How Anand became the prime minister after 1992 bloodshed

With the sole authority to nominate the next PM, Arthit revealed he was offered the post of Interior Minister – an A list ministry – in return for nominating Chart Thai Party leader Somboon Rahong as the PM. Behind the offer was Sammakkitham Party leader Narong Wongwan and late Chart Thai heavyweight Banharn Silpa-archa.
As the ball was in his court, Arthit wrote that he received a flood of calls from people who identified themselves or refused to identify themselves on what he should do.
What left a lasting impression on him was an unknown man, who approached him while he was having a drink at a department store, and told him that he would leave Thailand for Australia for good if Arthit nominated a politician linked with the National Peace Keeping Council (NPKC); otherwise he would offer to work at Phyathai Hospital (owned by Arthit) for free.
Arthit said this man had a significant influence on his decision because he reflected what the public truly wanted. “No one thought of Anand at that moment, even though after the NPKC had seized power from General Chatichai Choonhavan and appointed Anand to become the PM, the country’s administration went smoothly. At this political juncture, no one was more suitable than Anand. He was a ready-made PM,” Arthit wrote.
Arthit’s first attempt to persuade Anand to accept the PM’s post failed, although he explained to him that he would be only a transitional PM, called in to dissolve Parliament and run the country till a general election was called.
His second attempt showed possibilities as Anand agreed to consider his proposal.
Arthit knew that if he had nominated Somboon – or if he had accepted the Interior Ministry portfolio – the country’s political crisis would not end because the public would perceive such a nomination as the NPKC’s attempt to cling to power.
At first, Arthit called then Privy Council chief Sanya Thammasak to seek Royal advice, but he was not given an audience or advice. He then sought advice from Privy Council chief General Prem Tinsulanonda who recommended that General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh was a good man.
Arthit wrote that the New Aspiration Party, headed by Chavalit, was only the second-largest opposition party. Why not give the post to then Democrat Party leader Chuan Leekpai, the largest Opposition party? However, Chuan refused to lead a minority government, citing such a government would not function.
On June 10, 1992, while the coalition parties were confident Somboon would be nominated, Arthit left for Chitralada Palace with Pairoj Piempongsant, a politician with close ties with former PM Thaksin Shinawatra. He followed him like a shadow to ensure Arthit would not sneak into having negotiations with any party. The name of the new PM was kept a secret till the very last minute – even when Arthit was about to seek a Royal audience to nominate the PM. He was holding a blank paper with a garuda emblem.
“I told Dr Paisit Pipattanakul, then Parliament secretary-general, that I could not nominate Somboon Rahong as the PM because the country would be in disarray with a bloodbath. I must nominate Anand Panyarachun. Paisit asked me if I was sure, I insisted, “it is ok, I will take responsibility”.
Under the staircase of the palace, Arthit made a final call to Anand. “I am about to seek a Royal audience now, please be prepared.”
“After I said [this], what option was left for Anand?” Arthit wrote.
Arthit dictated to a typist to transcribe, “The country has been too seriously bruised, I have no alternative but to nominate Anand Panyarachun as the PM to dissolve Parliament.”
Arthit said the King signed the endorsement without saying anything. As Paisit was bringing the Royal command to Anand’s house, he was telling Arthit that the King said you were very brave – as expected of a statesman.
Somboon, who was fully dressed in preparation for the PM’s endorsement, his supporters and an army of reporters were waiting but only to learn about the surprising turn of events.
Anand was left with little time to prepare for the Royal endorsement.
Arthit had been hailed by the public and the media as “the democracy hero”, which also came at a price to him and his family. He and his family “have been targeted for the rest of their lives”.