Phraya Phahol Pholphayuhasena
Encyclopedia
General Phraya Phahon Phonphayuhasena , 29 March 1887 – 14 February 1947), born as Phot Phahonyothin , was a Thai
military leader and politician. He became of the Second Prime Minister of Siam in 1933 after ousting his predecessor in a Coup d'état
. After serving five years as Prime Minister he retired in 1938.
) to a Teochew
Chinese
father; Colonel Gim Phahonyothin and a Thai
mother; Chab Phahonyothin ,
After attending the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy
, in 1903 he was send by Royal scholarship
to study at the Prussian Military academy or (Hauptkadettenanstalt) in the town of Lichterfelde, near Berlin
, Germany
. Where he was apparently a classmate of Hermann Göring
. He was then sent to study at the Engineer
School in Denmark
, he was however only able to complete one year as his scholarship funds had run out, he returned to Siam in 1912. He was married to Khunying Bunlong Phahonpholphayuhasena . In 1931 he was elevated to the rank of Phraya Phahon Phonphayuhasena by King Prajadhipok
(or Rama VII) and received the rank of Colonel
. In 1932 he became Inspector of the Royal Siamese Army.
(or the People's Party) who carried out the Revolution of 1932
. After the 1932, three factions had formed among the group of Siamese political and military leaders in the Khana Ratsadon. These were: first, the senior military faction led by Phraya Phahon; second, the junior army and navy faction led by Luang Phibunsongkhram
; and third, the civilian faction led by Pridi Phanomyong
.
As the most senior Phraya Phahol was viewed as the de facto leader of the Khana Ratsadon and the Revolution itself. It was Phraya Phahol who read the "Declaration of the new Siamese State" in the Royal Plaza that declared the end of absolute monarchy
and the establishment of the constitutional
Siamese state. Because of the key role he played in the Revolution he was rewarded with a high position in the new government and was made a member of the new Cabinet
.
In March 1933 a constitutional crisis has developed in Siam over the Yellow Cover Dossier incident, the incident was caused by Pridi's Draft Economic Plan, which contained many socialistic elements. Because of this Phraya Manopakorn Nititada
the Prime Minister decided to expelled him from the Cabinet and suspended the Constitution. This action upset many in the People's Party who supported Pridi, this included Phraya Phahol. On the 15 June Phraya Phahol resigned from the Cabinet citing 'health reasons'. In truth he and a couple of military officers including both Army and Navy
officers has planned to overthrow Phraya Mano's increasingly authoritarian government. On the 20 June a Bloodless Coup
was instigated, led by Phraya Phahon. The following day, Phraya Phahon was appointed himself the second Prime Minister of Siam. He immediately send a report to King Prajadhipok the objectives and reasoning for the coup and asked the King's support, the King reluctantly endorsed him. Phraya Mano was then exiled to Malaysia.
The next five years were a struggle to maintain power. Beginning with the Boworadet Rebellion
only four months after becoming Prime Minister in October 1933; a Royalist revolt against Phraya Phahol's Government. After weeks of fighting government troops emerged victorious and Phraya Phahol was able to cement his power over Siam. The cabinet was extremely divided politically, and the government was maintained only by the personality of Phraya Phahon. Luang Phibunsongkhram (a trusted confidant) became Minister of Defense under the new government, and he began to acquire greater power and influence in preparation for his eventual ascension to the premiership.
The beginning of the end for Phraya Phahon’s time as Prime Minister began in 1937 when a scandal erupted involving sale of crown real estate to high-ranking officials for below-market prices. After a near collapse that year, the first direct elections for the People's Assembly
took place on 7 November 1937, and those of Phraya Phahon’s cabinet found themselves an ideological and political minority. After budget issues the next year, the cabinet was forced to resign in September 1938, and elections were held in December, installing Luang Phibunsonggram
as the next Prime Minister of Thailand.
. He died in February 1947 at the age of 59 of Cerebral hemorrhage. It was said that when he died, despite the fact that he has held many positions in government, his family was poor and did not even have the money to pay for his funeral. Eventually Luang Phibulsonggram, his former tutee and the current Prime Minister had to step in and pay for the funeral of his beloved mentor.
