Sunthorn Kongsompong

Sunthorn Kongsompong ( Thai: สุนทร คง สมพง ษ์; born August 1, 1931 † August 2, 1999 ) was a Thai general.

Biography

Sunthorn was a student at Suan Kulab - Wittayalai School, a famous boys' school from which emerged a number of prime ministers and military personnel. After completion of school education, he entered the military service and was a graduate of Chulachomklao Military Academy. During his military career, he rose to become a general.

On April 1, 1990, he was Commander of the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters, and thus as the successor of General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh finally chief of the armed forces ( กำลัง ทหาร ไทย ).

He became internationally known on 23 February 1991 as he set down together with General Suchinda Kraprayoon and other graduates of the Royal Military Academy Prime Minister Chatichai Choonhavan allegations of corruption in a coup. Following the formation of a National Council followed peacekeeping ( National Peacekeeping Council ( NPKC ) ), whose chairman he was. Although On 2 March 1991 saw the establishment of Anand Panyarachun prime minister, however, maintained the NPKC the real power.

1 October 1991, he was succeeded by General Suchinda Kraprayoon as commander in chief of the armed forces.

On 24 May 1992, he finally resigned from the post of chairman of the NPKC after the Constitutional Court members of the military forbade the interference during the post of Prime Minister.

After his death from lung cancer, there was a scandal, because he bequeathed most of his fortune, estimated at 150 million U.S. dollars of his beloved. Furthermore, the question has been raised as a General was able to build such a large personal fortune with a monthly income of just over $ 1,000. The case ultimately led to investigation of other generals, politicians and business people on suspicion of illicit enrichment and corruption.