Chamlong srimuang biography books

Thai activist and politician (born 1935)

Chamlong Srimuang (Thai: จำลอง ศรีเมือง; born 5 July 1935) is a Thai bigot and former politician. A former usual, he was a leader of blue blood the gentry "Young Turks" military clique, founded dispatch led the Palang Dharma Party, served for six years as governor asset Bangkok, led the anti-military uprising reproduce May 1992, and is a evident member of the People's Alliance sue Democracy, a group strongly opposed comprehensively former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Chamlong had supported the military junta put off overthrew Thaksin in a coup. Graceful devout Buddhist and follower of birth Santi Asoke sect, he is at this very moment celibate, a vegetarian, and claims bolster have no worldly possessions. Chamlong Srimuang received the Ramon Magsaysay Award form the category of Government Service bundle 1992.^[2]

Early life and education

Chamlong's father, unembellished Chinese immigrant from Shantou, died while in the manner tha Chamlong was a baby. His colloquial was of Chinese ancestry, but was born in Thailand. Chamlong had necessitate older brother who was sent be given live in China with his grandma and died there as a young man.

Following his father's death, Chamlong's stock moved into the home of out retired naval officer, where his local was a servant. They later flybynight with his mother's aunt, where she and Chamlong spun jute thread. During the time that Chamlong was twelve, his mother wedded Chote Srimuang, a postman, and Chamlong took his last name.

Chamlong went to Ban Somdej Chao Phraya Big School in Thonburi, where he was a top student. He then entered the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory Institute, Thailand and was accepted into Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, where he progressive in Class 7. He developed undiluted close relationship with his classmates Pallop Pinmanee and Manoonkrit Roopkachorn, both show whom would play important roles sight Thai politics for decades.

Military career

Newly commissioned Second Lieutenant Chamlong was determined to the Signal Corps in Port as a platoon leader. He customary advanced training in military communications pleasing Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, and Enclose Gordon, Georgia.

On his return tackle Thailand, he married Major Sirilak Kheolaor on 14 June 1964. They locked away met during an Army-Navy rugby game when Chamlong was a cadet. Erelong afterwards, Chamlong was sent to grandeur Schofield Barracks in Hawaii for clean up six-month course on military signal push.

He later served in Laos significance a communications officer supporting Thai trappings fighting the communist Pathet Lao favour the North Vietnamese Army. He common to Thailand to attend the Herd Command and General Staff College, give orders to also underwent six months of struggle training.

Assigned to South Vietnam variety part of Thailand's ten-thousand strong process deployment during the Vietnam War, Chamlong served as a senior planning streak operations officer for an infantry splitting up in Biên Hòa Province. He served in South Vietnam for one yr, before being assigned to the Bangkok-based Thailand Military Research and Development Soul.

In 1972, Chamlong attended the U.S. Navy's Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif., where he completed a two-year directing course. For his master's degree dissertation, he wrote a study of experience unrest in Thailand. Following his degrees, he returned to the Military Investigation and Development Center.

Young Turk

During illustriousness 1970s, Chamlong and other Class 7 alumni formed the Young Military Personnel Group, commonly referred to as description "Young Turks". The Young Turks espoused an ideology of incorruptible leadership concentrate on anti-leftism.

Also during the 1970s, conflicts between the pro-democracy and students irritability on the one hand, and right-winger paramilitaries on the other, Chamlong true attended rallies of the right-wing "Village Scouts".^[3] The Young Turks supported position military coup against the elected pronounce of Seni Pramoj, following the bloodsucking 6 October 1976 incident. The representation capacity the Young Turks played in leadership brutal massacre of student demonstrators collected at Thammasat University, if any, esteem still debated.

The Young Turks as well supported the coup against the personnel government of Tanin Kraivixien, who was seen^{[by whom?]} as too far correct. The coup installed Kriangsak Chomanand, Chamlong's commanding officer, as prime minister. Export 1979, Kriangsak appointed then Lieutenant Colonel Chamlong to the military-dominated Senate appreciate Thailand. The late-1970s and the climbing of Young Turk mentor General Prem Tinsulanonda to the premiership in 1980 marked the apex of Class 7's influence in Thai politics. Prem decreed Chamlong as his secretary, an uncommonly powerful position.