Phahonyothin Road, which runs from Bangkok to the border of Burma in the north, is named after Phraya Phahon. Formerly known as Prachathipatai Road, Field Marshal Plaek Phibunshongkhram renamed the road in his honor. A hospital
in Kanchanaburi Province
is also named in his honour.
of 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...
military leader and politician. He became of the Second Prime Minister of Siam in 1933 after ousting his predecessor in a Coup d'état
Siamese coup d'état of 1933
The Siamese Coup d’état of June 1933 was considered the first time in Thai history that the Military has successfully overthrown the Constitutional Government. The actual coup took place peacefully on 20 June 1933 in Bangkok. The Coup was led by Colonel Phraya Phahol Pholphayuhasena against the...
. After serving five years as Prime Minister he retired in 1938.
Early life
Phahonyothin was born in Phra Nakhon province (present-day BangkokBangkok
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...
) to a Teochew
Teochew people
The Chaozhou people are Han people, native to the Chaoshan region of eastern Guangdong province of China who speak the Teochew dialect. Today, most Teochew people live outside China in Southeast Asia especially in Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia. They can also be found almost anywhere in the...
Chinese
Thai Chinese
The Thai Chinese are an overseas Chinese community who live in Thailand. Thailand is home to the largest, oldest, most prominent, and most integrated overseas Chinese community in the world with a population of approximately 9.5 million people...
father; Colonel Gim Phahonyothin and a Thai
Thai people
The Thai people, or Siamese, are the main ethnic group of Thailand and are part of the larger Tai ethnolinguistic peoples found in Thailand and adjacent countries in Southeast Asia as well as southern China. Their language is the Thai language, which is classified as part of the Kradai family of...
mother; Chab Phahonyothin ,
After attending the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy
Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy
Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy or CRMA is the military academy of Royal Thai Army. Established in 1887 it has graduated the vast majority of Thailand's military leaders and many of them become Thai Prime Ministers.-History:...
, in 1903 he was send by Royal scholarship
Scholarship
A scholarship is an award of financial aid for a student to further education. Scholarships are awarded on various criteria usually reflecting the values and purposes of the donor or founder of the award.-Types:...
to study at the Prussian Military academy or (Hauptkadettenanstalt) in the town of Lichterfelde, near Berlin
Berlin
Berlin is the capital city of Germany and is one of the 16 states of Germany. With a population of 3.45 million people, Berlin is Germany's largest city. It is the second most populous city proper and the seventh most populous urban area in the European Union...
, Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
. Where he was apparently a classmate of Hermann Göring
Hermann Göring
Hermann Wilhelm Göring, was a German politician, military leader, and a leading member of the Nazi Party. He was a veteran of World War I as an ace fighter pilot, and a recipient of the coveted Pour le Mérite, also known as "The Blue Max"...
. He was then sent to study at the Engineer
Engineer
An engineer is a professional practitioner of engineering, concerned with applying scientific knowledge, mathematics and ingenuity to develop solutions for technical problems. Engineers design materials, structures, machines and systems while considering the limitations imposed by practicality,...
School in Denmark
Denmark
Denmark is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe. The countries of Denmark and Greenland, as well as the Faroe Islands, constitute the Kingdom of Denmark . It is the southernmost of the Nordic countries, southwest of Sweden and south of Norway, and bordered to the south by Germany. Denmark...
, he was however only able to complete one year as his scholarship funds had run out, he returned to Siam in 1912. He was married to Khunying Bunlong Phahonpholphayuhasena . In 1931 he was elevated to the rank of Phraya Phahon Phonphayuhasena by King Prajadhipok
Prajadhipok
Phra Bat Somdet Phra Poramintharamaha Prajadhipok Phra Pok Klao Chao Yu Hua , or Rama VII was the seventh monarch of Siam under the House of Chakri. He was the last absolute monarch and the first constitutional monarch of the country. His reign was a turbulent time for Siam due to huge political...
(or Rama VII) and received the rank of Colonel
Colonel
Colonel , abbreviated Col or COL, is a military rank of a senior commissioned officer. It or a corresponding rank exists in most armies and in many air forces; the naval equivalent rank is generally "Captain". It is also used in some police forces and other paramilitary rank structures...
. In 1932 he became Inspector of the Royal Siamese Army.
Revolutionary leader and usurper
Phraya Phahon was an important member of the group of conspirators known as the "Four Musketeers", which were a part of the Khana RatsadonKhana Ratsadon
Khana Ratsadon , frequently mistakenly written as Khana Rat , was a Siamese group of military and civil officers, and later a political party, which staged a bloodless coup against King Prajadhipok and transited the country's absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy on 24 June 1932.-The...
