Phraya Manopakorn Nitithada emerged as the first prime minister of Siam following the 1932 Siamese Revolution. Born in 1884 in the Phra Nakhon District, he transitioned from a career as a lawyer, judge, and senior civil servant to lead the nation's inaugural constitutional government. His tenure was marked by rapid structural shifts and an eventual military coup.
Early Career and Education
Before his ascension to political leadership, Phraya Manopakorn Nitithada established a trajectory through the bureaucracy of the Rattanakosin Kingdom. He attended the Suankularb Wittayalai School, Assumption College, and the Law School. His professional path included service as the Permanent Secretary for Agriculture and Cooperatives between 1919 and 1923, followed by a tenure as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce from 1922 to 1926. A member of the Thai Bar, he also served as a lecturer and judge, and by 1927, he attained a position on the Privy Council of Thailand, serving until 1933.
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Following the 1932 Siamese Revolution, the People's Party sought a neutral figure to head the newly established government. Phraya Manopakorn was selected as the President of the People's Committee, a title soon changed to prime minister. During his term from 1932 to 1933, he simultaneously held the office of Minister of Finance and sat as a member of the House of Representatives. His administration oversaw the promulgation of the first constitution of Siam on 10 December 1932.
Political Conflict and Coup
By 1933, the administration faced severe internal instability. Phraya Manopakorn moved to consolidate power by closing the People's Assembly and suspending parts of the constitution to silence opposition. He implemented the Anti-Communist Act to arrest dissenters. However, his actions alienated key factions within the military. On 20 June 1933, a coup led by military officers ousted him from office. He was subsequently sent into exile in George Town, British Malaya, where he resided until his death in 1948.
Fast facts
- Born: 1884, Phra Nakhon District
- Died: 1948, George Town
- Prime Minister of Thailand: 1932-1933
- Education: Suankularb Wittayalai School, Assumption College
- Member of: Thai Bar
- Languages: English, Thai, Teochew
- Burial: Wat Pathum Wanaram
- Notable honor: Grand Commander of the Order of Chula Chom Klao
Questions readers ask
What was Phraya Manopakorn Nitithada's role before becoming prime minister?
He served as a lawyer, judge, civil servant, and member of the Privy Council of Thailand.
Why was his premiership terminated?
He was ousted in a military coup on 20 June 1933 after political conflicts led him to suspend the constitution and close the People's Assembly.
Achievements
- Prime Minister of Thailand (1932–1933)
- Minister of Finance of Thailand (1932–1933)
- Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce (1922–1926)
- Permanent Secretary for Agriculture and Cooperatives of Thailand (1919–1923)
- Grand Cross of the Order of the Crown of Thailand — 1927
- Grand Commander of the Order of Chula Chom Klao — 1931
- Commander of the Order of the White Elephant — 1916
- Dushdi Mala Medal — 1912
- Educated at Assumption College and Suankularb Wittayalai School
