The main Players:
Pridi Banomyong (1900-1983) Born in Ayutthaya, studied law and political economy in Paris. Interior minister 1934, foreign minister 1937, finance minister 1938, regent 1941, prime minister 1946. Left Thailand after failed Palace Rebellion and lived in China and France
Phibun (Phibunsongkhram) (1897-1964) Born Plaek Khitasangkha in Nonthanburi. Top of class at Military Staff College in 1921. Army chief and defense minister 1934, prime minister 1938-44 and 1948-57. Fled after 1957 coup and lived in Cambodia and Japan.
Sarit Thanarat (1908-1963) Born in Nakhom Phanom. Educated in Bangkok, career army officer. Commander of Bangkok troops in 1947 coup and Palace Rebellion. Deputy defence minister 1951, Head of army 1954, Field marshal 1956. Led coup in 1957, executed another coup in 1958. Promoted development and personal rule, including summary executions.
Phao Siyanon (1910-1960) Born in Phitsanulok. Career Military officer. Transferred to police. Participated in 1947 coup, appointed chief of police in 1951. Maintained covert group, ‘Knights of the Diamond Ring’, for political assassinations. Fled to Switzerland after Sarit 1957 coupe.
And the story goes.........