Boworadet Rebellion - Suppression of The Rebellion

Suppression of The Rebellion

The first clash occurred on 11 October 1933 at Amphoe Pak Chong, in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The government forces were defeated and several members of the government were captured. The rebels then marched to Bangkok's Khet Don Mueang, calling themselves the National Rescue Council (Thai: คณะกู้บ้านเมือง; RTGS: Khana Ku Ban Mueang) and their attempt the Deer Plan (Thai: แผนล้อมกวาง; RTGS: Phaen Lom Kwang). Prince Boworadet tried to persuade other forces to join him, including the Royal Thai Navy, which instead declared itself neutral and sailed for bases in the South.

The 'royal' government as it declared appointed Lieutenant Colonel Luang Phibulsonggram, one of the 1932 coup makers, to command the Bangkok forces. These were supported by an armoured car and a tank commanded by Pibun's friend, Lieutenant Colonel 'Luang Amnuai Songkhram (Thom Kesakomon) (Thai: หลวงอำนวยสงคราม (ถม เกษะโกมล)), who would later be killed in combat.

After a day of fierce fighting on 12 October, the rebels were able to capture Don Muang on the outskirts of the city. Major Luang Seri Somroeng Rit (Thai: พันตรีหลวงเสรีเริงฤทธิ์) was appointed (under truce) to ask the rebels to surrender, under a government offer of amnesty. However, the Major was seized and made a hostage. The rebels presented the following demands: 1) the Country shall be headed by the King forever; 2) all State affairs must be carried out in accordance with the Constitution, especially the appointment and removal of a member of the Council of Ministers, which can only be made by a majority of votes; 3) Permanent public officials, both civil and military, shall not intervene in politics; 4) The appointment of public officials shall be made with regard qualifications, without political partiality; 5) The second type (non-elected)of the people's representatives shall be appointed by the King (as opposed to the Prime Minister); 6) Armaments for the Army shall be provided everywhere, not gathered in any specific area; 7) Amnesty shall be granted to the National Rescue Council and all its supporters.

The official 'Royal Siamese Government' in Bangkok refused to comply with the their demands, and the rebel forces advanced further to the capital, seizing the area around Bang Khen. The rebels set up a stronghold near the Lak Si train station, using machine guns and cavalry. The government was able to drive the rebels with the help of the Nakhon Sawan Regiment and a declaration of the Prachinburi Regiment in support of the government and join the fight. This broke of the rebels' morale, and on 14 October they began to retreat. The next day the government with superior forces (heavy artillery having been moved in by rail) was able to attack the rebel stronghold. Running out of ammunition and supplies, the rebels broke. Government forces pursued and advanced to the rebel base in Nakhon Ratchasima. On 23 October, with the possibility of further reinforcement by other provincial garrisons and the death in action of Boworadet's second-in-command, Phaya Sri Sitthi Songkram, the rebels were badly defeated. The remnants dispersed, and the revolt was over.