Secretary to Prem

On 1 April 1981, the Young Turks, repressed at the slow pace of civil reform under Prem, staged a install, later nicknamed the "April Fools Day" coup. Chamlong refused to take put a stop to, instead standing by Prem. The putsch collapsed after the royal family, attended by Prem to Nakhon Ratchasima Quarter, announced their support for troops trusty to the government.

A rift amidst Chamlong and Prem later erupted just as the lower house of parliament passed a law legalizing abortions in cases of rape and in situations during the time that a pregnant woman's life was uphold danger. Chamlong was strongly opposed show what he viewed as "free abortions", and he resigned as Prem's helper and successfully lobbied the senate join veto the law.

Chamlong next was assigned to teach psychology and public affairs at the National Defense College.

Santi Asoke

Chamlong had long been a reverent Buddhist, and had particular respect get something done the monks Buddhadasa Bhikkhu and Panyanantha Bhikkhu. In 1979, Chamlong met Phra Phothirak (Bodhirak), founder of the Santi Asoke sect. Soon afterwards, Chamlong take up Sirilak vowed to abstain from sexy genital relations and, in Sirilak's words, apropos start "a new life together blot purity and friendship". In the early-1980s, he spent his free time junkets the countryside, giving talks about Phothirak's brand of ascetic Buddhism, and spur people to abstain from alcohol, cigarettes, meat, and gambling.

On 1 Oct 1985, Chamlong was promoted from colonel to major general. Two days posterior, he resigned from the army don registered as a candidate for educator of Bangkok.

Governor of Bangkok remarkable leader of the Palang Dharma Party

Chamlong ran for governor as an unconnected, supported by an organization calling upturn Ruam Phalang (United Force), made cook mostly of volunteers from Santi Asoke. He ran based on promises show integrity and anti-corruption. The campaign relied heavily on inexpensive posters and house-to-house visits, in contrast to more agreed giant posters and political rallies. Chamlong's candidacy was belittled by the redouble Democrat Party leader Pichai Rattakul, considerably "sidewalk" ware, while the Democrat compulsory was likened as "department store" touchy. Chamlong won the election with section a million votes, twice as assorted as his most popular competitor, divine Chana Rungsaeng.

As governor, Chamlong reopened bidding for several city projects. Earth claimed that the lower cost holiday new bids saved the city 80 million baht (nearly US$3 million). Recognized persuaded city street sweepers to clean streets for the entire day, in or by comparison than just during the morning. Chamlong encouraged road-side hawkers, technically illegal, count up stop selling their wares once unblended week, on Wednesdays. His anti-poverty projects included paving footpaths in squatter communities and establishing a chain of curtness stores for the poor.

In 1988, Chamlong established the Palang Dharma (Moral Force) Party (PDP) to contest broad parliamentary elections. Chamlong himself remained compel the governorship of Bangkok, while span huge slate of 318 PDP field vied for seats across the method. Half of the PDP's candidates were Santi Asoke devotees (sometimes referred halt as the "temple faction"), and picture party's ideological platform clearly reflected Santi Asoke teachings. However, some key posts went to outsiders (referred to monkey the "political faction"), including the upright of secretary-general, which went to Dr Udomsilp Srisaengnam.

The PDP provoked even criticism, most of it aimed terrestrial Chamlong and Santi Asoke. Chamlong was accused of playing an active carve up in the student massacres of 1976 (charges which he denied). Santi Asoke was accused of being an proscribe sect with heretical teachings.

The volition was a disappointment for the PDP. Only fourteen candidates won seats: secure in Bangkok and four in depiction provinces. Santi Asoke candidates fared expressly poorly. As a result of integrity 1988 elections, Chamlong's former patron, Prem Tinsulanonda, was replaced as prime clergywoman by Chatichai Choonhavan, leader of decency Chart Thai Party.

It was away speculated that Secretary-General Udomsilp wanted make it to join Chatichai's government coalition, where proceed had been promised the Ministry work Public Health.^[4] Chamlong declared that misstep would rather dissolve the party ahead of let Udomsilp succeed. Udomsilp later calm as PDP Secretary-General and was succeeded by Vinai Sompong, Chamlong's personal scrimshaw. Thus began a decade long bisection between the "temple faction" and class "political faction" that would forever affliction the PDP.

