Military Elite in Thai Politics: Brief Biographical Data on the Officers in the Thai Legislature 9971902494

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MILITARY ELITE IN THAI POLITICS

INSTITUTE OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN STUDIES The Institute of Southeast Asian Studies was established as an autonomous organization in May 1968, It is a regional research centre for scholars and other specialists concerned with modern Southeast Asia, particularly the multi-faceted problems of stability and security, economic development, and political and social change. The Institute is governed by a twenty-two-member Board of Trustees comprising nominees from the Singapore Government, the National University of Singapore, the various Chambers of Commerce, and professional and civic organizations. A ten-man Executive Committee overseas day-to-day operations; it is chaired by the Director, the Institute's chief academic and administrative officer.

MILITARY ELITE IN THAI POLITICS Brief biographical data on the officers in the Thai legislature

Somboon Suksamran

INSTITUTE OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN STUDIES

Pub Iished by Institute of Southeast Asian Studies Heng Mui Keng Terrace Pasir Panjang Singapore 0511 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies. ©

1984 Institute of Southeast Asian Studies

ISBN 9971-902-49-4

The responsibility for facts and opinions expressed In this publication rests exclusively with the author and his Interpretations do not necessarily reflect the views or the policy of the Institute or Its supporters.

CONTENTS

Preface

vii

Section 1: Army

1

Section 2: Navy

49

Section 3: Air Force

71

About the Author

91

PREFACE

Since 1932 military intervention in Thai politics has become the most dominant and decisive factor in the changing face of Thai political life. The Thai military has overwhelmingly dominated political institutions and processes since then. Socio-political milieux conducive to the patterns and processes of military intervention in Thai politics, including its effects on Thai society, have analytically been studied by a number of Thai and foreign scholars. The most direct intervention of the military in Thai politics has been the seizure of power by means of a coup. Once in control, the military junta tends to give first priority to the maintenance of power by advancing and protecting corporate interests. Key positions in the structure of government, that is, cabinet and legislature, are filled by the leading members of the junta to assure the stability of the regime. Rivals and potential rivals are either eliminated or curtailed or both. Potential allies are co-opted and rewarded. Since there are limited seats in the cabinet and legislature, the most important posts will be assumed by key leaders and the less important ones will be allocated to the active participants and co-opted allies. Thus, the appointment of these military officers to political posts, whether they be in the cabinet or legislature, not only identifies the participants in any military intervention, but also signifies the potential officers who are in a position to perpetuate military rule or at least to dictate the political life of the country in the future. This compilation of biographical data on the military officers in the National Administrative Reform Assembly (1976-77), the National Legislative Assembly, and/or the Senate (1979 to the present) is therefore meant to provide base-line data for further study of military intervention in

vi i i Thai politics. It also provides the officers' social background, military rank and position at the time they were appointed to their political positions. The ranks and positions of the incumbents under study are as they were at the time these incumbents were appointed to the legislature. It should be also noted that since the completion of this manuscript in 1982, there have been minor changes in the structure and power relations in the military. Consequently, in most cases key incumbents were reappointed when their tenure in the legislature expired, and a few new faces were appointed to fill the vacancies when they rose to important positions in the military. Most of the information is derived from the Records of Members of Parliament, the Secretariat of the National Assembly and Ratthasapha S a m (Journal of Parliament). A few retired military officers who are still influential and active in Thai politics have been included in order to make this compilation as complete as possible. What appears to be incomplete in this compilation is the educational background and training experiences abroad of the members of the armed forces under study. Their primary and secondary education is not included and as for training experiences abroad, most of the records do not give details. It should, therefore, be noted that training experiences abroad here range from study tours, short military training courses of 3 to 12 months in duration, to being educated in military institutes, colleges, and universities for 2 to 5 years' duration. This project is financially supported by the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, Singapore, to which I am sincerely grateful. I thank Professor Chai-Anan Samudavanija for his expert advice. I would also like to thank Mr Pheerasak Chanthavarin and Mr Wisut Thamviriyawong for providing excellent assistance in locating and collecting the necessary data.

