of Thailand. It was established in 1861 by King Rama IV of the Kingdom of Siam.The Order consists of eight classes:...
– 1940
Commander (Third Class) of The Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand – 1941 Chakra Mala Medal – 1942 Knight Commander (Second Class) of The Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand. – 1948 Knight Grand Cross (First Class) of the Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand – 1949 Knight Grand Cross (First Class) of the Most Exalted Order of the White ElephantOrder of the White Elephant
The Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant is the most awarded order of Thailand. It was established in 1861 by King Rama IV of the Kingdom of Siam.The Order consists of eight classes:...
– 1950
King Rama VIIIAnanda Mahidol
Ananda Mahidol was the eighth monarch of Thailand under the House of Chakri. At the time he was recognized as king by the National Assembly, in March 1935, he was a nine-year-old boy living in Switzerland. He returned to Thailand in December 1945. Six months later, in June 1946, he was found shot...
Royal Cypher Medal, 2nd Class – 1950
Knight Grand Cordon (Special Class) of The Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand – 1951 Knight Commander (Second Class, lower grade) of The Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom KlaoOrder of Chula Chom Klao
The Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom Klao was established in 16 November 1873 by King Rama V of The Kingdom of Siam to commemorate the 90th Jubilee of the Chakri Dynasty, and bears his Name...
– 1952
Knight Grand Cordon (Special Class) of the Most Exalted Order of the White ElephantOrder of the White Elephant
The Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant is the most awarded order of Thailand. It was established in 1861 by King Rama IV of the Kingdom of Siam.The Order consists of eight classes:...
– 1952
King Rama IXBhumibol Adulyadej
Bhumibol Adulyadej is the current King of Thailand. He is known as Rama IX...
Royal Cypher Medal, 2nd Class – 1953
Knight Grand Commander (Second Class, higher grade) of the Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom KlaoOrder of Chula Chom Klao
The Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom Klao was established in 16 November 1873 by King Rama V of The Kingdom of Siam to commemorate the 90th Jubilee of the Chakri Dynasty, and bears his Name...
– 1953
King Rama IXBhumibol Adulyadej
Bhumibol Adulyadej is the current King of Thailand. He is known as Rama IX...
Royal Cypher Medal, 1st Class – 1958
Knight Grand Cordon (Special Class) of The Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom KlaoOrder of Chula Chom Klao
The Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom Klao was established in 16 November 1873 by King Rama V of The Kingdom of Siam to commemorate the 90th Jubilee of the Chakri Dynasty, and bears his Name...
– 1959
Knight of The Ancient and Auspicious Order of the Nine GemsOrder of the Nine Gems
The Ancient and Auspicious Order of the Nine Gems was established in 1851 by King Rama IV of The Kingdom of Siam...
– 1959
Border Service Medal – 1962 Knight Grand Commander of the Honourable Order of RamaOrder of Rama
The Honourable Order of Rama was established on 22 July 1918 The Honourable Order of Rama (เครื่องราชอิสริยาภรณ์ อันมีศักดิ์ รามาธิบดี - krêuang râat ìt-sà-rí-yaa-pon an mee sàk raa-maa típ-dee) was established on 22 July 1918 The Honourable Order of Rama (เครื่องราชอิสริยาภรณ์ อันมีศักดิ์...
– 1962
Boy Scout Citation Medal – 1962 Victory Medal – World War IIWorld War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
– 1962