Sarit Thanarat assumed the position of Prime Minister of Thailand in 1959, an office he held until his death in 1963. A professional soldier who ascended through the ranks of the Royal Thai Army, he fundamentally reshaped the national government by centralizing power and suspending the existing constitution to establish an authoritarian administration.
Early Military Career
Born in Bangkok in 1908, Sarit Thanarat pursued a military education at the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, graduating in 1928. He received further training at the Missouri Military Academy. During World War II, he participated in the Burma campaign, leading forces into the Shan State. His rise to prominence was solidified through his command of the 1st Infantry Regiment and his subsequent role in the 1947 military coup.
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By 1954, Sarit served as the commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Army. His political influence grew during the mid-1950s as he moved against the government of Plaek Phibunsongkhram. Following the disputed elections of 1957, Sarit led a coup that ousted the existing leadership. He eventually took full control in 1958, dissolving parliament and banning political parties to ensure absolute authority over the state.
Governance and Development
As Prime Minister, Sarit implemented a centralized development strategy focusing on infrastructure, industrialization, and agricultural growth. His government aligned Thailand with the United States in the anti-communist bloc, receiving significant support during the Cold War. He simultaneously promoted a nationalist agenda that placed the monarchy at the center of his administration's legitimacy. He also held the position of Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police from 1959 until 1963.
Fast facts
- Born: 1908, Bangkok
- Died: 1963, Bangkok
- Military Rank: General Field Marshal
- Prime Minister of Thailand: 1958-1963
- Education: Missouri Military Academy; Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy
- Political Membership: Isan people
- Notable Award: Grand Cordon of the Order of the White Elephant
Questions readers ask
What was Sarit Thanarat's primary role in government?
He served as the Prime Minister of Thailand from 1959 until his death in 1963.
Which military academies did he attend?
He was educated at the Missouri Military Academy and the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy.
Achievements
- Prime Minister of Thailand (1958–1963)
- Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police (1959–1963)
- Order of Chula Chom Klao
- Order of Rama
- Order of the Nine Gems
- Grand Cordon of the Order of the White Elephant
- Educated at Missouri Military Academy and Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy
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