|
In November 1947, the so-called Coup d'Etat Group, led by two retired
generals and backed by Phibun, seized power from the civilian government. Pridi,
who had recently returned from his world tour, fled the country again and
eventually took refuge in China. The coup leaders appointed an interim
government headed by Khuang and promised a new constitution. General elections
held in January 1948 confirmed support for the junta, particularly the Phibun
faction. In order to placate conservative civilian supporters, Khuang was
retained as prime minister until he proved too independent in his policies. In
April 1948, Phibun--by then a field marshal--forcibly removed Khuang from office
and took over as prime minister.
For the next three years Phibun struggled to maintain his government against
numerous attempted coups by rival military factions. To build support, he
allowed disaffected political groups, including Khuang's conservative Democrat
Party, to participate in drafting a new constitution, which was promulgated in
1949.
|
