Suchinda Kraprayoon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Suchinda Kraprayoon
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สุจินดา คราประยูร
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Suchinda c.1970s
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| 19th Prime Minister of Thailand | |
| In office 7 April 1992 – 24 May 1992 |
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| Monarch | Bhumibol Adulyadej |
| Deputy |
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| Preceded by | Anand Panyarachun |
| Succeeded by | Meechai Ruchuphan (acting) |
| Minister of Defence | |
| In office 17 April 1992 – 24 May 1992 |
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| Prime Minister | himself |
| Preceded by | Praphat Kritsanajun |
| Succeeded by | Banjob Bunnag |
| Supreme Commander of the Royal Thai Armed Forces | |
| In office 1 October 1991 – 4 April 1992 |
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| Minister | Praphat Kritsanajun |
| Preceded by | Sunthorn Kongsompong |
| Succeeded by | Kaset Rojananil |
| Commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Army | |
| In office 29 April 1990 – 7 April 1992 |
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| Preceded by | Chavalit Yongchaiyudh |
| Succeeded by | Isarapong Noonpakdee |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 6 August 1933 Thonburi, Krung Thep, Siam |
| Died | 10 June 2025 (aged 91) Phramongkutklao Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand |
| Nationality | Thai |
| Spouse | Wannee Noonpakdee |
| Children | 2 |
| Alma mater | Royal Military Academy |
| Signature |  |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Thailand |
| Branch/service |  Royal Thai Army |
| Years of service | 1953–1992 |
| Rank | |
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Suchinda Kraprayoon (Thai: สุจินดา คราประยูร; born August 6, 1933 – died June 10, 2025) was a high-ranking officer in the Thai army. He also became a politician. For a short time in 1992, he served as the Prime Minister of Thailand.
As the top leader of the Royal Thai Army from 1990 to 1992, he was involved in a military takeover of the government in February 1991. This kind of takeover is called a coup d'état (pronounced "koo day-tah"). It means a sudden, often forceful, change in government. He was part of a military group called the "National Peace Keeping Council" that then ran the country. About a year after the coup, on April 7, 1992, he became the Prime Minister. Many people were unhappy about this. This led to large protests, known as Black May. Sadly, these events turned violent. Because of this, Suchinda resigned (quit his job) as Prime Minister on May 24, 1992.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Suchinda Kraprayoon was born on August 6, 1933, in Thonburi. At that time, Thonburi was part of Siam, which is now Thailand. His family had ancestors from both China and the Mon group.
Suchinda went to Wat Rajabopit School and then Amnuayslip School. For one year, he studied medicine at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok. After that, he decided to join the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy. This was to train to become a soldier. Many of his classmates from the academy later joined the National Peace Keeping Council with him. He also went to the United States for more military training. He studied at Fort Sill in Oklahoma and Fort Leavenworth in Kansas.
His Military Career
In 1953, Suchinda began his army career. He started as a Second Lieutenant in the Royal Thai Army. By 1958, he was leading soldiers in an artillery unit. This is a part of the army that uses large guns. Over the years, he was promoted to higher ranks. He was given more important jobs.
Some of his key roles included:
- Teaching at the Army Command and General Staff College.
- Leading the Operations Department. This part of the army plans military actions.
- Helping the Chief of Staff for Army Operations.
- Deputy Chief of Staff of the Royal Thai Army.
- Sub-Commander of the Royal Thai Army.
- Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army. This meant he was the top leader of the army from April 29, 1990.
- Commander-in-Chief of the Supreme Command Headquarters. This made him the top leader of all Thai military forces from October 1, 1991.
Taking Power and Becoming Prime Minister
Suchinda was a main leader of the National Peace Keeping Council (NPKC). This group carried out the 1991 military takeover. This event is often called a coup. This coup removed the elected government of Prime Minister Chatichai Choonhavan on February 23, 1991. After the coup, the NPKC put Anand Panyarachun in charge as Prime Minister. Anand was a former diplomat. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in other nations.
Becoming Prime Minister and Public Protests
After a general election on March 22, 1992, five political parties chose Suchinda to become the new Prime Minister. He officially got the job on April 7, 1992.
However, many people in Thailand were very unhappy. They did not like that Suchinda, a military leader, became Prime Minister without being directly elected by the people in that election. This led to huge protests in the streets. These protests were especially strong in Bangkok, the capital city. The government ordered a curfew. This is a rule that people must stay indoors at certain times. Soldiers were also sent into the city.
This period of protest is known as Black May. Sadly, during these protests, soldiers used force against the demonstrators. It is believed that many people were killed or injured. The situation became very serious. King Bhumibol Adulyadej stepped in. He helped to stop the violence from getting worse.
Because of these events, Suchinda resigned (quit his job) as Prime Minister on May 24, 1992. His Deputy Prime Minister, Meechai Ruchuphan, took over temporarily. This was until a new government could be formed. Anand Panyarachun then became Prime Minister again.
Life After Politics
After he stopped being Prime Minister, General Suchinda became the Chairman (head) of a company called Telecom Holdings. This company was in charge of Telecom Asia. Telecom Asia was given a large project. This project was to build 2 million telephone lines in Bangkok. This happened after the NPKC, the group Suchinda was part of, had taken control of the government.
Personal Life
Suchinda married Khunying Wannee Kraprayoon. Her brother, Isarapong Noonpakdee, was one of Suchinda's classmates from the military academy. Suchinda and Wannee had two sons, Jerdwut Kraprayoon and Janewit “Jack” Kraprayoon. Jerdwut currently works as an adviser to the Royal Thai Army.
Suchinda passed away from natural causes on June 10, 2025. He died at Phramongkutklao Hospital in Bangkok. He was 91 years old.
Awards and Honors
General Suchinda received many awards and honors during his life. These are like special medals given for important service.
Thai Awards
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Knight Grand Cordon of the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant (1989)
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Knight Grand Cordon of the Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand (1988)
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Knight Grand Commander of the Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom Klao (1992)
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Victory Medal - Vietnam War, with flames (1973)
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Freeman Safeguarding Medal - 1st Class (1988)
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Border Service Medal (1970)
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Chakra Mala Medal (1968)
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First Class of Boy Scout Citation Medal of Vajira (1989)
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King Rama IX Royal Cypher Medal 3rd Class (1991)
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Awards from Other Countries
He also received honors from other countries:
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Military Ranks Held
Throughout his career, Suchinda held the highest ranks in different branches of the Thai military:
He also held the rank of:
- Volunteer Defense Corps Colonel
See also
In Spanish: Suchinda Kraprayoon para niños
