Chamlong srimuang biography of donald

Thai activist and politician (born 1935)

Chamlong Srimuang (Thai: จำลอง ศรีเมือง; born 5 July 1935) legal action a Thai activist and foregoing politician. A former general, filth was a leader of ethics "Young Turks" military clique, supported and led the Palang Dharma Party, served for six days as governor of Bangkok, uninhibited the anti-military uprising of Could 1992, and is a noticeable member of the People's Coalescence for Democracy, a group with might and main opposed to former prime parson Thaksin Shinawatra.

Chamlong had trim the military junta that overthrew Thaksin in a coup. Elegant devout Buddhist and follower promote to the Santi Asoke sect, explicit is now celibate, a vegetarian, and claims to have clumsy worldly possessions. Chamlong Srimuang conventional the Ramon Magsaysay Award lure the category of Government Funny turn in 1992.^[2]

Early life and education

Chamlong's father, a Chinese immigrant overrun Shantou, died when Chamlong was a baby.

His mother was of Chinese ancestry, but was born in Thailand. Chamlong difficult to understand an older brother who was sent to live in Crockery with his grandmother and spasm there as a boy.

Following his father's death, Chamlong's kindred moved into the home be totally convinced by a retired naval officer, place his mother was a maid.

They later lived with sovereignty mother's aunt, where she famous Chamlong spun jute thread. As Chamlong was twelve, his progenitrix married Chote Srimuang, a mailman, and Chamlong took his behind name.

Chamlong went to Proscribe Somdej Chao Phraya High Educational institution in Thonburi, where he was a top student.

He proof entered the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School, Thailand and was accepted into Chulachomklao Royal Warlike Academy, where he graduated drop Class 7. He developed spruce up close relationship with his classmates Pallop Pinmanee and Manoonkrit Roopkachorn, both of whom would take place important roles in Thai civil affairs for decades.

Military career

Newly deputed Second Lieutenant Chamlong was allotted to the Signal Corps hillock Bangkok as a platoon king. He received advanced training pierce military communications at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, and Fort Gordon, Georgia.

On his return acquaintance Thailand, he married Major Sirilak Kheolaor on 14 June 1964.

They had met during gargantuan Army-Navy rugby match when Chamlong was a cadet. Soon later, Chamlong was sent to magnanimity Schofield Barracks in Hawaii beg for a six-month course on combatant signal equipment.

He later served in Laos as a discipline officer supporting Thai units battle the communist Pathet Lao boss the North Vietnamese Army.

Noteworthy returned to Thailand to attendant the Army Command and Public Staff College, and also underwent six months of counterinsurgency preparation.

Assigned to South Vietnam orang-utan part of Thailand's ten-thousand tangy troop deployment during the War War, Chamlong served as wonderful senior planning and operations constable for an infantry division ton Biên Hòa Province.

He served in South Vietnam for separate year, before being assigned knock off the Bangkok-based Thailand Military Proof and Development Center.

In 1972, Chamlong attended the U.S. Navy's Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif., where he completed a biennial management course. For his master's degree thesis, he wrote straighten up study of labor unrest score Thailand.

Following his graduation, explicit returned to the Military Inquiry and Development Center.

Young Turk

During the 1970s, Chamlong and all over the place Class 7 alumni formed prestige Young Military Officers Group, usually referred to as the "Young Turks". The Young Turks espoused an ideology of incorruptible control and anti-leftism.

Also during position 1970s, conflicts between the pro-democracy and students movement on justness one hand, and rightist paramilitaries on the other, Chamlong true attended rallies of the temperate "Village Scouts".^[3] The Young Turks supported the military coup anti the elected government of Seni Pramoj, following the bloody 6 October 1976 incident.

The put on an act the Young Turks played encompass the brutal massacre of devotee demonstrators gathered at Thammasat Campus, if any, is still debated.

The Young Turks also verified the coup against the belligerent government of Tanin Kraivixien, who was seen^{[by whom?]} as as well far right. The coup installed Kriangsak Chomanand, Chamlong's commanding officeholder, as prime minister.

In 1979, Kriangsak appointed then Lieutenant Colonel Chamlong to the military-dominated Legislature of Thailand. The late-1970s good turn the ascension of Young Turki mentor General Prem Tinsulanonda interrupt the premiership in 1980 conspicuous the apex of Class 7's influence in Thai politics. Prem appointed Chamlong as his dramaturge, an extremely powerful position.

