Former coup leader and Thai PM Suchinda Kraprayoon dies aged 91

Former prime minister Suchinda Kraprayoon died today in Phra Mongkutklao Military Hospital. He was 91. Details of his funeral are yet to be announced.

Suchinda’s military career began in 1953, after his graduation from Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy. In 1990, he became the army commander-in-chief and, one year later, became the supreme commander.

He led a coup, with members of Class Five from his alma mater, which toppled the government of Prime Minister Chatichai Choonhavan on February 23, 1991.

As leader of the National Peace-keeping Council (NPKC), Suchinda asked career diplomat Anand Panyarachun to become interim prime minister, a position he held from March 2, 1991 until April 21, 1992.

In the general election of March 22, 1992, the Samakkhitham party won the most seats in parliament and the party leader, Narong Wongwan, was tipped to become the prime minister of a five-party coalition government.

Narong’s dream was, however, shattered when it was discovered he was blacklisted by the United States. The five coalition parties then nominated Suchinda to lead the administration and he accepted the offer on April 7th, 1992, despite his earlier pledge that he would never accept the coveted post.

He became notorious for the quote, that he was “Breaking a pledge for the nation.”

As soon as he assumed the office as Thailand’s 19th prime minister, protests broke out, with veteran politician Chalard Worachat beginning a hunger strike in front of parliament on April 8th, and a threat to continue the strike until an elected prime minister is appointed.

The protests intensified and involved opposition parties, student activists and members of the public. Chamlong Srimuang, then leader of the Palang Dharma party, declared himself leader of the mass protests demanding the resignation of Suchinda.

On April 17, Suchinda’s cabinet was formally appointed, but the protests continued and expanded. It was reported that, at their height, about 200,000 protesters had converged on Bangkok.

Violence, later known as “Black May”, broke out on May 17, 1992, as the protesters, led by Chamlong, were heading towards parliament from Sanam Luang, prompting the government to order a crackdown by the military.

The violence continued day and night until May 20, when HM King Bhumibol commanded General Prem Tinsulanonda, then a privy councillor, to bring both Chamlong and Suchinda for an audience.

Suchinda decided to step down, ending his 48-day tumultuous premiership. He never returned to politics.

Anand Panyarachun was invited to become interim prime minister for a second term.

According to official figures, 52 people were killed, 696 injured and 175 went missing during the 4-day bloody violence between May 17 and 20, 1992.