The first Muslim to lead the Royal Thai Army, Sonthi Boonyaratglin rose through the military ranks before orchestrating the 2006 coup d'état against the elected government of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. His tenure as commander and subsequent political roles marked a volatile period for national security in Thailand, characterized by an unresolved insurgency in the southern provinces.
Military Formation and Early Career
Born in 1946 in Ubon Ratchathani, Sonthi received his foundational military training at the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School and graduated from the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy in 1969 as part of Class 17. Commissioned into the Royal Army Infantry Corps, he gained experience leading the elite Special Warfare Command in Lopburi province. His rapid ascent through the military hierarchy included an appointment as Deputy Army Commander in 2004, followed by his promotion to Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army in 2005.
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Upon becoming army commander, Sonthi received increased executive powers to manage the worsening security crisis in the nation's far south. Despite promises of a new and effective approach, the military failed to identify key insurgent leadership, and violence escalated under his oversight. His strategies included controversial negotiations with unidentified militants and the withdrawal of regular troops in 2007, replaced by territorial defense volunteers. Criticism mounted following incidents such as the kidnapping and fatal beating of teachers, which highlighted the limitations of the military response.
Political Transition and 2006 Coup
By 2006, political instability grew as Sonthi consolidated his control, shifting officers perceived as loyal to the government. While he publicly dismissed the possibility of a coup in May 2006, he led the overthrow of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on 19 September 2006. As the head of the Council for Democratic Reform, he briefly exercised authority equivalent to prime minister, dissolved the legislative and judicial bodies, and secured a mandate from King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Later Public Service
Following his retirement from the military in 2007, Sonthi moved into high-level government administration, serving as Deputy Prime Minister with a focus on national security between 2006 and 2008. He later transitioned into parliamentary politics, securing a seat as a member of the House of Representatives of Thailand, serving from 2011 to 2013. He holds a degree in political science from Ramkhamhaeng University.
Fast facts
- Born: 2 October 1946, Ubon Ratchathani
- Religion: Islam
- Military Rank: General
- Army Commander: 2005-2007
- Prime Minister Term: 2006
- Deputy Prime Minister: 2006-2008
- House of Representatives: 2011-2013
Questions readers ask
Was Sonthi the first Muslim to command the Royal Thai Army?
Yes, he was the first individual of the Islamic faith to hold the position of Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army.
What was his role in the 2006 government change?
He led the military coup on 19 September 2006, which removed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra from office and established the Council for Democratic Reform.