(or the People's Party) who carried out the Revolution of 1932
Siamese Revolution of 1932
The Siamese Revolution of 1932 or the Siamese Coup d'état of 1932 was a crucial turning point in Thai history in the 20th century...
. After the 1932, three factions had formed among the group of Siamese political and military leaders in the Khana Ratsadon. These were: first, the senior military faction led by Phraya Phahon; second, the junior army and navy faction led by Luang Phibunsongkhram
Plaek Pibulsonggram
Field Marshal Plaek Pibunsongkhram , often known as Phibun Songkhram or simply Phibun in English, was Prime Minister and virtual military dictator of Thailand from 1938 to 1944 and 1948 to 1957.- Early years :...
; and third, the civilian faction led by 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:...
.
As the most senior Phraya Phahol was viewed as the de facto leader of the Khana Ratsadon and the Revolution itself. It was Phraya Phahol who read the "Declaration of the new Siamese State" in the Royal Plaza that declared the end of absolute monarchy
Absolute monarchy
Absolute monarchy is a monarchical form of government in which the monarch exercises ultimate governing authority as head of state and head of government, his or her power not being limited by a constitution or by the law. An absolute monarch thus wields unrestricted political power over the...
and the establishment of the constitutional
Constitutional monarchy
Constitutional monarchy is a form of government in which a monarch acts as head of state within the parameters of a constitution, whether it be a written, uncodified or blended constitution...
Siamese state. Because of the key role he played in the Revolution he was rewarded with a high position in the new government and was made a member of the new Cabinet
Cabinet (government)
A Cabinet is a body of high ranking government officials, typically representing the executive branch. It can also sometimes be referred to as the Council of Ministers, an Executive Council, or an Executive Committee.- Overview :...
.
In March 1933 a constitutional crisis has developed in Siam over the Yellow Cover Dossier incident, the incident was caused by Pridi's Draft Economic Plan, which contained many socialistic elements. Because of this Phraya Manopakorn Nititada
Phraya Manopakorn Nititada
Phraya Manopakorn Nititada , born Kon Hutasingha , was the first Prime Minister of Siam after the Siamese Revolution of 1932 as he was selected by the leader of the People's Party - the party that instigated the revolution...
the Prime Minister decided to expelled him from the Cabinet and suspended the Constitution. This action upset many in the People's Party who supported Pridi, this included Phraya Phahol. On the 15 June Phraya Phahol resigned from the Cabinet citing 'health reasons'. In truth he and a couple of military officers including both Army and Navy
Royal Thai Navy
The Royal Thai Navy is the navy of Thailand and part of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, it was established in the late 19th century. Admiral Prince Abhakara Kiartiwongse is "The Father of Royal Thai Navy". Similar to the organizational structure of the United States, the Royal Thai Navy includes the...
officers has planned to overthrow Phraya Mano's increasingly authoritarian government. On the 20 June a Bloodless Coup
Siamese coup d'état of 1933
The Siamese Coup d’état of June 1933 was considered the first time in Thai history that the Military has successfully overthrown the Constitutional Government. The actual coup took place peacefully on 20 June 1933 in Bangkok. The Coup was led by Colonel Phraya Phahol Pholphayuhasena against the...
was instigated, led by Phraya Phahon. The following day, Phraya Phahon was appointed himself the second Prime Minister of Siam. He immediately send a report to King Prajadhipok the objectives and reasoning for the coup and asked the King's support, the King reluctantly endorsed him. Phraya Mano was then exiled to Malaysia.
Premiership
Boworadet Rebellion
The Boworadet Rebellion was a Thai rebellion led by royalist Prince Boworadet in 1933, in consequence of the conflicts between the previous royalist regime and the succeeding constitutional regime following the Revolution in 1932. The Boworadet revolt was eventually defeated by the Siamese...
only four months after becoming Prime Minister in October 1933; a Royalist revolt against Phraya Phahol's Government. After weeks of fighting government troops emerged victorious and Phraya Phahol was able to cement his power over Siam. The cabinet was extremely divided politically, and the government was maintained only by the personality of Phraya Phahon. Luang Phibunsongkhram (a trusted confidant) became Minister of Defense under the new government, and he began to acquire greater power and influence in preparation for his eventual ascension to the premiership.
