Phot Phahonyothin

General Phraya Phahon Phonphayuhasena (Thai: พลเอกพระยาพหลพลพยุหเสนา), 29 March 1887 – 14 February 1947) was a Thai military leader and politician. He became of the Second Prime Minister of Siam in 1933 after ousting his predecessor in a Coup d'état. After serving five years as Prime Minister he retired in 1938.

Early life

Phahonyothin was born in Phra Nakhon province (present-day Bangkok) to a Teochew Chinese father; Colonel Thin Phahonyothin (ถิ่น พหลโยธิน) and a Thai mother; Chab Phahonyothin (จับ พหลโยธิน) ,^[1][2]
After attending the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, in 1903 he was send by Royal scholarship to study at the Prussian Military academy or (Hauptkadettenanstalt) in the town of Lichterfelde, near Berlin, Germany. Where he was apparently a classmate of Hermann Göring. He was then sent to study at the Engineer School in Denmark, he was however only able to complete one year as his scholarship funds have ran out, he returned to Siam in 1912. He was married to Khunying Bunlong Phahonpholphayuhasena (คุณหญิงบุญหลง พหลพลพยุหเสนา). In 1931 he was elevated to the rank of Phraya Phahon Phonphayuhasena by King Prajadhipok (or Rama VII) and received the rank of Colonel. In 1932 he became Inspector of the Royal Siamese Army.

Revolutionary leader and usurper

Phraya Phahon was an important member of the group of conspirators known as the "Four Musketeers", (4 ทหารเสือ) which were a part of the Khana Ratsadon (or the People's Party) who carried out the Revolution of 1932. After the 1932, three factions had formed among the group of Siamese political and military leaders in the Khana Ratsadon. These were: first, the senior military faction led by Phraya Phahon; second, the junior army and navy faction led by Luang Phibunsongkhram; and third, the civilian faction led by Pridi Phanomyong.
As the most senior Phraya Phahol was viewed as the de facto leader of the Khana Ratsadon and the Revolution itself. It was Phraya Phahol who read the "Declaration of the new Siamese State" in the Royal Plaza that declared the end of absolute monarchy and the establishment of the constitutional Siamese state. Because of the key role he played in the Revolution he was rewarded with a high position in the new government and was made a member of the new Cabinet.
In March 1933 a constitutional crisis has developed in Siam over the Yellow Cover Dossier incident, the incident was caused by Pridi's Draft Economic Plan, which contained many socialistic elements. Because of this Phraya Manopakorn Nititada the Prime Minister decided to expelled him from the Cabinet and suspended the Constitution. This action upset many in the People's Party who supported Pridi, this included Phraya Phahol. On the 15 June Phraya Phahol resigned from the Cabinet citing 'health reasons'. In truth he and a couple of military officers including both Army and Navy officers has planned to overthrow Phraya Mano's increasingly authoritarian government. On the 20 June a Bloodless Coup was instigated, led by Phraya Phahon. The following day, Phraya Phahon was appointed himself the second Prime Minister of Siam. He immediately send a report to King Prajadhipok the objectives and reasoning for the coup and asked the King's support, the King reluctantly endorsed him. Phraya Mano was then exiled to Malaysia.

Premiership

Photograph of Phraya Phahol with Hideki Tōjō in Tokyo in 1942, as Phibul's envoy.

The next five years were a struggle to maintain power. Beginning with the Boworadet Rebellion only four months after becoming Prime Minister in October 1933; a Royalist revolt against Phraya Phahol's Government. After weeks of fighting government troops emerged victorious and Phraya Phahol was able to cement his power over Siam. The cabinet was extremely divided politically, and the government was maintained only by the personality of Phraya Phahon. Luang Phibunsongkhram (a trusted confidant) became Minister of Defense under the new government, and he began to acquire greater power and influence in preparation for his eventual ascension to the premiership.
The beginning of the end for Phraya Phahon’s time as Prime Minister began in 1937 when a scandal erupted involving sale of crown real estate to high-ranking officials for below-market prices. After a near collapse that year, the first direct elections for the People's Assembly took place on 7 November 1937, and those of Phraya Phahon’s cabinet found themselves an ideological and political minority. After budget issues the next year, the cabinet was forced to resign in September 1938, and elections were held in December, installing Luang Phibunsonggram as the next Prime Minister of Thailand.

Periods of service as Prime Minister

• First term: June 21, 1933 – December 16, 1933
• Second term: December 16, 1933 – September 22, 1934
• Third term: September 22, 1934 – July 28, 1937
• Fourth term: August 9, 1937 – December 21, 1937
• Fifth term: December 21, 1937 – September 11, 1938

Retirement and Death

After his difficult years as Prime Minister, General Phraya Phahon retired from public life, though he continued to serve in the military throughout World War II. He died in February 1947 at the age of 59 of Cerebral hemorrhage. It was said that when he died, despite the fact that he has held many positions in government, his family was poor and did not even have the money to pay for his funeral. Eventually Luang Phibulsonggram, his former tutee and the current Prime Minister had to step in and pay for the funeral of his beloved mentor.
Phahonyothin Road, which runs from Bangkok to the border of Burma in the north, is named after Phraya Phahon. Formerly known as Prachathipatai Road, Field Marshall Plaek Phibunshongkhram renamed the road in his honor. A hospital in Kanchanaburi Province is also named in his honour.