General Suchinda Kraprayoon's mixed legacy includes both a military coup and the ensuing violence of the Black May protests.
Suchinda Kraprayoon: The Controversial Thai Leader Passes Away at 91
Suchinda Kraprayoon: The Controversial Thai Leader Passes Away at 91
The former prime minister's brief tenure triggered devastating protests that marked a pivotal moment in Thailand's history.
June 19, 2025 - Former Thai Prime Minister Suchinda Kraprayoon, a controversial figure in Thailand's political landscape, passed away in Bangkok on June 10 at the age of 91. His death was confirmed by the Thai News Agency. Kraprayoon’s time in office was marked by a military coup and significant civil unrest, pivotal events that shaped modern Thai politics.
General Kraprayoon, who had a distinguished military career, orchestrated a coup in February 1991, removing a notably corrupt civilian administration, marking the 17th military coup in Thailand's tumultuous political history. Despite initially asserting he would not assume the role of prime minister, he was appointed in April 1992 amidst significant political maneuvering.
His leadership sparked the infamous Black May protests that erupted on May 17, 1992, drawing tens of thousands of demonstrators to the streets of Bangkok demanding democracy. The military, loyal to Suchinda, responded with brutal force, tragically resulting in civilian casualties and transforming hotels into makeshift hospitals as chaos engulfed the city.
After only 48 harrowing days in power, Suchinda faced immense public outcry, leading to his resignation as the protests escalated. His controversial rule is viewed by many as a critical juncture that curtailed military interference in Thai politics for over a decade, a rare moment of civilian governance following a lengthy history of military dominance.
General Kraprayoon, who had a distinguished military career, orchestrated a coup in February 1991, removing a notably corrupt civilian administration, marking the 17th military coup in Thailand's tumultuous political history. Despite initially asserting he would not assume the role of prime minister, he was appointed in April 1992 amidst significant political maneuvering.
His leadership sparked the infamous Black May protests that erupted on May 17, 1992, drawing tens of thousands of demonstrators to the streets of Bangkok demanding democracy. The military, loyal to Suchinda, responded with brutal force, tragically resulting in civilian casualties and transforming hotels into makeshift hospitals as chaos engulfed the city.
After only 48 harrowing days in power, Suchinda faced immense public outcry, leading to his resignation as the protests escalated. His controversial rule is viewed by many as a critical juncture that curtailed military interference in Thai politics for over a decade, a rare moment of civilian governance following a lengthy history of military dominance.
