Dead Heroes ... for some!

[GWR]

The Story of 'The Queen of Thai Country Music' - Pumpuang Duangchan

Definitely a Cult Hero. A sad tale of how fame can make you & break you at one & the same time. You can also listen to her music on this site:-

http://home.planet.nl/~hendr012/pumpuangeng.htm

For confirmation of her cult status, check out 'Wat Pumpuang', which seems to be a temple/museum devoted to her memory:-

http://home.planet.nl/~hendr012/watpumpuang.htm

Pumpuang even has a 'Wiki' entry:-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pumpuang_Duangjan

[GWR]

The page on Haji Sulong Abdulgadir Tohmeena (Den Tohmena's father) will give you a great deal of pause for thought:-

http://www.tohmeena.com/Foundation/historyEng.html

Interesting article in .pdf form on the Haji Sulong story. :-

http://www.ari.nus.edu.sg/docs/wps/wps04_032.pdf

[Baton Rouge]

I believe the above might be true, given that it can no longer be awarded to an 'ordinary' military officer. FM Sarit died a long time ago? Have there been any other FMs since?
http://gnarlykitty.blogspot.com/2007/02/in-his-honour.html
In His Honour Pt. 1
Monday, February 12, 2007
I still remember the old dining room at my grandmother's place. There was this dimmed green LazyBoy chair that my great grandfather would always fall asleep in after a meal. Beside the chair there would be a small coffee table with his reading glasses resting nicely on a stack of old books. He didn't really talk much. I don't think I ever really talked to him much neither. However every time we visited, I would always go over to him for a kiss on my forehead. Unfortunately that's pretty much the basic interaction we ever had when he was still alive. I don't even remember much about our trip to England. I was too young to ever realize that I was in the presence of such a extraordinary figure.

It was just another family gathering at my grandmother's place on Sunday. All the relatives were asked to come in to discuss what we should do, what our roles and duties are, for my great grandfather's cremation ceremony.

My great grandfather passed a way almost three years ago due to complications after his stroke attack. To tell you the truth I never really had a chance to actually sit down and have a chat with him much when he was still alive. It wasn't because I didn't like him or because I didn't want to spend time with him, it's just that I was too young to appreciate the stories he could tell me.

My great grandfather's life was historic, though at times, actually most of the time, not in a good way. There was an incident that he was involved in when he was at his peak of his career. Of course coming from me people will think that I am being biased after all I'm a family. But there are two sides to every story and of course the bad ones travel faster and are usually the ones people tend to believe. Sensational stories are always easy to be misinterpreted, or in this case, flipped totally upside down.

Anyone who was in their college years during the early seventies would all be saying in harmony that my great grandfather was a bad guy. That he was responsible for everything that had happened and that he was the reason for the tragedy. But my family knows better. We have records, we have letters, we have the books that I'm sure one day will surface and finally clear my great grandfather from all the accusations. I can't say I know enough to be the one telling all about it -- but I will.

His cremation ceremony will be held on Sunday February 25 and will be attended by many of Thailand's respectable figures who loved and knew him for who he really was and not what the media made him become. It is going to be a royally sponsored ceremony. HM Queen Sirikit will be the one who lights the royal flame on behalf of HM The King at the ceremony.

All the family members were assigned tasks and duties at the event. There will be a parade where each of us will carry a piece of his achievements, medals, uniforms, and other items that he had earned throughout his lifetime.

So for my duty as a great granddaughter, I'm going to dedicate a blog post about the life, the achievements, and the truth, about my great grandfather - Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn.

Labels: life, Siam

purr-fected by kitz at 8:56 PM
(7) have spoken! | Tb (0)

[Baton Rouge]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanom_Kittikachorn

Thanom Kittikachorn
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn (August 11, 1912 -June 16, 2004, Thai ถนอม กิตติขจร) was a military dictator of Thailand.

