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Vietnam War

Thanom Kittikachorn

Who Was Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn?

Direct Answer

Thanom Kittikachorn was a powerful military leader who served as the Prime Minister of Thailand. During his lengthy career, he directed Thai forces during the Cold War and the Vietnam War era. He was decorated with nearly every major Thai military award for his long service and leadership. His career spanned several critical conflicts, marking him as a central, if controversial, figure in Thailand's mid-20th-century history and defense policy.

Quick Facts

Full Name

Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn

Nationality

Thailand

Service Branch

Royal Thai Army

Rank

Field Marshal

Unit

Royal Thai Army

Conflict

Vietnam War

Battle

Vietnam War Operations

Date of Event

1963-1973

Awards

Victory Medal - World War II, Dushdi Mala Medal - Military Division, Chakra Mala Medal, Border Service Medal, Freemen Safeguarding Medal, Victory Medal - Vietnam War, Victory Medal - Korean War, Victory Medal - Franco-Thai War, The Honourable Order of Rama

Awards

Victory Medal - World War II

Thailand

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Dushdi Mala Medal - Military Division

Freemen Safeguarding Medal

Thailand

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Victory Medal - Vietnam War

Thailand

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Victory Medal - Korean War

Thailand

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Victory Medal - Franco-Thai War

Thailand

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The Honourable Order of Rama

Thailand

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Who Was Thanom Kittikachorn?

Thanom Kittikachorn rose through the ranks of the Royal Thai Army to become the Prime Minister and Supreme Commander of the Thai Armed Forces.

Early Life

Thanom was born in the Tak province of Thailand in 1911. He attended the Royal Military Academy and spent his early years building a career in the infantry.

Before the Event

As a high-ranking officer, he became involved in Thai politics and took power after a coup in 1963. He believed that joining the United States in the fight against communism was important for Thailand's safety.

What Happened

He oversaw Thailand's participation in international coalitions during the Korean and Vietnam wars while managing domestic border security concerns.

Defining Moment

The defining moment of his leadership was his decision to formalize the deployment of the Royal Thai Volunteer Regiment to Vietnam in 1967. This move strengthened the military alliance between Thailand and the United States for many years.

Aftermath

His strong control over the government eventually caused public anger. In 1973, massive student protests forced him to resign and leave the country.

Later Life

After many years in exile, he was finally allowed to return to Thailand. He lived a quiet life until his death in 2004 at the age of 92.

Why It Matters

His leadership defined Thailand's alliance with the West and his numerous decorations reflect the long-standing military traditions of the Thai state.

The Story in 10 Seconds

Thanom Kittikachorn was a Thai Field Marshal and Prime Minister who led Thailand during the Cold War. He played a key role in deploying Thai troops for international conflicts like the Korean and Vietnam wars. Because of his long service and leadership, he received many prestigious Thai medals for valor and distinguished military performance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Thanom Kittikachorn

1Who was Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn?+

Thanom Kittikachorn was a high-ranking leader in the Royal Thai Army. He served as both the Prime Minister of Thailand and the Supreme Commander of the Thai Armed Forces. During his long career, he led Thailand through important historical events, including the Cold War, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. He became a very powerful person in Thai politics and was known for his strong leadership during these difficult times. He also received many military awards for his service to his country.

2What was his role during the Vietnam War?+

As a military leader, Thanom Kittikachorn directed Thai forces during the Vietnam War. A major moment in his leadership happened in 1967, when he officially decided to send the Royal Thai Volunteer Regiment to fight in Vietnam. He believed that working with the United States was important for keeping Thailand safe. By sending these troops to join international teams, he helped strengthen the military partnership between Thailand and the United States. His actions played a key role in how Thailand participated in the war.

3Why did he resign in 1973?+

Thanom Kittikachorn held very strong control over the Thai government for many years. Eventually, the public became unhappy with his leadership style. In 1973, large groups of students held massive protests to show their anger. These protests were so significant that they forced him to step down from his position as leader. After he resigned, he had to leave Thailand. He spent many years living in exile before he was finally allowed to return home later in his life.

4What awards did he receive?+

Thanom Kittikachorn was a highly decorated military officer. Throughout his career, he earned nearly every major military award given by the Thai government. These honors include the Victory Medal for his service in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. He also received the Border Service Medal, the Freemen Safeguarding Medal, and the Honourable Order of Rama. These many medals show how long he served his country and highlight the military traditions that were an important part of his life and work.