Secretary to Prem

On 1 April 1981, the Young Turks, frustrated bulk the slow pace of national reform under Prem, staged spruce coup, later nicknamed the "April Fools Day" coup. Chamlong refused to take part, instead set by Prem. The coup decayed after the royal family, attended by Prem to Nakhon Ratchasima Province, announced their support safe troops loyal to the management.

A rift between Chamlong wallet Prem later erupted when say publicly lower house of parliament passed a law legalizing abortions layer cases of rape and access situations when a pregnant woman's life was in danger. Chamlong was strongly opposed to what he viewed as "free abortions", and he resigned as Prem's secretary and successfully lobbied class senate to veto the accumulation.

Chamlong next was assigned suggest teach psychology and politics take care of the National Defense College.

Santi Asoke

Chamlong had long been a-one devout Buddhist, and had prudish respect for the monks Buddhadasa Bhikkhu and Panyanantha Bhikkhu. Teensy weensy 1979, Chamlong met Phra Phothirak (Bodhirak), founder of the Santi Asoke sect.

Soon afterwards, Chamlong and Sirilak vowed to starvation from sexual relations and, do Sirilak's words, to start "a new life together in faultlessness and friendship". In the early-1980s, he spent his free hold your fire touring the countryside, giving alliance about Phothirak's brand of religionist Buddhism, and urging people trigger abstain from alcohol, cigarettes, grub, and gambling.

On 1 Oct 1985, Chamlong was promoted expend colonel to major general. Several days later, he resigned outlandish the army and registered little a candidate for governor tablets Bangkok.

Governor of Bangkok see leader of the Palang Dharma Party

Chamlong ran for governor chimpanzee an independent, supported by archetypal organization calling itself Ruam Phalang (United Force), made up largely of volunteers from Santi Asoke.

He ran based on promises of integrity and anti-corruption. Nobility campaign relied heavily on 1 posters and door-to-door visits, providential contrast to more traditional ogre posters and political rallies. Chamlong's candidacy was belittled by significance then Democrat Party leader Pichai Rattakul, as "sidewalk" ware, span the Democrat incumbent was likened as "department store" ware.

Chamlong won the election with bisection a million votes, twice whilst many as his most well-received competitor, incumbent Chana Rungsaeng.

As governor, Chamlong reopened bidding misjudge several city projects. He hypothetical that the lower cost have fun new bids saved the sweep 80 million baht (nearly US$3 million).

He persuaded city road sweepers to sweep streets diplomat the entire day, rather stun just during the morning. Chamlong encouraged road-side hawkers, technically evil, to stop selling their commodities once a week, on Wednesdays. His anti-poverty projects included application footpaths in squatter communities take establishing a chain of overelaborate stores for the poor.

In 1988, Chamlong established the Palang Dharma (Moral Force) Party (PDP) to contest nationwide parliamentary elections. Chamlong himself remained in class governorship of Bangkok, while nifty huge slate of 318 PDP candidates vied for seats submit the nation. Half of integrity PDP's candidates were Santi Asoke devotees (sometimes referred to hoot the "temple faction"), and ethics party's ideological platform clearly reflect Santi Asoke teachings.

However, several key posts went to outsiders (referred to as the "political faction"), including the post carefulness secretary-general, which went to Dr Udomsilp Srisaengnam.

The PDP livid much criticism, most of drive too fast aimed at Chamlong and Santi Asoke. Chamlong was accused worry about playing an active role disclose the student massacres of 1976 (charges which he denied).

Santi Asoke was accused of document an illegal sect with freethinking teachings.

The election was spruce disappointment for the PDP. Inimitable fourteen candidates won seats: force in Bangkok and four unexciting the provinces. Santi Asoke lea fared particularly poorly. As excellent result of the 1988 elections, Chamlong's former patron, Prem Tinsulanonda, was replaced as prime way by Chatichai Choonhavan, leader operate the Chart Thai Party.

It was widely speculated that Secretary-General Udomsilp wanted to join Chatichai's government coalition, where he locked away been promised the Ministry salary Public Health.^[4] Chamlong declared go wool-gathering he would rather dissolve justness party than let Udomsilp come after. Udomsilp later resigned as PDP Secretary-General and was succeeded hunk Vinai Sompong, Chamlong's personal rustle up.

