Kraprayoon's tenure marked a pivotal moment in Thailand's politics, reshaping military involvement in government for over a decade.
Former Thai Prime Minister Suchinda Kraprayoon Passes Away at 91
Former Thai Prime Minister Suchinda Kraprayoon Passes Away at 91
A controversial military leader who sparked significant protests during his brief rule in 1992 has died.
Suchinda Kraprayoon, a prime minister of Thailand whose controversial military coup and subsequent actions triggered the infamous Black May protests in 1992, passed away on June 10 in Bangkok at the age of 91, according to the Thai News Agency.
His short, tumultuous time in power lasted only 48 days, ultimately resigning in disgrace and changing the trajectory of military intervention in Thai politics for years to come. Known for his charismatic yet volatile leadership, Kraprayoon became the supreme military commander in February 1991, orchestrating a bloodless coup against a civilian government plagued by corruption. This marked the 17th military coup or attempted coup in Thailand's tumultuous political history.
Despite previously denying intentions to assume the role of prime minister, Kraprayoon was nominated by a pro-military coalition in April 1992, spurring fierce criticism and protests. Beginning on May 17, tens of thousands of demonstrators flooded the streets of Bangkok, expressing their outrage against his regime. In an infamous turn of events, soldiers loyal to Kraprayoon's government opened fire on the unarmed crowds, leading to numerous casualties. The violence escalated to a point where the Royal Hotel's lobby turned into an emergency surgical ward for protesters.
Kraprayoon's attempts to maintain control backfired, as public dissent ultimately forced his resignation. His leadership remains a significant chapter in Thailand's ongoing struggle for democracy, influencing political dynamics for more than a decade following his resignation from power.
His short, tumultuous time in power lasted only 48 days, ultimately resigning in disgrace and changing the trajectory of military intervention in Thai politics for years to come. Known for his charismatic yet volatile leadership, Kraprayoon became the supreme military commander in February 1991, orchestrating a bloodless coup against a civilian government plagued by corruption. This marked the 17th military coup or attempted coup in Thailand's tumultuous political history.
Despite previously denying intentions to assume the role of prime minister, Kraprayoon was nominated by a pro-military coalition in April 1992, spurring fierce criticism and protests. Beginning on May 17, tens of thousands of demonstrators flooded the streets of Bangkok, expressing their outrage against his regime. In an infamous turn of events, soldiers loyal to Kraprayoon's government opened fire on the unarmed crowds, leading to numerous casualties. The violence escalated to a point where the Royal Hotel's lobby turned into an emergency surgical ward for protesters.
Kraprayoon's attempts to maintain control backfired, as public dissent ultimately forced his resignation. His leadership remains a significant chapter in Thailand's ongoing struggle for democracy, influencing political dynamics for more than a decade following his resignation from power.