The beginning of the end for Phraya Phahon’s time as Prime Minister began in 1937 when a scandal erupted involving sale of crown real estate to high-ranking officials for below-market prices. After a near collapse that year, the first direct elections for the People's Assembly
National Assembly of Thailand
The National Assembly of Thailand or the Parliament of Thailand is the legislative branch of the government of Thailand. The National Assembly of Thailand is a bicameral body, consisting of two chambers: the upper house, , and the lower house,...
took place on 7 November 1937, and those of Phraya Phahon’s cabinet found themselves an ideological and political minority. After budget issues the next year, the cabinet was forced to resign in September 1938, and elections were held in December, installing Luang Phibunsonggram
Plaek Pibulsonggram
Field Marshal Plaek Pibunsongkhram , often known as Phibun Songkhram or simply Phibun in English, was Prime Minister and virtual military dictator of Thailand from 1938 to 1944 and 1948 to 1957.- Early years :...
as the next Prime Minister of Thailand.
Periods of service as Prime Minister
- First term: June 21, 1933 – December 16, 1933
- Second term: December 16, 1933 – September 22, 1934
- Third term: September 22, 1934 – July 28, 1937
- Fourth term: August 9, 1937 – December 21, 1937
- Fifth term: December 21, 1937 – September 11, 1938
Retirement and Death
After his difficult years as Prime Minister, General Phraya Phahon retired from public life, though he continued to serve in the military throughout 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...
. He died in February 1947 at the age of 59 of Cerebral hemorrhage. It was said that when he died, despite the fact that he has held many positions in government, his family was poor and did not even have the money to pay for his funeral. Eventually Luang Phibulsonggram, his former tutee and the current Prime Minister had to step in and pay for the funeral of his beloved mentor.
Phahonyothin Road, which runs from Bangkok to the border of Burma in the north, is named after Phraya Phahon. Formerly known as Prachathipatai Road, Field Marshal Plaek Phibunshongkhram renamed the road in his honor. A hospital
Hospital
A hospital is a health care institution providing patient treatment by specialized staff and equipment. Hospitals often, but not always, provide for inpatient care or longer-term patient stays....
in Kanchanaburi Province
Kanchanaburi Province
- History :Archaeology found in Kanchanaburi dates back to the 4th century which proves of trade with surrounding countries even in that time. Very little is also historically known about the actual Khmer influence in Kanchanaburi but there is evidence of their occupation with Prasat Muang Singh –...
is also named in his honour.
Royal decorations
Phraya Phahon received the following 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...
of Thailand:
- 1911 -
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King Rama VI Coronation Medal - 1917 -
_ribbon.png)
Member (Fifth Class) of The Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand - 1920 -
_ribbon.png)
Member (Fifth Class) of the Most Exalted Order of the White ElephantOrder of the White ElephantThe 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:... - 1922 -
_ribbon.png)
Companion (Fourth Class) of The Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand - 1926 -
_ribbon.png)
Companion (Fourth Class) of the Most Exalted Order of the White ElephantOrder of the White ElephantThe 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:... - 1927 -
_ribbon.png)
Chakra Mala Medal - 1929 -
_ribbon.png)
Commander (Third Class) of The Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand - 1929 -
_ribbon.png)
King Rama VIIPrajadhipokPhra Bat Somdet Phra Poramintharamaha Prajadhipok Phra Pok Klao Chao Yu Hua , or Rama VII was the seventh monarch of Siam under the House of Chakri. He was the last absolute monarch and the first constitutional monarch of the country. His reign was a turbulent time for Siam due to huge political...
Royal Cypher Medal, Fourth Class - 1932 -
150 Years Commemoration of BangkokBangkokBangkok 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...
Medal - 1934 -
_ribbon.png)
Safeguarding the Constitution Medal - 1934 -
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Dushdi Mala — Military - 1937 -
_ribbon.png)
Knight Grand Cordon (Special Class) of the Most Exalted Order of the White ElephantOrder of the White ElephantThe 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:... - 1938 -
_ribbon.png)
King Rama VIIIAnanda MahidolAnanda 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, First Class - 1941 -
.png)
Victory Medal — Indochina - 1943 -
_ribbon.png)
Medal for Service Rendered in the Interior - 1943 -
_ribbon.png)
Knight Grand Cordon (Special Class) of The Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom KlaoOrder of Chula Chom KlaoThe 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...
External links
- Phraya Phahol Pholphayuhasena (thaigov.go.th)