# Plaek Phibunsongkhram

_Prime Minister of Thailand, 1938–44 and 1948–57 (1897–1964)_

Canonical: https://diginpl.com/people/plaek-phibunsongkhram
Last updated: 2026-11-06

> Plaek Phibunsongkhram, commonly known in English language sources as Phibun and as Chomphon Por in Thai, was a Thai military officer and politician who served as the third prime minister of Thailand from 1938 to 1944 and again from 1948 to 1957. He rose to power as a leading member of the Khana Ratsadon, becoming prime minister in 1938 and later consolidating his influence as a military dictator. His regime allied with the Empire of Japan during World War II, and his administration was marked by authoritarian policies and the promotion of Thai nationalism. He was closely involved in both domestic reforms and foreign policy during the war and played a central role in shaping modern Thai state ideology. Phibun's ideology has been described as fascist.

## Quick facts

- **Born:** 14 July 1897 ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q152777#P569))
- **Place of birth:** Nonthaburi ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q152777#P19))
- **Died:** 11 June 1964 ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q152777#P570))
- **Place of death:** Sagamihara ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q152777#P20))
- **Citizenship:** Rattanakosin Kingdom; Thailand ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q152777#P27))
- **Occupation:** politician; military personnel ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q152777#P106))
- **Political party:** Khana Ratsadon ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q152777#P102))
- **Education:** Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q152777#P69))
- **Spouse:** La-iat Phibunsongkhram ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q152777#P26))
- **Positions held:** Minister of Interior of Thailand (2 August 1955 – 21 March 1957); Minister of Commerce of Thailand (4 February 1954 – 23 March 1955); Minister of Defence of Thailand (28 March 1952 – 21 March 1957); Minister of Culture (28 March 1952 – 2 August 1955); Prime Minister of Thailand (24 March 1952 – 21 March 1957); Prime Minister of Thailand (8 April 1948 – 16 September 1957); Prime Minister of Thailand (16 December 1938 – 1 August 1944); Permanent Secretary for Defence of Thailand (26 April 1934 – 11 September 1934) ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q152777#P39))
- **Awards:** Order of the Nine Gems; Order of Chula Chom Klao; Order of the White Elephant; Order of the Crown of Thailand; Chief Commander of the Legion of Merit; Order of the Rising Sun, 1st class; Order of Sikatuna; Grand Cross 1st class of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany; Order of the Paulownia Flowers; Order of the German Eagle; Grand Cross of Naval Merit with white badge ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q152777#P166))

## Questions

**When was Plaek Phibunsongkhram born?**  
Plaek Phibunsongkhram was born on 14 July 1897 in Nonthaburi.

**What positions has Plaek Phibunsongkhram held?**  
Positions held by Plaek Phibunsongkhram include: Minister of Interior of Thailand (1955–1957); Minister of Commerce of Thailand (1954–1955); Minister of Defence of Thailand (1952–1957); Minister of Culture (1952–1955); Prime Minister of Thailand (1952–1957).

**Where did Plaek Phibunsongkhram study?**  
Plaek Phibunsongkhram was educated at Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy.

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## Sources

- [Wikipedia (English): Plaek Phibunsongkhram](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plaek_Phibunsongkhram) — [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)
- [Wikidata item Q152777](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q152777) — [CC0 1.0](https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/)
- [Image: Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram.jpg by Ministry of Defence of Thailand (Public domain)](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Field_Marshal_Plaek_Phibunsongkhram.jpg)

## Licence and attribution

Text from the Wikipedia article Plaek Phibunsongkhram, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. This page's text is shared under the same licence. Facts from Wikidata (CC0). Image: Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram.jpg — Ministry of Defence of Thailand, Public domain.

## Cite this page

"Plaek Phibunsongkhram". DigiNepal. Last updated 6 November 2026. https://diginpl.com/people/plaek-phibunsongkhram. Retrieved 6 November 2026.