About Thanom Kittikachorn
Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn (Thai: ถนอม กิตติขจร, RTGS: Thanom Kittikhachon, pronounced [tʰā.nɔ̌ːm kìt.tì(ʔ).kʰā.tɕɔ̄ːn]; 11 August 1911 – 16 June 2004) was Prime Minister of Thailand from 1963 to 1973. Prior to taking office, he supported and initiated military coups and served as Thailand's defence minister. He was forced to step down after public protests which exploded into violence in 1973. His return from exile in 1976 sparked protests which led to a massacre of demonstrators, followed by a military coup. == Early life == Thanom Kittikachorn was born to Hainamese parents in Tak Province to Khun Amphan Kittikachorn and his wife, Linchee Kittikachorn. His family was of Thai Chinese descent. He attended Wat Koak Plu Municipal School, then was admitted to the Army Cadet Academy. After receiving his commission, he reported for duty with Infantry Regiment VII in Chiang Mai. Thanom later studied at the Cartography School and the Infantry School, and graduated from the National Defense College in its first class. == Rise to power == After the British Raj colonial destructions and serving in the Shan States of Burma during the British Raj, then Lieutenant Colonel Thanom took part in a successful 1947 coup headed by Colonel Sarit Thanarat.
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