Siamese revolution of 1932 — 1932 overthrow of Thai King Prajadhipok; constitutional monarchy established
The 1932 Siamese coup ended centuries of absolute monarchy under the Chakri dynasty and established a constitutional monarchy with Siam's first written constitution.
Key Facts
- Date
- 24 June 1932
- Perpetrating group
- Khana Ratsadon
- Transition type
- Bloodless coup d'état
- Outcome
- Constitutional monarchy established
- First constitution
- Introduced following the coup
- Follow-up coups
- Two coups occurred within one year (April and June 1933)
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Dissatisfaction with Siam's absolute monarchy grew amid an economic crisis and perceived governmental incompetence. The rise of Western-educated non-royals seeking political influence further stoked opposition to the Chakri dynasty's unchecked rule, creating conditions for organized resistance against the existing order.
On 24 June 1932, the Khana Ratsadon carried out a bloodless coup against the absolute monarchy of King Prajadhipok. The action ended centuries of absolute rule under the Chakri dynasty, transitioning Siam into a constitutional monarchy, introducing democratic governance, promulgating the country's first constitution, and establishing a National Assembly.
King Prajadhipok remained on the throne under the new constitutional framework after reaching a compromise with the Khana Ratsadon. However, political instability persisted, as two additional coups occurred in April and June 1933, driven by internal government conflicts over Pridi Banomyong's socialist economic plan and a royalist rebellion.
Economic Impact
The economic crisis and fiscal mismanagement under the absolute monarchy contributed directly to the 1932 revolution, leading to political restructuring and debate over socialist economic planning under Pridi Banomyong.