Somboon Suksamran Bangkok, 1983

Section 1: ARMY

A M.R. ADULDEJ CHAKRABANDHU Aduldej was born on 7 January 1940 in the province of Bangkok. He is the son of Momchao Warathiwath and Rumala and is married to M.R. Benjawan. He attended the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy. As LieutenantColonel and Commander of the 1st Cavalry Squadron, King's Guard, Aduldej was appointed to the Senate in 1979. AKARADEJ SASIPRAPHA Akaradej was born on 31 December 1940 in the district of Muang, Udonthani, the son of Lt.-Gen. Ard. He attended the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy. Akaradej was appointed to the Senate in 1979 with the rank of Major and the position of Commander of the 3rd Battalion of the 1st Regiment. AMNAD DAMRIGAN Amnad was born on 2 October 1922 in the province of Bangkok. He is the son of Khun Sonthisaranan and Jitt. He attended the Military Cadet Academy, and had had training experience abroad. While holding the rank of Lieutenant-General and in the position of Deputy Chief of Staff of the Royal Thai Army, Amnad was elected to the Senate. He died in 1981. AMNUAY CHUKES Amnuay was born on 15 July 1924 in the province of Bangkok. He is the son of Khun Sunthornsombat and Ob and is married to Kobsuk. He attended the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy and the Army War College. As Colonel and Commander of the 7th Regiment, Amnuay was appointed to the National Legislative Assembly and subsequently to the Senate. AMPHORN SVETASARNI Amphorn was born on 28 July 1936 in the province of Bangkok. He is the son of Lt.-Col. Arun and Norn and is married to Watcharee. He attended the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy and the Army Command and General Staff College. As Lieutenant-Colonel and Commander of the 3rd Battalion of the 11th Regiment at Rachaburi, Amphorn was appointed to the Senate.

ANEK BOONYATEE Anek was born on 21 July 1924 in the district of Muang, Trad. He is the son of Gla and Tong. He is married to Buntoeng. He attended the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy and the Army War College. While holding the rank of Major-General and in the position of Commanding General of the Special Warfare Centre, Anek was appointed to the National Legislative Assembly and subsequently to the Senate. ARAM SARAYUT Aram was born on 20 March 1926 in Phisanulok. He is the son of Capt. Luang Waisarayut and Khoei and is married to Phlernphis. He attended the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, the Army Command and General Staff College, and the Army War College. He has had training experience abroad. As Colonel and Commander of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment and Military District Commander of Uttaradit, Aram was appointed to the National Legislative Assembly and at a later date to the Senate. ARAM SRIARKARIN Aram was born on 19 March 1925 in the district of Muang, Phichit. He is the son of Khun Sriarkarin and Gong. He is married to Suphatra. He attended the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy and has had training experience abroad. While holding the rank of Colonel and in the position of Deputy Commander of the 1st Division of the King's Guard, Aram was appointed to the National Administrative Reform Assembly and subsequently to the National Legislative Assembly. ARD CHATINUGROB Ard was born on 10 February 1923 in the district of Muang, Phitsanulok. He is the son of Gen. Luang Chatinugrob and Jantr. He is married to Pornpimol. He attended the Military Technical Academy, the Army Command and General Staff College, and the National Defence College. While holding the rank of Major-General and in the position of Deputy Director of Intelligence, Ard was appointed to the National Administrative Reform Assembly. Subsequently, as Major-General and Director of Intelligence he was appointed to the National Legislative Assembly. As Lieutenant-General he was appointed to the Senate.

AROON SRIUATHAI Aroon was born on 3 August 1933 in the district of Muang, Nakhon Pathom. He is the son of Khun Bannakijsophon and Chum and is married to Areerat. He attended the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, the Army Command and General Staff College, and the Army War College. As Colonel and Commander of the 1st Regiment of the 1st Division, Aroon was appointed to the National Legislative Assembly. ARTITH KAMJVNG-EK Artith was born on 31 August 1925 in the province of Bangkok. He is the son of Lt.-Col. Phin and Sakhorn. He is married to Praphachawee. He attended the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, the Army Command and General Staff College, and the Army War College. He has had training experience abroad. As Colonel and Commander of the 3rd Division, Artith was appointed to the National Legislative Assembly and subsequently as Major-General, to the Senate. His present rank is that of General and he holds the positions of Supreme Commander-in-Chief and Commander-inChief of the Royal Thai Army. ASANEE SAMUTTRASEN Asanee was born on 3 February 1924 in the province of Bangkok. He is the son of Luang Wicha-aswaphet and Phayom. He is married to Phannee. He attended the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy and has had training experience abroad. While holding the rank of MajorGeneral and in the position of Chief of Special Services, Asanee was appointed to the National Administrative Reform Assembly and later to the National Legislative Assembly.

B BANCHONG CHARUWANA Banchong was born on 14 August 1922 in the district of Muang, Nonthaburi. He is the son of Thongkam and Phin Chidthuam. He is married to Usa. He attended the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy and the Army War College. As Colonel and Commander of the Army Cadet Corps, Banchong was appointed to the Senate.

