Deva Bandhumasena
Phraya Songsuradet [Note 1] ( Thai: พระยา ทรง สุร เดช, short Phraya Song, * 1891 or 1892 as Thep Phanthumsen, † 1944 in Saigon, French Indochina ) was a Thai (then Thai ) army officer. He was one of four military leaders of the coup in Siam in 1932, which brought the transition from absolute to constitutional monarchy. Due to intra- military wing fights he has been deposed a year later. 1939 claimed the newly appointed Prime Minister Phibunsongkhram that Phraya Songsuradet was the leader of a royalist conspiracy and turned under this pretext political enemies. He went into exile in French Indochina, where he died.
Life
Phraya Songsuradets real name was Thep Phanthumsen. He came from a wealthy family. Half of it was of Vietnamese descent. After graduating from the Thai military school received its further military training in Germany and became a lieutenant in the German army. After his return he was employed in the engineering corps. Later, the ambitious officer Colonel and Head of the Education Department of the Military Academy. His character was also described as dazzling and graceful. He enjoyed a great reputation in military circles.
Phraya song aimed at the end of absolute monarchy and used his position as head of military training, to spread his ideas. He was able to move many of his subordinates and cadets to participate in the coup in 1932. With three other high-ranking officers he placed himself at the head of which was founded by young officers and intellectuals, constitutionalist " People's Party " ( khana Ratsadon ) and was selected as one of the "Four Musketeers" known. His intelligence and his tactical ability were the success of the " Siamese revolution ' crucial. After the successful coup was Phraya Song Deputy Supreme Commander of the Army and member of the government.
When Pridi Phanomyong, the mastermind of the civilian wing of the " People's Party " presented his economic plan, rejected this song, in accordance with King Prajadhipok and Prime Minister Phraya Manopakorn Nititada, as "communist " from. Phraya Song tried to oust the liberal intellectuals and young officers of the " People's Party " from power. This, in turn, accused him of wanting to return to absolutism. The coup, which the younger officers undertook in July 1933, Phraya song lost its influence. He did not take part in the royalist rebellion of Prince Boworadet in October of the same year, but he hoped for their success. He went on several months' study tour of Europe, 1934, he traveled through Burma, China in 1936. After his return, he led the military school in Chiang Mai.
In January 1939, claiming the newly elected Prime Minister Phibunsongkhram to have uncovered a plot to overthrow a royalist. Phraya Songsuradet should be the head of this rebellion allegedly. This went into exile in French Indochina (now Vietnam). Then made Phibunsongkhram his political opponents the process, under the pretext that this part of the Songsuradet rebellion were. Phraya song itself was not indicted. He died in 1944 in Saigon. His ashes were transferred to Thailand and buried with honor.