An avuncular-looking army officer with iron-grey hair and a toothy grin, Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn was a staunch anti-Communist who oversaw a decade of harsh military rule in Thailand, from 1963 to 1973.

Born in Ban Nhong Ploung, Tak province, Thanom entered the military in 1929, commanded a battalion during the Thai invasion of the Shan States during the Burma Campaign of the Second World War, and became the commander of a division in 1950. After he supported the military coup of Sarit Dhanarajata, he became Minister of Defence and also briefly Prime Minister in 1958. After Sarit died in 1963, Thanom succeeded him as Prime Minister, continuing the pro-American and anti-Communist politics of his predecessor. In 1971 he increased his powers by a military takeover of the government. However, this led to protests, and he was finally forced to resign after a massacre of pro-democracy students claimed 77 lives on October 14, 1973. Thanom voluntarily went into exile.

Thanom came to be known as one of Thailand's so-called "Three Tyrants" when he ran the country in the 1960s and early 1970s with his son, Col. Narong Kittikachorn, and Narong's father-in-law, Field Marshal Praphas Charusathien.

Thanom, who also held the rank of field marshal, was generally seen as the more conciliatory partner, and Praphas the hard-liner. A dapper, silver-haired man with a cheery grin, Thanom often served as a peacemaker between opposing political factions and was generally respected even by his opponents.

Thanom's regime - like Sarit's - was notable for massive corruption and close ties to the United States because of their shared drive against communism.

The "gang of three" were forced into exile following a bloody student-led uprising in October 1973. They were accused of nepotism, massive corruption and ordering the massacre of protesters in the streets of Bangkok during the uprising.

Thanom was allowed to return to Thailand from Singapore in late 1976 to become a Buddhist monk. His return sparked new protests by pro-democracy student groups. Many believed his return was an attempt to set the stage for a right wing counter-revolution.

Continuing protests eventually led to a brutal massacre of student protesters by police and right wing groups at Bangkok's Thammasat University. This was followed by a military coup, which installed a right-wing government.

Neither Thanom nor his former ruling partners would ever resume any further political role. He made an effort to rehabilitate his public image - arguing that he was not responsible for the 1973 violence - and sought to recover his property that was seized when he was overthrown.

In March 1999, Thanom was nominated to become a member of the honorary royal guard by Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai, which was a highly controversial act. Thanom turned down the appointment, which ended the matter.

Thanom died on June 16, 2004 in the Bangkok General Hospital, after suffering a stroke and a heart attack in January 2004.

[Wisarut]

Now, ther are ONLY living top brass who can wear Field Marshall Stars on his Shoulders and hold the golden Field marshal baton durign Military Review -> His Majesty

[Parinand]

The granting of the rank Field Marshall stopped after the October 14, 1973 people's uprising, the event that marked the end of totalitarian military dictatorship and the beginning of the new era of popular democracy.

Visit the 14 October 73 Memorial at Khok Wua (Cow's Pen) Intersection on Ratchadamnoen (Kingswalk) Avenue for more information about the event.

[Baton Rouge]

For readers who didn't arrive by the front door, you might also find this link to another similar blog interesting. (Admin found this site and has already posted a link frontpage.) This one has received a bit more critical feedback than the last, but the blogger seems to be taking it all in a fairly constructive manner.
http://www.thai-blogs.com/index.php?blog=13&title=historical_connection&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1
Oakmonster is the great great granddaughter of King Mongkut.

[Stephen Cleary]

Hi Readers:
Oakley is a good friend of mine. She's really down to earth and is married to - and living in The States.

The following blog, as linked below, was one of her much earlier ones and explains her lineage/ancestory/ranking and the usage of 'royal names' etc..

The Blog is entitled 'The King and I'

http://www.thai-blogs.com/index.php?blog=13&title=the_king_and_i&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#comments

Steve Suphan

[GWR]

Turbulent for whom?: -

Thanom's sometimes turbulent life
Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn (1912-2004)

The royally sponsored cremation ceremony for Thanom took place yesterday at the Debsirin Temple. He was the country's 10th prime minister, in 1958, and then again from 1963 to 1973.