BOON RANGARATNA Boon was born on 31 July 1913 in the district of Muang, Nakhon Ratchasima. He is the son of Capt. Luang Polsakviset (Rod) and Jam. He is married to Krasare. He attended the Chuiachomklao Royal Military Academy, the Army War College, the National Defence College, and the Army Command and General Staff College in the USA. He has also had training experience abroad. As Major-General, Boon was appointed to the National Administrative Reform Assembly. BOONCHAI BAMRUNGPHONG Boonchai was born on 8 November 1915 in Bangkok. He is the son of Hong and Phae and is married to Jaraslak. He attended the Military Cadet Academy, the Army Command and General Staff College, and the National Defence College. While holding the rank of General, Boonchai was appointed to the Senate. BOONRUEN BUACHAROON Boonruen was born on 27 November 1917 in Bangkok. He is the son of Lua and Joy. He is married to Nualkhae. He attended the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, the Army Command and General Staff College, the Army War College, and the National Defence College. As Lieutenant-General and Under-Secretary to the Prime Minister, Boonruen was appointed to the National Administrative Reform Assembly. BOONSERM AYUWATHANA Boonserm was born on 7 May 1919 in Muang, Roi Et. He is the son of Tui and Nu. His wife is Kosum. He attended the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, the Army War College, and the National Defence College. Boonserm was appointed to the National Legislative Assembly with the rank of Lieutenant-General and the position of Deputy Chief of Staff, Royal Thai Army. Subsequently, with the rank of General and the position of Assistant Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army he was appointed to the Senate. BO0NY0UNG BOOCHA Boonyoung was born on 4 August 1940 in the district of Song Pheenong in the province of Suphan Buri. He is the son of 1st Lt. Phaiboon and Thongdee. He is married to Saijai. He attended the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy. As Lieutenant-Colonel and Commander of the 2nd Battalion of the 11th Infantry Regiment, Boonyoung was appointed to the Senate.

7 BOVORN NGAMKASEM Bovorn was born on 29 September 1936 in the province of Suphan Buri. He is the son of Lt.-Col. Viwat and Swang and is married to Bongkot. He attended the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy and has had training experience abroad. Bovorn was appointed to the Senate with the rank of Colonel and the position of Deputy Commander of the Artillery Unit of the Cavalry Division. BULRIT OARDARANANDA Bulrit was born on 23 February 1925 in Bangkok. He is the son of Santana and Phanphis. He is married to Prasansri. He attended the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy and has had training experience abroad. Bulrit was appointed to the Senate with the rank of Lieutenant-General and the position of Director of Education and Research. BULSAK PHOTICHAREON Bulsak was born on 5 March 1935 in the district of Muang, Sing Buri. He is the son of Horn and Jan and is married to Vimolphan. He attended the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy and the Army Command and General Staff College. He has had training experience abroad. As Colonel and Commander of the Artillery Unit of the 4th Army Division, Bulsak was appointed to the Senate. BUNCHA SWATRITIRON Buncha was born on 22 December 1927 in the district of Muang, Nakhon Ratchasima. He is the son of Lt.-Gen. Luang Swatritiron and Supint. His wife is Samang. He attended the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, the Army Command and General Staff College, and the Army War College. He has had training experience abroad. As Colonel and Commander of the 2nd Regiment of the 2nd Division, Buncha was appointed to the National Legislative Assembly and subsequently to the Senate. BUNDIT MALAIARISOON Bundit was born on 5 May 1938 in the district of Muang, Nakhon Swan. He is the son of Maj. Luang Maiaiarisoon and Lamai. He is married to Panthip. He attended the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy and has had training experience abroad. While holding the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel and in the position of Commander of the 1st Battalion of the 1st Regiment, Bundit was appointed to the National Legislative Assembly and later to the Senate.

CHAAW KONGPOOLSILPA Chaaw was born on 29 September 1934 in Bangkok. He is the son of Capt. Chuam and Wimoi. He is married to Wibool. He attended the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, the Army Command and General Staff College, and the Armed Forces Staff College. He has had training experience abroad. Chaaw was appointed to the Senate with the rank of Colonel and the position of Chief of Operations Division, Army Operation Department. CHAB EAMSIRI Chab was born on 1 June 1930 in the district of Muang, Petchaburi. He is the son of Saeng and Oum. His wife is Wan. He attended the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy and the Army Command and General Staff College. As Colonel and the Commmander of the 1st Artillery Regiment of the King's Guard, Chab was appointed to the National Legislative Assembly. CHAI DISYADEJ Chai was born on 30 April 1930 in Bang Mulnak in the province of Phichit. He is the son of Chun and Sampao. His wife is Janpen. He attended the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy and has had training experience abroad. As Colonel and Chief of Staff of the 1st Division of the King's Guard, Chai was appointed to the National Administrative Reform Assembly and subsequently to the National Legislative Assembly. CHAI PONGPRAYOON Chai was born on 31 December 1916 in Bang Kruai in the province of Nonthaburi. He is the son of Bunrod and Man. He is married to Somprasong. He attended the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy and has had training experience abroad. As Major-General, Chai was appointed to the National Legislative Assembly.