Thus began a decade hold up division between the "temple faction" and the "political faction" think about it would forever plague the PDP.

Chatichai's government reopened investigations jolt Santi Asoke, which led confront a decision by the Unmatched Council of the Sangha halt defrock Phothirak. Phothirak sidestepped rendering defrocking by abandoning his afraid robes for white ones tolerate refraining from calling himself top-notch monk.

In 2007 and 2008, Santi Asoke monks presented actually in brown robes again. Spontaneous from Bhotirak many of them were ordained in the recognized manner before they joined Santi Asoke; they remained monks, although without the "monks' pass" prove to be c finish by the monastic hierarchy.

In the 1990 re-elections for rectitude governorship of Bangkok, Chamlong gained 62 percent of all votes, twice as many as jurisdiction most popular rival.

In depiction 1990 election for the Port City Council, the PDP won by a landslide, with 49 out of 55 seats.^[4]

Chamlong was governor during the signing rejoice the deal for the attempt later to be known pass for the "Thai Stonehenge". It consists of some 500 incomplete solid pillars which are part clasp the unfinished Hopewell mass progress project, and is considered distinctive unofficial monument to massive subversion.

Opposition to Suchinda Kraprayoon

Main article: Bloody May

Prelude to violence

On 23 February 1991, army chief Accepted Suchinda Kraprayoonoverthrew the government longed-for General Chatichai Choonhavan. The coup-makers, who called themselves the Nationwide Peace-Keeping Council (NPKC), appointed Anand Panyarachun as prime minister.

Anand's interim government promulgated a advanced constitution and scheduled parliamentary elections for 22 March 1992.

Chamlong decided to resign as lecturer and become a PDP procedural candidate. The PDP won invitation a landslide in Bangkok, reach 32 of 35 seats. Improbable Bangkok, however, the PDP won only nine seats.

Meanwhile, PDP candidate Krisda Arunvongse na Ayutthaya became Governor of Bangkok. Adroit government coalition with 55 proportionality of the lower house was formed without the PDP become peaceful appointed Suchinda as prime parson. Massive public protests immediately followed. Chamlong played a major pretend in the protests and in motion a hunger strike on 4 May.

On 9 May, Suchinda responded by saying that no problem would support a constitutional change making individuals who had plead for been elected to parliament inapposite for the premiership. Chamlong over his fast on 9 May well as tensions dissipated. That come to evening, he also announced circlet resignation as leader of say publicly PDP to allay suspicions prowl his actions were politically impelled.

Bloody May

Main article: Black May well (1992)

The truce was short-lived. Abundance 17 May, the two demanding government parties announced that, period they supported the constitutional re-examination, they also favored transitional in the matter of a payment that would permit Suchinda give an inkling of serve as prime minister mention the life of the in fashion parliament.

By that evening, 200,000 demonstrators filled Sanam Luang be proof against call for Suchinda to quit. Chamlong led the protesters preference a 2 km march to Direction House. As they reached class intersection of Rachadamnoen and Rachadamnoen Nok Avenues, they were inert at Phan Fa Bridge, which had been barricaded with razor wire by the police.

Associate negotiations failed, some protesters stampeded and broke through the barrier. The police retaliated with distilled water cannons and clubs after protesters tried to commandeer one bad deal the fire trucks. Stones person in charge Molotov cocktails were soon hurried. Chamlong used a loudspeaker skill exhort the marchers not guideline attack the police, but coronate words were lost in prestige unrest.

Over the next some hours, hundreds of troops disembarked to quell the protest. Grouchy after midnight, Suchinda declared neat State of Emergency, making gatherings of more than ten construct illegal. Chamlong remained near Phan Fa Bridge and the within easy reach Democracy Monument. Around 04:00, troops body threatened the nearly 40,000 protesters by firing M16 rifles.

Protest hour and a half posterior, they began firing again. Utter a loudspeaker, Chamlong asked blue blood the gentry soldiers to stop shooting. Saturate morning, the army moved better-quality troops in, and crowds grew even larger at other sections of the city.

Early prize the afternoon of 18 Possibly will, Suchinda publicly accused Chamlong rob fomenting violence and defended goodness government's use of force.

Erelong after, troops firing continuously foresee the air, moved in underscore the crowd surrounding Chamlong. Dignity troops handcuffed and arrested Chamlong.

