Boworadet Rebellion

Quick Facts: Who was Boworadet Rebellion?

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Boworadet Rebellion

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A failed royalist coup in Siam in 1933 against the constitutional government.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Boworadet rebellion (Thai: กบฏบวรเดช; RTGS: kabot boworadet; [kà.bòt.bɔ̄ː.wɔ̄ː.rá.dèt]) was a 1933 Thai rebellion (or unsuccessful coup d'état) led by royalist Prince Boworadet, as a result of the conflicts between the previous royalist regime (those loyal to Chakri dynasty rule and King Prajadhipok) and the succeeding constitutional regime led by Khana Ratsadon ('People's Party'), following the Revolution of 1932. The Boworadet rebellion was eventually defeated by the Siamese Government. On 24 June 1932, the People's Party overthrew absolute monarchy in Siam, a turning point in 20th century Thai history. After the establishment of the new regime, a series of counter-revolutionary crises threatened the new, constitutional government. The king accepted the new constitution as a temporary one, and took part in crafting a "permanent" constitution.

Career & Major Achievements

Conservative Phraya Manopakorn Nitithada, or Mano was appointed prime minister. He later showed royalist tendencies. In March 1933, Pridi Banomyong, a Minister of State and a member of the People's Party, was attacked verbally by the constitutional monarch King Prajadhipok (King Rama VII) as a communist following Pridi's submission of the Draft National Economic Development Plan, or the "Yellow Cover Dossier", to the National Assembly. The Yellow Dossier was a plan to arrange and provide state welfare, to distribute all land to the rural poor, to intervene in private sector economic affairs, and to provide farmers more economic subsidies. These concepts were deemed communistic (or at least socialistic) by Prajadhipok.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

This led Thawan Ritthidet (Thai: ถวัลย์ ฤทธิเดช), a private citizen, to file a lawsuit against the king, accusing him of intervention in political, state, and economic affairs. The fallout over Pridi's plan divided the cabinet. Mano took advantage of conflicts in the People's Party to win the support of those opposed to reform in the executive. After securing King Prajadhipok's signature on a decree, he carried out a silent coup to dissolve the National Assembly on 1 April 1933, and used emergency decrees (such as the Anti-Communist Act) to govern. Pridi was immediately exiled to France.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1932: 1932 Milestone — On 24 June 1932, the People's Party overthrew absolute monarchy in Siam, a turning point in 20th century Thai history.
2. 1933: 1933 Milestone — dèt]) was a 1933 Thai rebellion (or unsuccessful coup d'état) led by royalist Prince Boworadet, as a result of the conflicts between the previous royalist regime (those loyal to Chakri dynasty rule and King Prajadhipok) and the succeeding constitutional regime led by Khana Ratsadon ('People's Party'), following the Revolution of 1932.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Boworadet Rebellion

True or False: “The Boworadet rebellion was solely an effort by Prince Boworadet to restore absolute monarchy immediately after the 1932 revolution.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While royalist in nature, the conflict involved complex divisions within the elite and concerns over political direction beyond just restoring the old regime.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• 13th Dalai Lama — Historical peer (Died in 1933) (1933): Spiritual leader of Tibet who championed national independence and modernization.
• Abolhassan Banisadr — Historical peer (Born in 1933) (1933): Iranian politician who served as the first president following the Islamic Revolution.
• Abebe Bikila — Historical peer (Born in 1932) (1932): Ethiopian Olympic marathon champion, known for his barefoot victories in Rome and Tokyo.
• Adolfo Suárez — Historical peer (Born in 1932) (1932): Key architect of Spain's transition to democracy, serving as Prime Minister 1976-1981.

Frequently Asked Questions about Boworadet Rebellion