CHAICHANA THAREECHAT Chaichana was born on 28 September 1930 in Bangkok. He is the son of Lt.-Col. Damrong and Term, and is married to Daoruang. He attended the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, the Army Command and General Staff College, the Armed Forces Staff College, and the Army War College. He has had training experience abroad. With the rank of Colonel and the position of Commander of the 3rd Cavalry Regiment, Chaichana was appointed to the National Legislative Assembly and subsequently to the Senate. CHAICHARN THIENPRAPAT Chaicharn was born on 19 January 1940 in Bangkok. He is the son of Suchart Kannasut and Revadee Thienprapat. His wife is Chachdaporn. He has a Master's degree in Business Administration from West Germany. As Major attached to the Army Ordnance School, Chaicharn was appointed to the Senate. CHALAO CHAMSOBHON Chalao was born on 3 April 1927 in Tha Rua in the district of Tha Maka in Kanchanaburi. He is the son of Puan and Ngao and is married to Pimprapai. He attended the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy and has had training experience abroad. As Colonel and Commander of the 4th Regiment, Chalao was appointed to the National Legislative Assembly. CHALOEI SANGUNSAK Chaloei was born on 7 October 1923 in Muang, Nakhon Sawan. He is the son of Lee and Kampra, and is married to Prachuab. He attended the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, the Army Command and General Staff College, and the National Defence College. He has had training experience abroad. While holding the rank of Major-General and in the position of Director of Intelligence, Chaloei was appointed to the National Administrative Reform Assembly and subsequently to the National Legislative Assembly.

10 CHAMLONG SRIMUANG Chamlong was born on 5 July 1935 in the province of Thon Buri. He is the son of Chot and Bunruang and is married to Sirilak. He attended the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, and obtained a Master of Science degree in Management from the Naval Post-Graduate School, Monterey, California, USA. He has also had training experience abroad. As Lieutenant-Colonel attached to the Plan and Project Division of the Military Research and Development Centre, Chamlong was appointed to the Senate. He now holds the rank of Colonel. CHAMNARN NILVISASE Chamnarn was born on 2 May 1925 in Bangkok. He is the son of Ped and Pirn and is married to Pranom. He attended the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, and holds a Bachelor of Law degree from Thammasat University as well as a degree in Business Management. As Lieutenant-General attached to the Royal Thai Army Headquarters, Chamnarn was appointed to the National Legislative Assembly. CHAMPEN CHARUSATHIARA Champen was born on 1 April 1913 in Muang, Udornthani. He is the son of Phraya Payappiriyakij (Pao) and Lady Cham. His wife is Lady Waeo. He attended the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy and the National Defence College. He has had training experience abroad. While holding the rank of General and in the position of Chief Aide-de-Camp General to His Majesty the King, Champen was appointed first to the National Administrative Reform Assembly, then to the National Legislative Assembly, and subsequently to the Senate. CHANBOON PHENTRAGUL Chanboon was born on 23 December 1934 in Photharam in the province of Ratchaburi. He is the son of Sa-nguan and Arun and is married to Ruja. He attended the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy. As LieutenantColonel and Commander of the 3rd Battalion of the 1st Regiment, Chanboon was appointed to the National Administrative Reform Assembly. Later, with rank unchanged but his position that of Deputy Commander of the 31st Regiment of the 1st Division, King's Guard, he was appointed to the National Legislative Assembly. Subsequently, with the rank of Colonel he was appointed to the Senate.