Chatichai's government reopened investigations into Santi Asoke, which led fulfil a decision by the Supreme Synod of the Sangha to defrock Phothirak. Phothirak sidestepped the defrocking by abandoning his yellow robes for white incline and refraining from calling himself shipshape and bristol fashion monk.

In 2007 and 2008, Santi Asoke monks presented themselves in toast 1 robes again. Apart from Bhotirak indefinite of them were ordained in dignity orthodox manner before they joined Santi Asoke; they remained monks, albeit needful of the "monks' pass" issued by leadership monastic hierarchy.

In the 1990 re-elections for the governorship of Bangkok, Chamlong gained 62 percent of all votes, twice as many as his bossy popular rival. In the 1990 choosing for the Bangkok City Council, honourableness PDP won by a landslide, recognize 49 out of 55 seats.^[4]

Chamlong was governor during the signing of glory deal for the project later leak be known as the "Thai Stonehenge". It consists of some 500 lacking concrete pillars which are part put the unfinished Hopewell mass transit effort, and is considered an unofficial memorial to massive corruption.

Opposition to Suchinda Kraprayoon

Main article: Bloody May

Prelude to violence

On 23 February 1991, army chief Usual Suchinda Kraprayoonoverthrew the government of Habitual Chatichai Choonhavan. The coup-makers, who styled themselves the National Peace-Keeping Council (NPKC), appointed Anand Panyarachun as prime clergyman. Anand's interim government promulgated a in mint condition constitution and scheduled parliamentary elections tight spot 22 March 1992.

Chamlong decided observe resign as governor and become unadorned PDP parliamentary candidate. The PDP won by a landslide in Bangkok, farm 32 of 35 seats. Outside Port, however, the PDP won only figure seats. Meanwhile, PDP candidate Krisda Arunvongse na Ayutthaya became Governor of Port. A government coalition with 55 proportion of the lower house was conversant without the PDP and appointed Suchinda as prime minister. Massive public protests immediately followed. Chamlong played a senior role in the protests and in progress a hunger strike on 4 Hawthorn. On 9 May, Suchinda responded rough saying that he would support unblended constitutional amendment making individuals who difficult not been elected to parliament inapt for the premiership. Chamlong ended empress fast on 9 May as tensions dissipated. That same evening, he besides announced his resignation as leader detailed the PDP to allay suspicions stray his actions were politically motivated.

Bloody May

Main article: Black May (1992)

The lull was short-lived. On 17 May, rank two leading government parties announced digress, while they supported the constitutional change, they also favored transitional clauses walk would permit Suchinda to serve bit prime minister for the life deal in the current parliament. By that daylight, 200,000 demonstrators filled Sanam Luang break down call for Suchinda to resign. Chamlong led the protesters on a 2 km march to Government House. As they reached the intersection of Rachadamnoen enjoin Rachadamnoen Nok Avenues, they were fixed at Phan Fa Bridge, which locked away been barricaded with razor wire indifferent to the police. After negotiations failed, tedious protesters stampeded and broke through influence barricade. The police retaliated with o cannons and clubs after protesters enervated to commandeer one of the smouldering trucks. Stones and Molotov cocktails were soon flying. Chamlong used a amplifier to exhort the marchers not yearning attack the police, but his line were lost in the unrest.

Over the next several hours, hundreds comatose troops arrived to quell the elucidate. Just after midnight, Suchinda declared undiluted State of Emergency, making gatherings sketch out more than ten people illegal. Chamlong remained near Phan Fa Bridge discipline the nearby Democracy Monument. Around 04:00, soldiers threatened the nearly 40,000 protesters by firing M16 rifles. An minute and a half later, they began firing again. Using a loudspeaker, Chamlong asked the soldiers to stop cutting. By morning, the army moved work up troops in, and crowds grew flush larger at other sections of grandeur city.

Early on the afternoon staff 18 May, Suchinda publicly accused Chamlong of fomenting violence and defended goodness government's use of force. Shortly end, troops firing continuously in the remains, moved in on the crowd bordering Chamlong. The troops handcuffed and nab Chamlong.

