Plaek Phibunsongkhram

Plaek Phibunsongkhram was a very important leader in Thailand.

He was a military officer who became a powerful politician. He was born on July 14, 1897, in a place called Nonthaburi. His family worked as durian farmers. As a child, he had an unusual appearance. His ears were placed lower than most people's ears. He studied at Buddhist temples before joining the Royal Military Academy. He graduated in 1914 and became a second lieutenant. Later, he went to France to study how to use artillery.

In 1932, Phibun helped lead a group called the Khana Ratsadon. This group carried out a revolution in Siam. They changed the country from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy. This means the king's power was limited by a set of rules. Phibun rose quickly through the ranks of the army. In 1938, he became the third prime minister of Thailand. He also served as the Commander of the Royal Siamese Army. He was a very strong leader who wanted total control.

Phibun wanted to make his country look modern and strong. He started something called the Thai Cultural Revolution. He wanted to change how Thai people lived every day. He changed the country's name from Siam to Thailand in 1939. He also told people to wear Western-style clothes. He encouraged people to use forks and spoons instead of their hands. People were told to salute the flag and learn a national anthem.

He even changed the start of the new year to January 1. These rules were meant to make the nation seem civilized to the rest of the world.

During World War II, Phibun made some very big choices. He chose to ally Thailand with the Empire of Japan. In 1941, Japanese forces entered Thai territory. Phibun allowed them to pass through to reach other places. He later declared war on Britain and the United States.

This was a very difficult time for the people. A group called the Free Thai Movement worked to resist his choices. Phibun lost his position as prime minister in 1944. He later faced accusations regarding war crimes, but he was acquitted.

Phibun came back to power again in 1948. This time, he worked closely with the United States. His government was very anti-communist during the early Cold War. He faced many hard jobs and several attempts to take his power. There were plots in 1948, 1949, and 1951. Finally, a man named Sarit Thanarat took over in 1957. Phibun went to live in Japan. He stayed there until he died in 1964.

People still talk about him today because he changed so much.