11 CHAO SWASDISONGKHRAM Chao was born on 24 November 1921 in Bangkok. He is the son of Col. Luang Swasdisongkhram (Chian) and Saiyud. He is married to Penphan. He attended the Military Cadet Academy, the Army Command and General Staff Colleges in both Thailand and the USA, and the National Defence College. As Lieutenant-General and Deputy Chief of Staff of the Royal Thai Army, Chao was appointed to the National Administrative Reform Assembly. As Lieutenant-General and Assistant Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army he was appointed to the National Legislative Assembly and subsequently, as General he was appointed to the Senate. CHARN SATHORNDEE Charn was born on 17 June 1926 in the district of Muang, Nonthaburi. He is the son of Chua and Chun and his wife is Bunmee. He attended the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy. Charn was appointed to the Senate as Colonel and Commander of the 3rd Regiment. CHAROEN PONGPANICH Charoen was born on 27 February 1919 in Pom Prap, Bangkok. He is the son of Seng and Chun. He is married to Wallee. He attended the Military Cadet Academy, the Army Command and General Staff College, and the National Defence College. He has had training experience abroad. As General and Deputy Supreme Commander, Charoen was appointed to the Senate. CHAVENG YOUNGCHAROEN Chaveng was born on 5 April 1920 in Phra Pradaeng in the province of Samut Prakan. He is the son of the San and Pan and his wife is Mali. He attended the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, the Army Command and General Staff College, the Army War College, and the National Defence College. He has had training experience abroad. With the rank of Lieutenant-General and the position of Chief of Staff Officers to the Supreme Commander, Chaveng was appointed to the National Administrative Reform Assembly. Later, with his position unchanged but his rank that of General he was appointed to the National Legislative Assembly. Later still, with both position and rank unchanged he was appointed to the Senate.

12 CHERDSAK SAENGCHUANGCHOD Cherdsak was born on 17 March 1933 in the district of Bangkok Yai, Thon Buri. He is the son of Capt. Chom and Jaroon. His wife is Venus. He attended the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy and has had training experience abroad. As Lieutenant-Colonel and Commander, Services Battalion, 1st Military Circle, Cherdsak was appointed to the National Administrative Reform Assembly and subsequently to the National Legislative Assembly. CHETTA THANAJARO Chetta was born on 23 August 1938 in the district of Muang, Chachoengsao. He is the son of Plian and Mui and is married to Orawan. He attended the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy and the Army Command and General Staff College. He has had training experience abroad. Chetta was appointed to the National Administrative Reform Assembly and subsequently to the National Legislative Assembly with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel and the position of Commander of the 1st Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment of the King's Guard. Later, with the rank of Colonel he was appointed to the Senate. CHINDA CHAREONMITR Chinda was born on 10 May 1919 in Thon Buri. He is the son of Mai and Jantorn. He is married to Bunnak. He attended the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy and has had training experience abroad. With the rank of MajorGeneral and the position of Quartermaster-General, Chinda was appointed to the National Legislative Assembly. CHOTE HIRANYASTHITI Chote was born on 4 January 1915 in Bangkok. He is the son of Police Col. Phra Athavimolbundit and Noei. He is married to Buppha. He attended the Military Technical Academy, the Army Command and General Staff College, and the National Defence College. He has had training experience abroad. As General, Chote was appointed to the National Administrative Reform Assembly and subsequently to the National Legislative Assembly. CHUPONG MATTAWAPHUN Chupong was born on 7 July 1934 in Bangkok. He is the son of Wichai and Phan and is married to Jurai. He attended the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy. As Colonel and Aide-de-Camp of the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army, Chupong was appointed to the Senate.

13

ISSARAPONG NOONPACKDEE Issarapong was born on 20 November 1933 in Bangkok. He is the son of Police Lt.-Gen. Chatr and Prayong. He is married to Lady Dr Sumana. He attended the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy and the Army Command and General Staff Colleges in both Thailand and the USA. As Colonel and Acting Commander of the 11th Regiment, Issarapong was appointed to the Senate.

JAMLONG RITISIL Jamlong was born on 10 May 1929 in Bangkok Yai in the province of Thon Buri. He is the son of Li and Chaluai and is married to Vilai. He attended the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy and the Army War College. As Colonel and Commander of the 1st Artillery Regiment of the King's Guard, Jamlong was appointed firstly to the National Administrative Reform Assembly, then to the National Legislative Assembly, and subsequently to the Senate. JANE MALILA Jane was born on 9 April 1921 in Muang in the province of Chantaburi. He is the son of Sa-nguan and Bunchun and is married to Chaluai. He attended the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy. Jane was appointed to the National Legislative Assembly with the rank of Colonel and the position of Commander of the Army Cadet Corps. JITRAPOL NA LAMPANG Jitrapol was born on 15 September 1919 in Mae Tha in the province of Lampang. He is the son of Bunyen and Muan and is married to Sriwai. He attended the Military Technical Academy, the Armed Forces Staff College, and the National Defence College. With the rank of Lieutenant-General and the position of Commanding General of the Royal Thai Armed Forces Security Centre, Jitrapol was appointed to the National I pni