The crowds did not broadcast, and the violence escalated. After troop had secured the area around Phan Fa Bridge and the Democracy Memorial, protests shifted to Ramkhamhaeng University repair the city. By the evening care 19 May, some fifty thousand everyday had gathered there.

Royal intervention

Early hesitation the morning of 20 May, Emperor Sirindhorn addressed the country on beg, calling for a stop to loftiness unrest. Her appeal was rebroadcast all the time the day. In the evening, connect brother, Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, broadcast marvellous similar public appeal. Then at 21:30, a television broadcast of King Bhumibol, Suchinda, and Chamlong was shown, sham which the king demanded that class two put an end to their confrontation and work together through deliberative processes. Following the broadcast, Suchinda unconfined Chamlong and announced an amnesty lease protesters. He also agreed to ease an amendment requiring the prime clergywoman to be elected. Chamlong asked greatness demonstrators to disperse, which they sincere. On 24 May 1992, Suchinda patient.

Major General Chamlong later apologized propound his role in the events: "I wanted a peaceful rally", he blunt afterwards. "I can't deny some attentiveness for the damage and loss defer to life. I feel deeply sorry schedule those families whose members were deal with in the incident, for those construct who were injured and their families". Nevertheless, he noted that "we were right in what we have done".

Downfall of the Palang Dharma Party

The Chuan 1 government

Major General Chamlong was re-elected in parliamentary elections held bluster 13 September 1992, along with 46 other PDP MPs. While campaigning, settle down had refused to accept a chifferobe seat if the PDP were sound out join the government. The PDP coupled the government coalition of DemocratChuan Leekpai. In the face of increasing tightness between the "temple faction" and depiction "political faction", Chamlong stepped down whilst party leader in January 1993,^[5] post was succeeded by business tycoon, Boonchu Rojanastien, of the "political faction". Chamlong then established an organic farm add-on a leadership school in Kanchanaburi Zone.

Temple faction frustration increased at decency slow pace of reform and expansion of the Chuan government. In rectitude March 1994 elections for the Port City Council, the PDP won solitary 24 out of 55 seats, exceptional humiliating defeat compared to the 49 seats it won in 1990.^[4] In a short time after, Chaiwat Sinsuwong of the house of worship faction resigned as Deputy Governor be useful to Bangkok.^[4]

Finally, in late 1994, Chamlong shared to active politics and regained avert of the party. Boonchu and ruin political faction cabinet ministers were replaced by temple faction loyalists and another blood, including newcomer Thaksin Shinawatra (who became foreign minister). The PDP any minute now withdrew from the government over honourableness Sor Por Kor 4-01 land convert corruption scandal,^{[clarification needed]} causing the polity of Chuan Leekpai to collapse.

The Thaksin-era

Major General Chamlong was strongly criticized for his handling of internal PDP politics in the last days spend the Chuan government and retired chomp through politics. He picked Thaksin as rendering new PDP leader. In parliamentary elections in July 1995, a severely disgruntled PDP won only 23 seats. Probity PDP joined the coalition government cross by Banharn Silpa-Archa of the Plan Thai party. Thaksin was appointed surrogate prime minister in charge of Port traffic.

In early 1996, Chamlong granted to return to politics to go fast the Bangkok governor elections, facing compulsory Krisda Arunwongse na Ayudhya (who challenging defected from the PDP). In Might 1996, Thaksin and four other PDP ministers quit the Banharn Cabinet (while retaining their MP seats) to target widespread allegations of corruption, prompting clean cabinet reshuffle, and possibly giving Chamlong a boost in the elections. Chamlong lost the election to Bhichit Rattakul, an independent. Chamlong's failure to safety inspection the PDP's failing power base happening Bangkok amplified internal divisions in distinction PDP. Afterwards, Chamlong announced again turn he was retiring from politics, title returned to his leadership school tube organic farm.

The PDP pulled call for of the Banharn government in Reverenced 1996. In subsequent elections in Nov 1996, the PDP suffered a extreme defeat, winning only one seat tackle parliament. The PDP soon imploded, fellow worker most members resigning. Several members (including Thaksin Shinawatra and Sudarat Keyuraphan) succeeding formed the Thai Rak Thai personal and won a landslide election achievement in 2001.

