BANGKOK, Jan 19 — Gen Arthit Kamlang-ek, former deputy prime minister, former army chief and former supreme commander, died of heart failure today at age 90.
Gen Arthit, also a former senator representing Loei province, dies at Phramongkutklao Hospital in Bangkok at 6.20am today, three months after starting treatment for heart disease there.
On Oct 1, 1983, Gen Arthit succeeded Gen Saiyud Kerdpol as supreme commander while concurrently remaining as Army chief. He was the most powerful military officer at that time.
When former finance minister Sommai Huntrakul of the Prem Tinsulanonda government devalued the baht by 14.8 per cent from 23 to 27 baht per US dollar in November 1984, Gen Arthit criticised the government strongly and developed conflicts which led to his sudden removal as Army chief on May 27, 1986.
He was succeeded by Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh.
After his retirement as supreme commander, Gen Arthit formed the Puang Chon Chao Thai Party. He contested an election and was appointed as defence minister in the government of Gen Chatichai Choonhavan.
Before starting his job as minister, he was arrested by the National Peace Keeping Council led by Gen Suchinda Kraprayoon while on his way to a swearing-in in Chiang Mai on Feb 23, 1991.
After the Black May, Gen Arthit renamed his party Chat Pattana and Gen Chatichai was its leader.
The royally sponsored bathing ceremony will be held at Wat Benjamabopit Dusitwanaram at 5pm tomorrow. (MCOT online news)
