# Thanom Kittikachorn

> Prime Minister of Thailand from 1958 and 1963 to 1973

**Wikidata**: [Q439990](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q439990)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanom_Kittikachorn)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/thanom-kittikachorn

## Summary
Thanom Kittikachorn was a Thai military officer and politician who served as Prime Minister of Thailand from 1958 to 1963 and again from 1963 to 1973. He is known for his leadership during critical periods of Thai history, including the Franco-Thai War, World War II, and the communist insurgency in Thailand. His tenure was marked by significant political and military decisions that shaped Thailand's post-war trajectory.

## Biography
- **Born**: [Date and place not specified in source material]
- **Nationality**: Thai
- **Education**: Attended the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy
- **Known for**: Serving as Prime Minister of Thailand during pivotal historical events
- **Employer(s)**: Thai military and government
- **Field(s)**: Military and political leadership

## Contributions
- Led Thailand during the Franco-Thai War (1940–1941) and World War II (1939–1945)
- Played a key role in the 1947 Thai coup d'état
- Oversaw Thailand's involvement in the Korean War (1950–1953) and the Vietnam War (1955–1975)
- Suppressed the communist insurgency in Thailand (1965–1983) and the Laotian Civil War (1959–1975)

## FAQs
- **What was Thanom Kittikachorn's primary role in Thai politics?**
  He served as Prime Minister of Thailand from 1958 to 1963 and again from 1963 to 1973, overseeing critical national and international conflicts.

- **Which wars did Thanom Kittikachorn lead Thailand in?**
  He led Thailand during the Franco-Thai War, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

- **What military academy did Thanom Kittikachorn attend?**
  He graduated from the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy.

- **What was Thanom Kittikachorn's relationship to the communist insurgency in Thailand?**
  He played a significant role in suppressing the communist insurgency from 1965 to 1983.

## Why They Matter
Thanom Kittikachorn's leadership during Thailand's post-war period had a profound impact on the country's political and military landscape. His decisions during the Franco-Thai War and World War II shaped Thailand's foreign policy, while his tenure as Prime Minister influenced Thailand's involvement in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. His efforts to suppress communist movements left a lasting legacy on Thailand's internal security policies.

## Notable For
- Served as Prime Minister of Thailand from 1958 to 1963 and again from 1963 to 1973
- Led Thailand during the Franco-Thai War and World War II
- Oversaw Thailand's involvement in the Korean War and Vietnam War
- Suppressed the communist insurgency in Thailand and the Laotian Civil War
- Received numerous international awards, including the Order of the Cloud and Banner and the United Nations Korea Medal

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Thanom Kittikachorn was born in Thailand and attended the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, where he developed his military and leadership skills.

### Military and Political Career
Thanom Kittikachorn served as a military officer and later became Prime Minister of Thailand. His tenure as Prime Minister spanned two periods: from 1958 to 1963 and again from 1963 to 1973. During his first term, he led Thailand during the Franco-Thai War and World War II. His second term saw Thailand's involvement in the Korean War and the Vietnam War, as well as efforts to suppress the communist insurgency in Thailand and the Laotian Civil War.

### Leadership During Major Conflicts
Thanom Kittikachorn's leadership during the Franco-Thai War and World War II was crucial in shaping Thailand's foreign policy. His decisions during these conflicts influenced Thailand's role in subsequent international conflicts, including the Korean War and Vietnam War. His efforts to suppress communist movements in Thailand and Laos had a lasting impact on the country's internal security policies.

### Awards and Recognition
Thanom Kittikachorn received numerous awards and honors for his service, including the Order of the Cloud and Banner, the United Nations Korea Medal, and the Order of the Defender of the Realm. These awards recognized his contributions to Thailand and its role in international conflicts.

### Legacy
Thanom Kittikachorn's legacy as a military and political leader in Thailand is marked by his significant contributions to the country's post-war development and its involvement in major international conflicts. His leadership during critical periods of Thai history has left a lasting impact on the country's political and military landscape.

## References

1. International Standard Name Identifier
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. Integrated Authority File
4. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
5. Find a Grave
6. Munzinger Personen
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013