792.00/11–351: Telegram
The Chargé in Thailand (Turner) to the Secretary of State
priority
1030. Army, police, and Air Force placed on alert fol Premier’s announcement in Senate Oct 30 that police have obtained info to effect Commie underground planned intensified activity in Thailand beginning Oct 31. No signs unrest thus far.
In discussing above events on Nov 1, reliable Amer intimately connected with Thai police circles informed Embassy officer fol:
- 1.
- Does not believe Commie threat within Thailand particularly large or imminent.
- 2.
- Has not noticed any sign leading to belief that external Commie threat has recently increased.
- 3.
- New alert may be connected with Thai domestic politics.
- 4.
- Concerning Phibun versus Phao rivalry, felt that Phibun may now be attempting strengthen his position while Phao out of country by using first aritiy commander Sarit Thanarat. In this connection he stated that for past two months Sarit has talked in loud insulting terms to Phao who has replied in nothing but polite terms and that as far as he knows Sarit well liked throughout army and commands nearly all army support.
- 5.
- Felt that any coup in relatively near future probably wld be instigated by and centered around “top men” only, i.e. Phibun aided by Sarit against 1947 coup party headed by Phao.
- 6.
- When asked why Phao wld have departed for Europe unless he felt sure of his position source replied that Phao cld not very well refuse to fulfill order to visit King and arrange for his security on trip home.1
- 7.
- Source who two months ago tended favor Phao as most stabilizing factor in Thailand, now feels it in best interests of US Govt to see Phibun placed securely at helm.
Embassy comment: Foregoing is of course one man’s view. But there are sufficient indications from other sources to warrant belief that these views are well founded. We shall report details by despatch. Our conclusion is that present time is opportune for Phibun to strengthen Govt by splitting coup party, ousting Phao faction and siding with Sarit faction. Phibun’s motive for so doing wld be clear. The urgency is great and will increase as next elections approach. Phibun’s chances of such reorganization will probably be less after elections. There is reason believe that Phibun is considering some such step, altho we have no direct reports of any specific coup in the offing. Nevertheless situation appears favorable for a Phibun stroke to split coup party, oust Phao and commence reorganization of govt.
- King Phumiphon was living in Switzerland but bad decided to be the first Thai monarch to reside permanently in Thailand since 1934.↩