The 1981 Thai military rebellion was a military coup attempt to consolidate power by the government of Prem Tinsulanonda, staged by Thai military leaders of Class 7 on 1 April 1981, but a counter-coup by Prem, Arthit Kamlang-ek, and support by the royal family on 3 April led to the coup's failure, turning it into a rebellion. In Thailand, it is known as the "Young Turk Rebellion" (Thai: กบฏยังเติร์ก, romanized: Kabot Yang Toek), referring to the group of military officers that led the coup, or more mockingly as the "April Fools' Day Rebellion" (Thai: กบฏเมษาฮาวาย, romanized: Kabot Mesa Hawai), referring to the date of the coup along with its failure.[1] The coup attempt failed despite garnering the support of as many as 42 battalions, the most in Thai history.[1]
On 31 March 1981, Class 7 leaders visited Prem in the night to ask him lead a coup on 1 April but Prem refused. Arthit Kamlang-ek, a deputy commander of the 2nd army region, was informed of the coup plan. Arthit telephoned Queen Sirikit. Sirikit then ordered the coup planning group to let Prem come to the royal palace.[2]
Coup
On 1 April 1981, Class 7 leaders led by San Jitpathima, deputy commander-in-chief of the army, staged a coup, calling themselves the "Revolutionary Council". Manoonkrit, secretary-general of the group, proclaimed reasons such as selfish politicians, social justice problems, and economic problems.[2]
Following the coup's failure, its leaders fled the country to various destinations. 52 were later given amnesty and had their military ranks restored. Having aided Prem in putting down the coup, Arthit was promoted to Commander of the 1st Army Area. Manoonkrit and the Young Turks would attempt another coup in 1985, which also failed.[4]