He suffered a stroke in 2004 and received an urgent operation at Bangkok Hospital. His Majesty the King paid for his medical care for five months until Thanom died of infections.

Thanom's life:

1911: Born on August 11 in Tak province to Amphan and Linchee Kittikachorn.

1930: Graduates as a sub-lieutenant from the Military Academy.

1942: Battalion commander under the Japanese in World War II at the Burmese-Chinese border for more than a year.

1947: As a lieutenant-colonel, he takes part in a coup led by Colonel Sarit Thanarat and becomes a regimental commander and head of the Lop Buri military province. Later he is promoted to colonel, commanding the 11th Infantry Division.

1951: Appointed a non-elected MP, his first political role.

1953: Led the suppression of a rebellion in February, winning much praise and promotion to lieutenant-general. Represents Thailand at the ceremony to mark the end of the Korean War in July.

1955: Appointed deputy cooperatives minister while serving as commander of the First Region Army.

1957: Appointed defence minister in a caretaker government led by Pote Sarasin, which is installed after a military clique, headed by Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat, overthrows the government of Field Marshal Plaek Pibulsongkram.

1958: Becomes prime minister and defence minister, is appointed general and retains his seat as army commander-in-chief. He resigns as prime minister after nine months.

1959: Replaced by Sarit as prime minister, appointed deputy premier and defence minister in the new government, and also serves as armed forces deputy supreme commander.

1963: Appointed premier a day after Sarit's death. Also serves as army commander-in-chief.

1964: Promoted to field marshal, admiral of the fleet and air force marshal.

October 1968: Leads the Saha Prachathai Party.

February 1969: Re-appointed prime minister after the general election.

November 1971: Stages a coup against his own government, citing the need to suppress communist infiltration. Becomes chairman of the National Executive Council, which serves as a caretaker government for one year.

December 1972: Appointed prime minister for a fourth time, also serving as defence and foreign ministers. Public discontent rises amid demands for a general election.

October 1973: Student-led uprising against Thanom's administration leads to his downfall. He is exiled in the United States along with his son, Colonel Narong, and brother-in-law Field Marshal Praphas Charusathien - known as the 'Three Tyrants'.

1976: Returns to Thailand as a novice monk, triggering a student protest at Thammasat University. The far right, aided by the security forces, storms the campus and attacks students on October 6, killing many protesters.

Thanom and his former ruling partners never resume a role in politics. He made an effort to rehabilitate his image, arguing that he was not responsible for the 1973 violence and sought to recover his property that was seized when he was overthrown.

2004: Dies aged 92.


http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/02/26/national/national_30027889.php

[Parinand]

I'm glad he died.
I hate dictators.

[GWR]

"My funeral would be simple," Thanpuying Poonsuk

Thanpuying Poonsuk Banomyong, wife of late prime minister and elder stateman Pridi, died early Saturday of heart failure. She was 95 years old.

A statement sent by Pridi Banomyong Institute said that she was admitted to Chulalongkorn Hospital on Thursday as she had heart failure.

On Friday which was "Pridi Day", her condition got worse and she passed away peacefully on Saturday early morning.

Pridi Day was the commemoration of Pridi's birthday on May 11.

The statement said that Thanpuying Poonsuk donated her body to Chulalongkorn Hospital.

In her last testament, "Orders to my Children," written before she died, Thanpuying Poonsuk said that after the hospital returned her body to the family, her funeral would be simple. She declined pomp and ceremony.

She wished that her children followed her orders including to float her ashes on Chao Phaya River.

The memorial service of Thanpuying Poonsuk is to be held on May 20 at Pridi Phanomyong Institute, Soi Thong Lor in Bangkok.

