Anand Panyarachun - 2nd Government

2nd Government

Suchinda resigned on May 24, 1992, following an intervention by the King that ended the violent military crackdown on massive popular protests against his government. The five-coalition parties that made up his administration still attempted to cling to power, however, despite calls for its resignation by the opposition and the press, and nominated Air Chief Marshal Somboon Rahong, leader of the Chart Thai Party, for the premiership. At the time it looked as if House Speaker Arthit Urairat was all set to submit Somboon's name to the King. Arthit however held back the nomination of Somboon following a meeting with privy councillor Prem, who was interpreted to have been exerting pressure on behalf of the King. The House Speaker instead announced that no decision would be made until the constitutional amendments were passed on June 10, adding that the next prime minister would be a civilian.

On June 10, Arthit surprised the country by recommending Anand's name instead of Somboon's to the King. The announcement was greeted with almost universal approval and even relief. Only the coalition parties of the previous government were dismayed, turning at first on Arthit, who they saw as having betrayed them.

Four days later Anand announced the formation of his cabinet, which included twenty respected technocrats who had held ministerial portfolios during his previous tenure as prime minister. Top of the lists of tasks for Anand's government was the rehabilitation of the economy, the organisation of free and fair elections, and the removal of top armed forces commanders from their posts.

The Internal Peacekeeping Law which allowed for the use of military force against demonstrators was promptly abolished on June 29, and on August 1, he removed Air Chief Marshal Kaset, General Issarapong, and General Chainarong, the First Regional Army Commander, from their posts.

Anand was succeeded by democratically-elected Chuan Leekpai later in 1992.