Praphas Charusathien
Praphas Charusathien[note 1] (Thai: ประภาส จารุเสถียร, RTGS: Praphat Charusathian, Thai pronunciation: [pràʔpʰâːt t͡ɕaːrúʔsàʔtʰǐan]; 25 November 1912 – 18 August 1997) was a Thai military officer and politician. He was a field marshal (chom phon) of the Royal Thai Army and minister of interior in the governments of military rulers Sarit Thanarat and Thanom Kittikachorn.
Praphas Charusathien ประภาส จารุเสถียร | |
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Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand | |
In office 1 January 1958 – 20 October 1958 | |
Prime Minister | Thanom Kittikachorn |
Preceded by | Prayoon Yuthasastrkosol Fuen Ronnaphagrad Ritthakhanee |
Succeeded by | Thanom Kittikachorn Prince Wan Waithayakon |
In office 9 December 1963 – 14 October 1973 | |
Prime Minister | Thanom Kittikachorn |
Preceded by | Thanom Kittikachorn Prince Wan Waithayakon |
Succeeded by | Sukich Nimmanheminda |
Minister of Interior | |
In office 1 January 1958 – 20 October 1958 | |
Prime Minister | Thanom Kittikachorn Sarit Thanarat |
Succeeded by | Kamol Wanprapa |
In office 23 September 1957 – 26 December 1957 | |
Prime Minister | Pote Sarasin |
Preceded by | Phao Sriyanond |
Commander in Chief of the Royal Thai Army | |
In office 1 October 1964 – 30 September 1973 | |
Preceded by | Thanom Kittikachorn |
Succeeded by | Kris Sivara |
Director-General of the Royal Thai Police | |
In office 1 October 1972 – 16 October 1973 | |
Preceded by | Prasert Rujirawongse |
Succeeded by | Prajuab Suntarangkool |
Personal details | |
Born | 25 November 1912 Udon Thani, Siam |
Died | 18 August 1997 84) Bangkok, Thailand | (aged
Spouse(s) | Sawai Charusathien |
Children | 6 |
Signature | |
Military service | |
Allegiance | Thailand |
Branch/service | Royal Thai Army |
Years of service | 1933–1973 |
Rank | Field Marshal Admiral of the Fleet Marshal of the Air Force Police General |
Commands | Commander-in-Chief |
Personal life and education
Praphas graduated from the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy and became an infantry officer. He was sponsored by Field Marshal and Prime Minister-to-be Sarit Thanarat. He was quickly promoted to higher ranks. In 1957, Sarit appointed him minister of interior, a position in which he continued to serve after Sarit's death in 1963. The new Prime Minister was Thanom Kittikachorn, whose son married Praphas' daughter. From 1963 to 1973, he was additionally deputy prime minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army. During this time, Praphas was the strong man in the background who pulled the strings in the Thanom government. He was known for obscure financial transactions and political intrigues,[1] while sitting on the boards of 44 companies.[2]
In 1973, he was replaced as army commander by General Krit Srivara, which signaled his loss of influence. In October 1973 protests against the rigid military rule grew into a massive popular uprising that was answered by a bloody crackdown on the protesting students and democracy activists. The many dead civilians prompted King Bhumibol Adulyadej to intervene. Praphas, Thanom and his son Colonel Narong Kittikachorn went into exile.[1]
Praphas returned to Thailand in January 1977, after the military had ended the democratic interlude in October 1976. However, he was not able to exercise political influence again.[1]
Died
Praphas Charusathien died on 18 August 1997 in Bangkok.
Honours
Foreign honours
- Malaysia : Honorary Grand Commander of the Order of the Defender of the Realm (1964)[3]
- Germany : Grand Cross with Sash and Star of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
- Netherlands: Commander of the Order of Orange-Nassau
- Italy: Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic
- United States: Commander of the Legion of Merit
Notes
- Alternative spellings of his first name: Prapas, Praphat, Prapass; last name: Charusathian, Charusathiara
References
- Leifer, Michael (1996), "Praphas Charusathien", Dictionary of the modern politics of South-East Asia, Routledge, p. 134
- Baker, Chris; Phongpaichit, Pasuk (2009). A History of Thailand (2nd, paper ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 170. ISBN 9780521759151.
- "Senarai Penuh Penerima Darjah Kebesaran, Bintang dan Pingat Persekutuan Tahun 1964" (PDF).