Word: ratthapraharn
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Career. Phibun quickly learned the Siamese art of tarn ratthapraharn (masterminding a coup d'êtat). Following a 1933 coup, he became Minister of Defense; in 1938 he took over as Prime Minister and, eventually, as absolute dictator. He assumed the title of Phunam ("The Leader"), changed his country's name to Thailand, and tried to Westernize his countrymen overnight (sample laws: farmers were ordered to wear shoes, and officials to kiss their wives before leaving for the office). In 1941 Phibun capitulated to Japan, later declared war on the U.S. and Britain. Old Friend Pridi...
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