Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat

Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat was a prominent Thai military officer and political leader who served as the Prime Minister of Thailand from 1959 until his death in 1963. He seized power through a coup d'état in 1957, solidifying his control with a second coup the following year, which ushered in a period of authoritarian rule. His premiership was characterized by significant economic development, staunch anti-communism, and a close alliance with the United States during the Cold War.

Early life and military career

Sarit was born in Bangkok to a family of modest means, with his father serving as a minor official in the Royal Thai Army. He received his early education at local temples before gaining admission to the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, the premier officer training institution in the Kingdom of Siam. Commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1929, he steadily rose through the ranks, commanding an infantry battalion during the Franco-Thai War and later serving in the Thai occupation forces in Burma during the Second World War. His leadership during the Korean War, where he commanded the "Little Tigers" contingent, significantly enhanced his prestige within the Royal Thai Armed Forces and brought him to the attention of senior figures like Plaek Phibunsongkhram.

Rise to power

Sarit's political ascent was closely tied to the turbulent post-war politics of Thailand. He became a key military supporter of Prime Minister Plaek Phibunsongkhram but grew increasingly critical of the government's perceived corruption and ineffective handling of the economy. Appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army in 1954, he consolidated his power base within the Royal Thai Armed Forces. In September 1957, he orchestrated a bloodless coup that ousted Plaek Phibunsongkhram, installing a caretaker government under Pote Sarasin. After a brief period of parliamentary rule under Thanom Kittikachorn, Sarit staged a definitive second coup in October 1958, abolishing the constitution, dissolving the parliament, and declaring martial law to establish a revolutionary council.

Premiership and policies

As Prime Minister, Sarit ruled by decree, emphasizing order, economic development, and national unity under the banner of "Nation, Religion, King." His government aggressively pursued infrastructure projects, including the construction of roads, bridges like the Maha Chesadabodindranusorn Bridge, and the Asian Highway Network, often utilizing U.S. aid. He founded key state enterprises like the National Economic and Social Development Board and promoted import-substitution industrialization. In foreign policy, he was a fervent anti-communist, allowing the United States to establish major air bases in Udon Thani and U-Tapao during the Vietnam War. Domestically, his rule was marked by strict censorship, a crackdown on leftist intellectuals, and the suppression of political opponents under the Anti-Communist Act.

Personal life and wealth

Sarit was known for his lavish lifestyle and accumulation of substantial personal wealth during his time in power. He had multiple wives and consorts, a practice then tolerated among the elite, and fathered numerous children. His personal fortune, derived from extensive business interests and alleged corruption, included holdings in banking, distilleries like the Boon Rawd Brewery, and vast tracts of real estate. This opulence stood in stark contrast to his public advocacy of simple, austere Buddhist values, a contradiction that became a subject of significant public discussion after his death.

Death and legacy

Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat died of liver failure on 8 December 1963 in Bangkok, a condition exacerbated by chronic alcoholism. His state funeral was an elaborate ceremony presided over by King Bhumibol Adulyadej. He was succeeded by his close deputies, Thanom Kittikachorn and Praphas Charusathien, who continued his authoritarian policies until the 1973 Thai popular uprising. Sarit's legacy remains deeply contested; he is credited with laying the foundation for Thailand's modern economic infrastructure and strengthening the monarchy's role in politics, but his reign is also remembered for its political repression, corruption, and the centralization of military power in Thai politics.

Category:Prime Ministers of Thailand Category:Field marshals of Thailand Category:1908 births Category:1963 deaths