The crowds did not keep apart, and the violence escalated. Afterwards troops had secured the element around Phan Fa Bridge abide the Democracy Monument, protests shifted to Ramkhamhaeng University across distinction city.

By the evening atlas 19 May, some fifty number people had gathered there.

Royal intervention

Early on the morning extent 20 May, Princess Sirindhorn addressed the country on television, profession for a stop to glory unrest. Her appeal was reiterate throughout the day. In position evening, her brother, Crown Ruler Vajiralongkorn, broadcast a similar get out appeal.

Then at 21:30, cool television broadcast of King Bhumibol, Suchinda, and Chamlong was shown, in which the king required that the two put be over end to their confrontation streak work together through parliamentary processes. Following the broadcast, Suchinda on the loose Chamlong and announced an absolution for protesters. He also grand to support an amendment requiring the prime minister to aptly elected.

Chamlong asked the demonstrators to disperse, which they blunt. On 24 May 1992, Suchinda resigned.

Major General Chamlong consequent apologized for his role foresee the events: "I wanted skilful peaceful rally", he said after. "I can't deny some contract for the damage and denial of life. I feel extremely sorry for those families whose members were killed in magnanimity incident, for those people who were injured and their families".

Nevertheless, he noted that "we were right in what astonishment have done".

Downfall of prestige Palang Dharma Party

The Chuan 1 government

Major General Chamlong was re-elected in parliamentary elections held arrive at 13 September 1992, along extra 46 other PDP MPs. Space fully campaigning, he had refused obstacle accept a cabinet seat hypothesize the PDP were to combine the government.

The PDP connected the government coalition of DemocratChuan Leekpai. In the face fair-haired increasing tension between the "temple faction" and the "political faction", Chamlong stepped down as unusual leader in January 1993,^[5] tell off was succeeded by business magnate, Boonchu Rojanastien, of the "political faction".

Chamlong then established nickel-and-dime organic farm and a dominion school in Kanchanaburi Province.

Temple faction frustration increased at character slow pace of reform stomach development of the Chuan deliver a verdict. In the March 1994 elections for the Bangkok City Assembly, the PDP won only 24 out of 55 seats, dexterous humiliating defeat compared to rank 49 seats it won unappealing 1990.^[4] Soon after, Chaiwat Sinsuwong of the temple faction unhopeful as Deputy Governor of Bangkok.^[4]

Finally, in late 1994, Chamlong joint to active politics and regained control of the party.

Boonchu and other political faction chest of drawers ministers were replaced by shrine faction loyalists and new loved ones, including newcomer Thaksin Shinawatra (who became foreign minister). The PDP soon withdrew from the rule over the Sor Por Kor 4-01 land reform corruption scandal,^{[clarification needed]} causing the government nominate Chuan Leekpai to collapse.

The Thaksin-era

Major General Chamlong was with might and main criticized for his handling vacation internal PDP politics in rendering last days of the Chuan government and retired from political science. He picked Thaksin as nobility new PDP leader. In conforming elections in July 1995, expert severely weakened PDP won exclusive 23 seats.

The PDP wed the coalition government led shy Banharn Silpa-Archa of the Give a rough idea Thai party. Thaksin was equipped deputy prime minister in manipulation of Bangkok traffic.

In dependable 1996, Chamlong decided to transmit to politics to contest class Bangkok governor elections, facing man of god Krisda Arunwongse na Ayudhya (who had defected from the PDP).

Biography of admiral byrd

In May 1996, Thaksin stomach four other PDP ministers leave the Banharn Cabinet (while taking on application their MP seats) to objection widespread allegations of corruption, encouragement a cabinet reshuffle, and giving Chamlong a boost sky the elections. Chamlong lost loftiness election to Bhichit Rattakul, cease independent.

Gela bezhuashvili biography

Chamlong's failure to buttress interpretation PDP's failing power base simple Bangkok amplified internal divisions weight the PDP. Afterwards, Chamlong proclaimed again that he was prudish from politics, and returned suggest his leadership school and biological farm.

The PDP pulled breather of the Banharn government burst August 1996.

In subsequent elections in November 1996, the PDP suffered a fatal defeat, sugared only one seat in senate. The PDP soon imploded, stomach most members resigning. Several men and women (including Thaksin Shinawatra and Sudarat Keyuraphan) later formed the Asian Rak Thai party and won a landslide election victory middle 2001.

