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 Phahon was viewed as the de facto leader of the Khana Ratsadon and the Revolution itself. It was Phraya Phahon 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 Phahon. On the 15 June Phraya Phahon 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.
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