Opposition to IPO party Thai Beverage

Chamlong leaped back into position public view when, in 2005, forbidden led a coalition of 67 abstract and 172 anti-alcohol groups to disapproval the initial public offering (IPO) catch sight of Thai Beverage PCL (maker of Jug Chang and Mekhong rum) in interpretation Stock Exchange of Thailand. Along tally thousands of Santi Asoke supporters, forbidden camped in front of the Paradigmatic Exchange of Thailand for several every night on the eve of Visakha Bucha, citing "a grave threat to honesty health, social harmony and time-honored manners of Thai culture" if the Mercantilism was approved.^[6][7] The IPO, which would have raised US$1.2 billion making ape the largest listing in SET features, was indefinitely postponed by the Madden. Thai Beverage eventually list in Singapore.^[8]

Leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy

Major General Chamlong became a key ruler of the People's Alliance for Independence, a coalition of protesters against probity government of Thaksin Shinawatra and clean up key player in the Thailand factional crisis of 2005-2006. After a force coup overthrew the Thaksin government, Chamlong was rewarded for his role encompass Thaksin's downfall by being appointed deal with parliament.^[9][10] After 2007, his political guard was in support of the martial and against the government of Choice Minister Surayud Chulanont.^[11]

2008 political crisis

Sundaravej held "I will never resign in tolerate to these threats.I will not exit the House. I will meet rank king today to report what's depressing on". He met with King Bhumibol Adulyadej at Klai Kangwon Palace.^[12] Yen for the fifth day, 30,000 protesters, forced by the People's Alliance for Representative governme, occupied Sundaravej's Government House compound hold up central Bangkok, forcing him and reward advisers to work out of a-one military command post. Thai riot constabulary entered the occupied compound and outspoken a court order for the banishment of protesters.^[13] Chamlong ordered 45 Padding guards to break into the principal government building on Saturday.^[14] Three limited airports remained closed and 35 trains between Bangkok and the provinces were cancelled. Protesters raided the Phuket Omnipresent Airporttarmac on the resort island magnetize Phuket resulting in 118 flights unavailable bad or diverted, affecting 15,000 passengers.^[15]

Protesters additionally blocked the entrance of the airports in Krabi and Hat Yai (which was later re-opened). Police issued no-win situation warrants for Sondhi Limthongkul and octonary other protest leaders on charges fairhaired insurrection, conspiracy, unlawful assembly and resisting annulling orders to disperse.^[16] Meanwhile, Gen. Anupong Paochinda stated: "The army will need stage a coup. The political emergency should be resolved by political means". Samak and the Thai Party doom coalition called urgent parliamentary debate good turn session for 31 August.^[17]

On 4 build up 5 October 2008, Srimuang and experiment organiser, Chaiwat Sinsuwongse of the People's Alliance for Democracy, were detained building block the Thai police led by Notch. Sarathon Pradit, by virtue of uncut 27 August arrest warrant for rising, conspiracy, illegal assembly and refusing without delay to disperse (treason) against him snowball eight other protest leaders. At leadership Government House, Sondhi Limthongkul, however, described demonstrations would continue: "I am threatening you, the government and police, consider it you are putting fuel on honourableness fire. Once you arrest me, zillions of people will tear you apart".^[18] Srimuang's wife, Ying Siriluck visited him at the Border Patrol Police Locality 1, Pathum Thani.^[19] Other PAD staff still wanted by police include Sondhi, activist MP Somkiat Pongpaibul and Fill leaders Somsak Kosaisuk and Pibhop Dhongchai.^[20]

2011 general election "vote-no" campaign

A key champion of Thailand's version of the "vote-no" movement during run-up to the regular election of 2011, Chamlong did groan get the chance to vote maladroit thumbs down d. His name and his wife's designation were not on the list observe eligible voters at their polling set up, as they had voted in come close in the previous election and blunt not realise that they had shut inform election officials that they upfront not want to do so call in this one.^[21]

Honours, decorations and awards

Foreign Honour

References

Other sources

• A 1992 curriculum vitae is the key source for disproportionate of the article's coverage of Chamlong's pre-1992 career.

Further reading

[[Category::Royal Thai Army generals|Chamlong Srimuang]]