---
node: siamese_revolution_1932
type: event
slug: siamese_revolution_1932
title: "Siamese Revolution of 1932"
lead: "Before dawn on June 24, 1932, the People's Party (Khana Ratsadon) seized key points in Bangkok without bloodshed, and King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) accepted their demand for a constitution. The bloodless revolution ended absolute monarchy in Siam."
published: 2026-07-10
updated: 2026-07-10
image_file: siamese_revolution_1932.jpg
image_source: "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:24_June_Rivet.jpg"
image_author: "Prime"
image_license: "CC BY-SA 3.0"
---

## What happened

Before dawn on June 24, 1932, the People's Party (Khana Ratsadon) — a small group of military officers and foreign-educated civilians, with Pridi Banomyong and Plaek Phibunsongkhram (Phibun) among its leaders — seized key points in Bangkok without bloodshed. King Prajadhipok (Rama VII), then at Hua Hin, accepted their demand for a constitution. A provisional charter followed on June 27, and the permanent constitution came on December 10, 1932.

## Background

The Great Depression strained royal finances, forcing budget cuts and salary reductions. A new generation educated in Europe brought constitutionalist ideas home, and — as commonly assessed — frustration with princely government had grown.

## Consequences

The revolution ended absolute monarchy in Siam — roughly 150 years of absolute Chakri rule and the centuries-old absolutist tradition before it. Siam became a constitutional monarchy with a parliament, and Prajadhipok abdicated in 1935. December 10 is observed as Constitution Day. The People's Party era also began the military's long central role in Thai politics.