Sarit Thanarat

ModernGeneralThailand1908 — 1963

Thai military dictator who promoted economic development.

Compare Sarit Thanarat with another historical figure:

Quick Facts

Born

1908

Died

1963

Country

Thailand

Era

Modern

Occupation

General

Score Overview

Military (10%)48

Political (20%)72

Influence (20%)53

Legacy (20%)44

Leadership (15%)72

Strategy (15%)43

Total Score55.1

Sarit Thanarat — Complete Timeline

1957 AD

Seized power in a coupPolitical Action◆ Major

Sarit Thanarat led a bloodless coup that overthrew the government of Phibun. He established a military dictatorship, dissolved parliament, and imposed martial law.

CoupDictatorshipMilitary Rule

Impact: national

Restored the monarchy's prestigePolitical Action◆ Major

Sarit revived the role of the monarchy, promoting King Bhumibol as a symbol of national unity. He reversed the anti-royalist policies of previous regimes and strengthened the king's ceremonial and political influence.

MonarchyRoyal RestorationNational Unity

Impact: nationalconstructive

1958 AD

Suppressed political opposition and dissentPolitical Action

Sarit cracked down on political opponents, including communists, intellectuals, and journalists. He arrested hundreds, closed newspapers, and banned political parties, consolidating his authoritarian rule.

RepressionAuthoritarianismHuman Rights

Impact: nationaldestructive

1961 AD

Launched the National Economic Development PlanReform◆ Major

Sarit initiated Thailand's first National Economic Development Plan, focusing on infrastructure, industrialization, and agriculture. This plan laid the foundation for Thailand's rapid economic growth in the following decades.

Economic DevelopmentPlanningModernization

Impact: nationalconstructive