Manoonkrit Roopkachorn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Manoonkrit Roopkachorn
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| Native name |
มนูญกฤต รูปขจร
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| Birth name | Manoon Roopkachorn |
| Born | 15 December 1935 Ayutthaya, Thailand |
| Allegiance |  Thailand |
| Branch |  Royal Thai Army |
| Years of service | 1966–1985 |
| Rank | Major General |
| President of the Senate | |
| In office 30 March 2001 – 5 March 2004 |
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| Preceded by | Sanit Vorapanya |
| Succeeded by | Suchon Chaleekure |
Major General Manoonkrit Roopkachorn (Thai: มนูญกฤต รูปขจร) was a significant figure in Thailand's history. Born on December 15, 1935, in Ayutthaya Province, he became a high-ranking military officer. Later, he served as a senator and even became the President of the Senate of Thailand.
Manoonkrit was a key leader of a group of military officers known as the "Young Turks." He was involved in several important events in Thailand, including changes in government in 1976 and 1977. He also participated in attempts to change the government in 1981 and 1985.
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Early Life and Military Training
Manoonkrit Roopkachorn started his journey in the military by attending the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy. He was part of Class 7, where he studied alongside other future leaders like Sanan Kachornprasart and Chamlong Srimuang. After completing his training, he began his service in the Thai military in 1966.
The 1981 Attempt to Change Government
In the early 1980s, different groups of military officers had their own ideas about how the country should be run. One important group was the "Young Turks," which Manoonkrit was a part of. They felt that the military leaders were not doing enough to improve the political system.
On April 1, 1981, the Young Turks took control of Bangkok in a peaceful attempt to change the government. They did not inform King Bhumibol Adulyadej beforehand. The Thai royal family, along with Prime Minister Prem Tinsulanonda, quickly moved to Nakhon Ratchasima Province.
With the King's support for the government made clear, other military leaders, like General Arthit Kamlang-ek, led troops to take back control of the capital. This was also done peacefully. This event became known as the April Fool's Day Coup.
The 1985 Attempt to Change Government
Four years later, on September 9, 1985, the Young Turks tried again to change the government. This time, Prime Minister Prem was not in Thailand. Manoonkrit and his brother, Wing Commander Manas Roopkachorn, led this effort. They had support from several former high-ranking military officials.
The attempt began before dawn with hundreds of soldiers and twenty-two tanks. However, within 10 hours, government troops, led by General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, stopped the rebellion. This event was more violent, resulting in 59 injuries and 5 deaths, including two foreign journalists. After this, Manoonkrit left Thailand and was removed from his military position.
Returning to Thai Politics
After some time away, Manoonkritkrit Roopkachorn returned to Thai politics in the mid-1990s. He became an advisor to his former classmate, Major General Sanan Kachornprasart, who was part of the Democrat Party.
Serving as Senator and Senate Speaker
In 2001, Manoonkrit ran to become a senator for Saraburi province. He won many votes, but there were accusations that he had tried to buy votes. He was disqualified at first. However, he ran again in a second round of voting and won. His victory was later confirmed because there was not enough proof of any wrongdoing.
After becoming a senator, Manoonkrit was chosen by his fellow senators to be the Speaker of the 200-member Senate. This meant he was in charge of leading the Senate's meetings and activities.
Investigation of Judges in 2002
As Senate Speaker, Manoonkrit played a role in a significant legal situation in 2002. He received a request, signed by many people, to ask the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) to look into four judges from the Constitutional Court of Thailand. This was related to their decisions in a case involving Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's financial assets.
This request led to many legal questions and disagreements between different government groups. For example, the President of the National Assembly questioned if the NCCC had the power to investigate judges. This created a complex situation where different parts of the government were in disagreement.
Resignation from Office
On May 20, 2003, Manoonkrit announced that he would step down from his roles as Senator and Speaker of the Senate. His resignation became effective on January 4, 2004. Some members of the Senate had been discussing his performance and wanted him to leave his position. He had also made a promise during his election campaign to serve for two years, and he decided to honor that promise by stepping down before his full term ended in 2006.
Honours and Awards
Manoonkrit Roopkachorn received several important awards and decorations from Thailand and other countries for his service.
Thai Honours
- Knight Grand Cordon of the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant
- Knight Grand Cordon of the Most Noble Order of the Crown
- Victory Medal - Vietnam War, with flames
- Freemen Safeguarding Medal
- Border Service Medal
- Chakra Mala Medal
Foreign Honours
South Vietnam:
- Gallantry Cross with palm (1970)
- Armed Forces Honor Medal, First class (1970)
- Vietnam Campaign Medal (1970)
USA:
- Army Meritorious Unit Commendation (1970)
