Hosta

Sunthorn Kongsompong (Thai: สุนทร คงสมพงษ์, RTGS: Sunthon Khongsomphong, IPA: [sǔn.tʰɔːn kʰoŋ.sǒm.pʰoŋ]; 1 August 1931 – 2 August 1999) was the de facto head of government of Thailand from 1991 to 1992, after a military coup d'etat led by Sunthorn and General Suchinda Kraprayoon deposed the government of Prime Minister Chatichai Choonhavan on February 23, 1991. The generals accused Chatichai of corruption, and established the National Peacekeeping Council (NPKC) as an interim administration, with Sunthorn as chairman. Anand Panyarachun was appointed Prime Minister in March, 1991, but the administration of the country was also executed by the NPKC.

Sunthorn left the political office following the May 1992 constitution promulgation, which prohibited members of the military from executing the office of the Prime Minister.^[1]

His son is Apirat Kongsompong, who from 2018 to 2020 was Commander in Chief of the Royal Thai Army.

Honours

Royal Decorations

• 1987 - Knight Grand Cordon of the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant
• 1988 - Knight Grand Cordon of the Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand
• 1992 - Knight Grand Commander of the Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom Klao
• 1990 - Companion of the Order of Rama
• 1955 - Victory Medal - Korean War
• 1973 - Victory Medal - Vietnam War with flames
• 1988 - Freemen Safeguarding Medal, First Class
• 1989 - Border Service Medal
• 1964 - Chakra Mala Medal
• 1989 - Boy Scout Citation Medal of Vajira, First Class
• 1991 - King Rama IX Royal Cypher Medal, First Class
• 1950 - King Rama IX Coronation Medal

Foreign Honours

•  South Vietnam :
  • Gallantry Cross With Palm (1970)
  • Armed Forces Honor Medal, First class (1970)
  • Vietnam Campaign Medal (1970)

•  USA :
  • Bronze Star Medal With "V" device (1970)
  • Army Commendation Medal With "V" device and Oak (1970)

•  Malaysia :
  • Commander of the Order of Loyalty to the Crown of Malaysia (P.S.M.) (1987)
  • Courageous Commander of The Most Gallant Order of Military Service (P.G.A.T.) (1991)

•  South Korea :
  • Order of National Security Merit, Tongil Medal (1990)
  • Korea War Service Medal
•  Singapore :
  • Distinguished Service Order (Military) (1991)
•  Japan :
  • Grand Cordon of the Order of the Sacred Treasure (1992)
•  UN :
  • United Nations Korea Medal

Notes

References

• 2Bangkok.com article about the coup d'etat
• Asiaweek article about estate scandal
• http://www.becnews.com/backissue/f_famous/suntorn-k.html (in Thai)
• http://www.politicalfriendster.com/showPerson.php?id=3803&name=General-Sunthorn-Kongsompong^{[permanent dead link]}