Siamese revolution of 1932

The Siamese revolution of 1932 was an important event that changed the way Siam was governed. On 24 June 1932, a group called the Khana Ratsadon took control in a peaceful way, ending the long rule of the king as the only leader. This brought an end to what is called an absolute monarchy, where one person has all the power.

Instead, Siam became a constitutional monarchy, meaning the king would share power with others. The country also began to use democracy, where people have a say in decisions. A first constitution was created, and a new group called the National Assembly started to help make laws.

The revolution happened because many people were unhappy with the government, especially during a tough economic time. Also, new leaders who had studied in Western countries wanted more say in how things were run. Even though the king, Prajadhipok, stayed on the throne, he had to agree to share power with the new leaders.

Background

Absolute monarchy

Since 1782, the Kingdom of Siam was ruled by the Chakri dynasty. After 1868, King Chulalongkorn helped change the kingdom into a stronger, more organized country. He made sure that the king and the noble families were very important in how Siam was governed.

Mismanagement of Rama VI

During the time of King Rama VI, the kingdom faced money problems. The king spent a lot on his court and did not control some bad habits of people close to him. By 1920, these money problems and a worldwide economic drop caused serious financial trouble. In 1925, some important princes asked for big cuts in spending, especially for the royal family. This showed how bad the money problems were and that some people thought Rama VI was not managing the kingdom well.

Rise of the Western-educated "commoner" elites

In the time of King Rama V, many people in Siam started to get educations in Europe. Even though most of these students were from noble or wealthy families, some commoners also got these chances. These students learned about new ideas like democracy and nationalism from Europe. People like Phibun Songkram, Pridi Banomyong, and Prayoon Pamornmontri became important leaders later on.

Prelude

The "Promoters"

Main article: Khana Ratsadon

In February 1927, in a hotel in Paris, France, seven students met to discuss forming a group to bring change to Siam. They wanted to avoid past failures and planned carefully. Two of them were Plaek Khittasangkha, a soldier, and Pridi Banomyong, a law student. They called themselves the "Promoters" and aimed to return home to push for change. They realized that most people in Siam were not ready for democracy, so they decided a military-led coup was necessary. They formed a group called the Khana Ratsadon.

When the Promoters returned to Siam, they quietly grew their group by making personal connections. Pridi taught law and gathered support from about fifty others who wanted change. Plaek and others worked to get support from soldiers and sailors. By the end of 1931, the group had 102 members.

Four Musketeers

Prayoon Pamornmontri, one of the original Promoters, tried to get important officers to join. He succeeded in recruiting Colonel Phraya Phahol Pholpayuhasena and Colonel Phraya Songsuradet, among others. These four officers became leaders of the group and were known as the "Four Musketeers." They helped plan the group's strategies.

Modernized attempt of Rama VII

Prince Prajadhipok inherited many problems when he became king. His brother had left the country in poor financial shape, and many princes lived lavishly. Prajadhipok tried to cut costs and be more involved with his people. However, many princes still held power.

Discontent from the economic crisis

In 1930, a big economic crisis affected Siam. King Prajadhipok suggested new taxes to help the poor, but the princes rejected them, cutting budgets instead. This made many officers unhappy. One prince, Boworadej, even left his position as Minister of Defence because of these issues.

Constitution denied by Rama VII

The King worked on creating a constitution with help from others. However, the princes rejected it. In April 1932, the King left Bangkok for the summer. During this time, plans for change continued secretly.

Plan leak

Word of the plan to change the government eventually reached the police. On the night of June 23, 1932, a navy officer took control of a ship and pointed its guns at a prince’s palace. Other group members took over key buildings in Bangkok, cutting off communications. The princes were watched and guarded by members of the group.

Coup

Bangkok seizure

On the morning of 24 June 1932, while King Prajadhipok was away from Bangkok, a group called the Khana Ratsadon began a plan to change the government. Leaders like Phraya Phahon and Phraya Songsuradet gathered supporters near important buildings. They tricked guards at a military base into letting them in by pretending there was trouble in the city. Once inside, they took control of vehicles and troops.

When the group arrived at a main square, Phraya Phahon stood on a vehicle and announced an end to the old way of ruling Siam. Many people watched, thinking it might be a practice or another kind of trouble. The group had taken many important people into custody peacefully. Only one person tried to fight back but was quickly stopped. By morning, the leaders had taken control.

Khana Ratsadon manifesto

The leaders shared their ideas through papers and radio, explaining why they believed change was needed. They said the old rulers did not listen to the people and made unfair decisions. They wanted a new system where leaders would be chosen by the people.

Royalty reaction

Before receiving a message from the leaders, King Prajadhipok was playing golf when he learned about the events in Bangkok. He decided to agree to the new way of ruling without fighting. He returned to Bangkok and met with the leaders, showing respect by standing when they entered the room. This gentle act helped calm tensions. The King signed a document forgiving the leaders for their actions. Some royal family members left the country, while others stayed but lived away from politics.

First constitution of Thailand

Right after the change, the leaders and the King created Siam's first constitution. This document said that power belonged to the people, not just the king. It removed many of the king's old powers. The new system would start with leaders chosen by a small group, then slowly include more people over time. The first meeting of this new group happened just days later, marking the beginning of a new chapter for Siam. Later that year, the constitution was updated to give back some powers to the monarchy and prepare for elections.

Aftermath

After the change in leadership in 1932, Siam became a place where only one group could make decisions. New groups like the "People's Assembly" were created, and a new leader was chosen. But soon, arguments and power fights happened inside the government. This led to another takeover in 1933 by one of the leaders.

Later in 1932, the king decided to return to Bangkok, even though he knew it might be dangerous. In 1933, some people who supported the old ways tried to take back control, led by Prince Boworadet. This attempt did not succeed. The king's actions during this time made people lose trust in him. Three years after the big change, the king left his position and left Siam forever. He was replaced by his young nephew, who was studying in Switzerland at the time.

Legacy

Main article: Khana Ratsadon § Legacy

People have thought about the events of 1932 in different ways over time. In the 1960s, the government started to give more attention to the role of the monarchy, and schools began to teach less about what happened in 1932. Instead of celebrating June 24 as a special day, people started to celebrate the birthday of King Bhumibol on December 5.

In 2024, a Thai animated film called 2475 Dawn of Revolution told the story of these events. Some people liked the film, while others did not.