Pridi Banomyong Institute: http://www.geocities.com/pbanomyong/



http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/05/12/headlines/headlines_30034055.php

[GWR]

Thanpuying Phoonsuk passes away, aged 95

Thanpuying Phoonsuk Banom-yong, the wife of the man who led Siam into the era of constitutional monarchy, passed away yesterday of heart failure. She was 95.

Phoonsuk, widow of Thailand's first elder statesman and former prime minister Pridi, expired just a few hours after the commemoration of what would have been Pridi's 107th birthday. She said in her will: " I wish to have no honours conferred on me."

Phoonsuk was almost 17 when she married Pridi in 1928, when he was working as an assistant secretary at the Juridical Department. Pridi later became a prime minister, the first senior statesman of Thailand and the regent of King Rama VIII.

Phoonsuk always supported her husband, who led the 1932 peaceful revolution in Siam, and during World War II she joined the Free Thai Movement, resisting the invading Japanese side by side with Pridi and other Thais to bring peace to the Thai people and the rest of the world.

When a political storm was brewing around Pridi, Phoonsuk calmly endured injustice several times.

In November 1947, Phoonsuk, then 35, faced a political storm herself when a group of "guests" in military uniform visited her Tha Chang residence, informing her that they wanted a change in government.

It was at that moment she realised her peaceful existence was no more.

The soldiers searched her house room by room, eventually leaving having found no trace of Pridi.

The political storm forced Pridi to live in exile while Phoonsuk stayed in Siam to take care of their six children.

In November 1952 Phoonsuk and her son Pal were charged with offences against the internal and external security of the Kingdom.

During 84 days in detention, Phoonsuk slept on the floor of a small cell shared with two other women. Her two youngest daughters were at boarding school. Her eldest daughter and younger son, a sickly lad, continued to live with their grandparents. Although deeply concerned about the welfare of her family, not once did Phoonsuk ask to be released on bail.

"I had done nothing wrong," she said.

When she was freed in February 1953 it was four years since she had last seen her husband.

She immediately made preparations and applied for papers to depart to France.

She did not know exactly where Pridi had sought refuge. She only knew that he was alive and somewhere in China.

"I told myself that I could no longer continue living in Thailand," Phoonsuk told The Nation in an exclusive interview in 2000.

Phoonsuk took two daughters, Dusadee and Wanee, with her to France. They left France to join Pridi in November that year, a few weeks after Phoonsuk received a letter from him. The Chinese government was willing to offer asylum to the entire family.

But the eldest son, Pal, was still in detention, and the eldest daughter, Lalita, had to stay in Thailand because of poor health. Pal went to China after his release in 1957.

After 21 years of peaceful life in China, the family decided to settle in France, which offered more channels of communication with relatives and friends in Thailand.

Phoonsuk went on ahead and spent three years setting up a new family home in Paris. To ensure sufficient income to cover their expense there, Phoonsuk sold the family's assets in Thailand. By that time she had few illusions about the possibility of Pridi returning to the land of his birth.

Phoonsuk was at Pridi's bedside when he drew his last breath on May 2, 1983. Siam's first elder statesman died in Paris after spending more than three decades in exile.

"All Thailand ever gave us was a place to be born. When Pridi died, the Thai government didn't even send a wreath."

Three years later Phoonsuk took Pridi's ashes to Thailand and almost immediately became embroiled in a courtroom battle with Khun Khaimuk Chootoa, who had written an article in the Thai Rath newspaper accusing Pridi of being involved in the mysterious death of King Ananda Mahidol (King Rama VIII). Phoonsuk won the case.

In 2005 Phoonsuk received a UN "Outstanding Women in Buddhism" award for her peaceful courage in the face of grave personal hardship and political crises.

In her handwritten testament, "Directions to My Children", Phoonsuk told them she wanted a simple cremation and did not want any honour bestowed on her.

Phoonsuk leaves five children, daughters Lalita, Suda, Dusadee Boontasanakul and Wanee Saipradit and son Suprida. Pal died at the age of 50.

