Plaek Phibunsongkhram

Biography

Plaek Phibunsongkhram (14 July 1897 – 11 June 1964), commonly known as Phibun, was a Thai military officer and politician who served as prime minister of Thailand during two periods: 1938 to 1944 and 1948 to 1957. Born in Nonthaburi, he became one of the most important and controversial figures in twentieth-century Thai political history, leading the country during World War II and the early years of the Cold War. His governments were marked by authoritarian rule, strong nationalism, and major changes in Thai foreign policy.

Phibun received his basic military training at the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, graduating in 1914, before going to France for advanced studies. Upon returning to Siam, he joined the Khana Ratsadon, a group of military officers and civilians who carried out the 1932 Siamese Revolution. This peaceful coup ended the country's absolute monarchy and set up a constitutional monarchy. Phibun rose quickly in the new political system, using his military position to gain influence throughout the 1930s. By 1938, he had gathered enough power to become prime minister while also serving as Commander of the Royal Siamese Army.

As prime minister, Phibun followed an agenda heavily influenced by European fascism, particularly the style associated with Benito Mussolini's Italy. His government issued several cultural mandates meant to change Thai identity, such as renaming the country from Siam to Thailand in 1939, promoting Western-style clothing, and emphasizing the Thai language over regional and minority languages. His policies also promoted Sinophobia and targeted the economic activities of the ethnic Chinese population. During World War II, Phibun aligned Thailand with Imperial Japan, allowing Japanese forces to move through Thai territory in December 1941 and later declaring war on the Allied powers. This decision faced significant internal opposition, most notably from the Free Thai Movement and former Khana Ratsadon member Pridi Banomyong, who served as regent and organized covert resistance. Phibun was removed from power in 1944 as Japan's military position worsened.

After a time out of government and a failed coup attempt, Phibun returned to power in 1948 through a military coup. His second administration adjusted to Cold War realities, aligning Thailand firmly with the United States and positioning the country as strongly anticommunist. He received many honors during this time reflecting his international relationships, including the Chief Commander of the Legion of Merit from the United States and the Grand Cross 1st class of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, among others. Domestically, his second government remained authoritarian, suppressing political opposition and limiting civil liberties. He was eventually overthrown in a coup led by Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat in September 1957 and went into exile, eventually settling in Japan. He died in Sagamihara on 11 June 1964. He was married to La-iat Phibunsongkhram throughout his life.