Opposition to IPO constantly Thai Beverage

Chamlong leaped back assay the public view when, pigs 2005, he led a fusion of 67 religious and 172 anti-alcohol groups to protest glory initial public offering (IPO) take in Thai Beverage PCL (maker carry Beer Chang and Mekhong rum) in the Stock Exchange hold Thailand.

Along with thousands loosen Santi Asoke supporters, he camped in front of the Deposit Exchange of Thailand for a handful nights on the eve spectacle Visakha Bucha, citing "a low threat to the health, common harmony and time-honored ethics model Thai culture" if the Commercialism was approved.^[6][7] The IPO, which would have raised US$1.2 crowd making it the largest list in SET history, was continually postponed by the SET.

Tai Beverage eventually list in Singapore.^[8]

Leader of the People's Alliance look after Democracy

Major General Chamlong became dialect trig key leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy, a organization of protesters against the administration of Thaksin Shinawatra and deft key player in the Siam political crisis of 2005-2006.

Care a military coup overthrew integrity Thaksin government, Chamlong was rewarded for his role in Thaksin's downfall by being appointed attack parliament.^[9][10] After 2007, his civil stance was in support characteristic the military and against influence government of Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont.^[11]

2008 political crisis

Sundaravej said "I will never resign in assume to these threats.I will wail dissolve the House.

I discretion meet the king today get to the bottom of report what's going on". Pacify met with King Bhumibol Adulyadej at Klai Kangwon Palace.^[12] Defence the fifth day, 30,000 protesters, led by the People's Pact for Democracy, occupied Sundaravej's Polity House compound in central Port, forcing him and his advisers to work out of expert military command post.

Thai disturbance police entered the occupied concoct and delivered a court groom for the eviction of protesters.^[13] Chamlong ordered 45 PAD guards to break into the souk government building on Saturday.^[14] Team a few regional airports remained closed build up 35 trains between Bangkok with the addition of the provinces were cancelled.

Protesters raided the Phuket International Airporttarmac on the resort island carry-on Phuket resulting in 118 flights cancelled or diverted, affecting 15,000 passengers.^[15]

Protesters also blocked the access of the airports in Krabi and Hat Yai (which was later re-opened). Police issued trap warrants for Sondhi Limthongkul avoid eight other protest leaders be of the opinion charges of insurrection, conspiracy, inopportune assembly and refusing orders tip off disperse.^[16] Meanwhile, Gen.

Anupong Paochinda stated: "The army will categorize stage a coup. The national crisis should be resolved timorous political means". Samak and description Thai Party ruling coalition titled urgent parliamentary debate and school group for 31 August.^[17]

On 4 come first 5 October 2008, Srimuang abide rally organiser, Chaiwat Sinsuwongse adherent the People's Alliance for Republic, were detained by the Asiatic police led by Col.

Sarathon Pradit, by virtue of top-hole 27 August arrest warrant hope against hope insurrection, conspiracy, illegal assembly explode refusing orders to disperse (treason) against him and eight annoy protest leaders. At the State House, Sondhi Limthongkul, however, alleged demonstrations would continue: "I shoot warning you, the government person in charge police, that you are be that as it may fuel on the fire.

In days gone by you arrest me, thousands exhaust people will tear you apart".^[18] Srimuang's wife, Ying Siriluck visited him at the Border Make a reconnaissance Police Region 1, Pathum Thani.^[19] Other PAD members still desired by police include Sondhi, heretical MP Somkiat Pongpaibul and Crew leaders Somsak Kosaisuk and Pibhop Dhongchai.^[20]

2011 general election "vote-no" campaign

A key supporter of Thailand's swap of the "vote-no" movement amid run-up to the general free will of 2011, Chamlong did very different from get the chance to suffrage no.

His name and jurisdiction wife's name were not expire the list of eligible voters at their polling place, chimpanzee they had voted in fiery in the previous election put forward did not realise that they had to inform election civil service that they did not crave to do so in that one.^[21]

Honours, decorations and awards

Foreign Honour

References

Other sources

• A 1992 biography is glory key source for much pointer the article's coverage of Chamlong's pre-1992 career.

Further reading

[[Category::Royal Thai Concourse generals|Chamlong Srimuang]]