Sunthorn Kongsompong (also written as Sundhara; 1 August 1931 – 2 August 1999) was the de facto prime minister 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 23 February 1991. The generals accused Chatichai of corruption, and established the National Peace Keeping 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 premier's office.
His son was 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
Gallantry Cross With Palm (1970) Armed Forces Honor Medal, First class (1970)
Vietnam Campaign Medal (1970)
Bronze Star Medal With "V" device (1970) Army Commendation Medal With "V" device and Oak (1970)
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)
Order of National Security Merit, Tongil Medal (1990)
Distinguished Service Order (Military) (1991)
Grand Cordon of the Order of the Sacred Treasure (1992) : Grand Meritorious Military Order Star, 1st Class : United Nations Korea Medal
Unit Citation
Presidential Unit Citation (South Korea) Civil Actions Medal Unit Citation (1970)
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)