The bathing ceremony for Phoonsuk was held yesterday morning, after which her children sent her body to King Chulalongkorn Hospital as per her request. A memorial will be held on Sunday, May 20 at the Pridi Banomyong Institute on Sukhumvit 55. For details call (02) 381 3860-1

Subhatra Bhumiprabhas

The Nation


http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/05/13/headlines/headlines_30034083.php

[GWR]

'Directions to my children'

When I pass away, I should like you to do the following:

Take my body to King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital after confirmation from the physician that I have drawn my last breath.

I wish to have no honours conferred on me.

Inform relatives and friends through announcements on the radio and in the press.

There should be no Buddhist chants so as not to trouble relatives and friends having to come to the ceremony.

Let there be a memorial at the Pridi Banomyong Institute with a sermon delivered by a Buddhist monk whom I respect, as we did for Pal. Cards are to be distributed for the receipt of commemorative books.

I do not wish to bother relatives or friends and therefore ask them not to bring flowers or give donations.

Organise a simple cremation once the hospital releases my body.

Scatter my ashes at the source of the Chao Phya River, where I was born.

If any funds remain, donate them to public charities.

It is my wish that my children strictly follow my directions without taking account of other people's views however good their intentions. May all my children who follow my directions live in happiness and prosperity.

Phoonsuk Banomyong, written at home, 172 Sathorn Soi 3, on October 1, 1998 aged 86 years and nine months.



http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/05/13/national/national_30034086.php

[GWR]

Despite the simple ceremonials, TV news programs show that quite a few of Thailand's elite are turning up to sign the condolence book for Thanpuying Poonsuk.

Here's a fine picture of the Thanpuying in her heyday:

http://www.prachatai.com/05web/upload/HilightNews/library/200705/12_144423_6.jpg

[GWR]

Thais pay homage to a graceful spirit

Thousands crowded the Pridi Banomyong Institute yesterday to honour the life of Thanpuying Phoonsuk, the widow of the elder statesman Pridi Banomyong.

The memorial service included a video message from revered monk Phra Phromkunaporn (Prayuth Payutto) and excerpts from an interview about her life and experiences as her husband led Siam into an era of constitutional monarchy.

Phoonsuk passed away last Saturday of heart failure. She was 95.

The ceremony attracted people from all walks of life and political stripes.

Thai Rak Thai Party members were led by acting leader Chaturon Chaisang and Democrats by Abhisit Vejjajiva.

Political and social activists both for and against the September coup were represented.

Former prime minister Anand Panyarachun and National Legislative Assembly Speaker Meechai Ruchuphan attended as did diplomats and senior members of the Foreign Ministry.

Members of the Free Thai Movement came to bid farewell to the woman who stood by her husband in the political ups and downs that changed the course of Thailand.

Many shed tears as national artists Naovarat Pongpaibul and Angkarn Kalayanaphong read a poem written to commemorate Phoonsuk's life and struggle for peace and justice.

In one excerpt of the interview Phoonsuk identified her happiest moment as the end of the World War II.

"When peace was declared on August 16, 1945 Thailand managed to maintain its independence and achieve full democracy. But, Thai people mostly do not know what the day signifies."

She asks of the November 8, 1947 coup leaders, "Why do you come to this house to change the government? You should change it through the parliament."

Phoonsuk revealed Pridi did not want to live after many associates were killed when his "Democratic Movement" was defeated in the 1949 Grand Palace coup.

An 81-year-old Free Thai Movement member Sampat Puengpradit said Pridi's spirit of democracy had lived on through Phoonsuk.

He hoped those attending yesterday realised the value of democracy.

Another member, 84-year-old Supoj Dantrakul, said Phoonsuk conducted her role in history gracefully and gratefully and departed life the same way.


Subhatra Bhumiprabhas
Pravit Rojanaphruk

The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/05/21/national/national_30034700.php