History of Thailand (1932–1973)

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Prajadhipok's coronation records - 001

History of Thailand (1932–1973) covers the period from the Siamese revolution of 1932, which brought an end to absolute monarchy, to the events leading up to the Thai student uprising in 1973, a pivotal moment that led to significant political change in Thailand. This era is marked by numerous transitions, including shifts from authoritarian rule to brief periods of democratic governance, the involvement of Thailand in World War II, and the beginning of rapid economic development.

Background

Prior to 1932, Thailand (then known as Siam) was an absolute monarchy under King Prajadhipok. The country's governance was significantly transformed on June 24, 1932, by a bloodless coup led by the People's Party, a group of military and civilian elites who were influenced by democratic ideals. This event marked the transition to constitutional monarchy, with the promulgation of the country's first constitution.

The Constitutional Era

Following the revolution, Thailand experienced a period of political instability, with several constitutions being drafted and discarded. The early years were characterized by a power struggle between the constitutional monarchists and the military, with the latter often gaining the upper hand. In 1938, Plaek Phibunsongkhram, commonly known as Phibun, became Prime Minister and moved the country towards authoritarianism, promoting nationalism and modernization along with cultural mandates aimed at Westernization.

World War II and Aftermath

During World War II, Thailand initially declared neutrality. However, after Japanese forces invaded the country in 1941, Thailand formed an alliance with Japan. Post-war, Thailand faced diplomatic isolation and economic difficulties, leading to Phibun's ousting in 1944. After the war, Thailand became an ally of the United States, marking the beginning of a significant shift in its foreign policy.

The Post-War Period and Road to Democracy

The post-war period saw a brief return to democratic governance, but military coups in 1947 and 1951, led by Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat, reestablished military dominance. Sarit's regime (1957–1963) focused on economic development, anti-communism, and closer ties with the West, particularly the United States. Following Sarit's death, his policies were largely continued by his successors, Thanom Kittikachorn and Praphas Charusathien.

The 1960s and early 1970s were marked by rapid economic growth, driven by US military spending in the region due to the Vietnam War. However, this period also saw increasing internal dissent and demands for democratic reform, particularly among students and intellectuals.

Thai Student Uprising in 1973

The culmination of this growing unrest was the Thai student uprising in October 1973. Sparked by the arrest of thirteen student activists, the protests quickly grew, with hundreds of thousands of people demanding democratic reforms. The uprising resulted in the overthrow of the Thanom-Praphas regime and the establishment of a temporary civilian government, setting the stage for a period of political change.

Legacy

The period from 1932 to 1973 was a transformative era in Thai history, characterized by the struggle between authoritarianism and democracy, significant economic development, and the shaping of Thailand's modern identity. The events of this period laid the groundwork for the contemporary political landscape of Thailand.