Arthit Kamlang-ek facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Arthit Kamlang-ek
อาทิตย์ กำลังเอก
Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand
In office 17 December 1994 – 12 July 1995
Prime Minister	Chuan Leekpai
In office 26 August 1990 – 23 February 1991
Prime Minister	Chatichai Choonhavan
Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces
In office 1 October 1981 – 30 September 1983
Preceded by	Saiyud Kerdphol
Succeeded by	Supa Gajaseni
Commander in Chief of the Royal Thai Army
In office 1 October 1982 – 30 September 1986
Preceded by	Prayut Jarumanee
Succeeded by	Chavalit Yongchaiyudh
Personal details
Born	(1925-08-31)31 August 1925 Bangkok, Thailand
Died	19 January 2015(2015-01-19) (aged 89) Bangkok, Thailand
Political party	National Development Party
Spouses	Prapasri Kamlang-ek (div.) Pornsun Kamlang-ek
Children	Titiwat Kamlang-ek
Alma mater	Royal Military Academy
Military service
Allegiance	Thailand
Branch/service	Royal Thai Army
Rank	General
Commands	Commander-in-Chief Supreme Commander

Arthit Kamlang-ek (born August 31, 1925 – died January 19, 2015) was a respected Thai general. He held important leadership roles in the Thai military. From 1982 to 1986, he was the top leader of the Royal Thai Army. At the same time, from 1983 to 1986, he was also the Supreme Commander of all Thai armed forces. He was a very influential figure in Thailand during the 1980s.

Learning and Early Military Life

Arthit Kamlang-ek studied at the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy. This is a well-known military school in Thailand. Later, he continued his training at the Royal Thai Army's Staff College.

Family Life

General Arthit had two sons, one daughter, and one stepson. His youngest son, Titiwat Kamlang-ek, has two children named Peerawut Kamlang-ek and Athittaya Kamlang-ek.

Stopping the 1981 Coup Attempt

In 1981, a group of young military officers tried to take control of the government. This is called a "coup." General Arthit played a key role in stopping this attempt. He led the effort to counter the coup. After this, he was promoted to lead the First Army Region. This position is very important for controlling or stopping coups.

Disagreements with Prime Minister Prem

General Arthit quickly rose to become the leader of the Royal Thai Army in October 1982. This was a very fast promotion. He also became the Supreme Commander in September 1983.

During this time, General Arthit sometimes disagreed with the government's decisions. For example, in November 1984, he spoke on TV. He openly criticized the government's decision to change the value of the country's money. This is called "currency devaluation."

Also in 1984, some military officers wanted to change the country's laws. They hoped these changes would give the military more political power. General Arthit seemed to support these ideas. However, a major conflict between his group and the government was avoided. General Arthit eventually told the officers to drop their plans.

General Arthit also influenced the 1985 election for Bangkok's governor. He encouraged soldiers and their families to vote against parties that were not supportive of the military. He especially pointed out the Democrats.

Losing His Position

In 1986, General Arthit wanted to stay on as Army Commander for another year. This would have allowed him to keep his influence even after Prime Minister Prem's term ended.

However, on March 24, 1986, the government announced that he would retire as planned. Then, on May 27, Prime Minister Prem made a surprising decision. He removed General Arthit from his role as Army chief. He replaced him with General Chaovalit Yongchaiyut, who was loyal to Prem. Before this, no Army Chief had ever been fired.

This happened because there were rumors that General Arthit was trying to prevent Prem from becoming Prime Minister again. This was before the July 1986 elections. General Arthit denied being involved in any such actions. His role as Supreme Commander was mostly ceremonial and was not affected by this decision. He held that post until September 1986.

Life After the Military

In early 1991, Prime Minister Chatichai Choonhavan appointed Arthit as the Deputy Defense Minister. This news made many military leaders angry. Especially upset were Army chief Suchinda Kraprayoon and his former classmates.

Soon after, Suchinda and a group called the National Peace Keeping Council led a military coup. They took over the government and removed Chatichai from power.

Honors and Awards

General Arthit received many honors for his service.

• 1982 - Knight Grand Cordon of the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant
• 1981 - Knight Grand Cordon of the Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand
• 1983 - Knight Grand Commander of the Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom Klao
• 1990 - Knight Commander of the Honourable Order of Rama
• 1995 - Order of Symbolic Propitiousness Ramkeerati
• 1969 - Victory Medal - World War II
• 1952 - Victory Medal - Korean War
• 1973 - Victory Medal - Vietnam War, with flames
• 1982 - Freemen Safeguarding Medal (First Class)
• 1982 - Border Service Medal
• 1959 - Chakra Mala Medal
• 1981 - King Bhumibol Adulyadej's Royal Cypher Medal, 3rd

Awards from Other Countries

•  Malaysia :

1984 - Honorary Commander of the Order of the Defender of the Realm (P.M.N.)

•  Germany

1984 - Grand Cross 1st Class of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany