Sonthi Boonyaratglin | |
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สนธิ บุญยรัตกลิน | |
![]() Boonyaratglin in August 2009 | |
Functioning Prime Minister's Powers as Head of the Council for Democratic Reform | |
In office 19 September 2006 – 1 October 2006 | |
Monarch | Bhumibol Adulyadej |
Preceded by | Thaksin Shinawatra (as Prime Minister) |
Succeeded by | Surayud Chulanont (as Prime Minister) |
Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand | |
In office 1 October 2007 – 28 January 2008 | |
Prime Minister | Surayud Chulanont |
President of the Council for National Security | |
In office 1 October 2006 – 1 October 2007 | |
Monarch | Bhumibol Adulyadej |
Deputy | Chalit Pukbhasuk Sathiraphan Keyanon Kowit Wattana |
Preceded by | Position established |
Succeeded by | Chalit Pukbhasuk (Acting) |
Commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Army | |
In office 1 October 2005 – 30 September 2007 | |
Preceded by | Prawit Wongsuwan |
Succeeded by | Anupong Paochinda |
Personal details | |
Born | Pathum Thani, Siam (now Pathum Thani, Thailand) | 2 October 1946
Political party | Chartthaipattana (2018–present) |
Other political affiliations | Matubhum (2009–2018) |
Spouses |
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Domestic partner | Wanna Boonyaratglin |
Children | 6 |
Alma mater | |
Signature | ![]() |
Military service | |
Allegiance | Thailand |
Branch/service | Royal Thai Army |
Years of service | 1969–2007 |
Rank | General |
Commands | Commander-in-Chief |
Battles/wars | |
Awards |
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Sonthi Boonyaratglin (Thai: สนธิ บุญยรัตกลิน, RTGS: Sonthi Bunyaratkalin, IPA: [sǒn.tʰíʔ bun.já.rát.kà.lin]; born 2 October 1946) is a Thai former Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army and former head of the Council for Democratic Reform, the military junta that ruled the kingdom.[3] He was the first Muslim in charge of the army of the mostly Buddhist country.[4] On 19 September 2006, he became the de facto head of government of Thailand after overthrowing the elected government in a coup d'état.[5] After retiring from the Army in 2007, he became Deputy Prime Minister, in charge of national security.
Sonthi is a multimillionaire and has two wives, Sukanya and Piyada, despite legal prohibitions against bigamy.[6][7][8]