The analysis of political leaders role in Thai politics after the 1932 Revolution is one of the important venues to a better understanding of Thai political history and government, since each governing alite had a different pattern of behavior. This Thesis, therefore, attempts to study the role of Field Marshal Pibul Songgram, the Prime Minester of Thailand during the years 1932-1944. The main purpose of the Thesis is to analyze Pibul’s behavior in acquiring his political power as well as his capability to retain the premiership for six consecutive years. To undertake this work the historical records, mainly the primary sources, and the interviews with the Field Marshal’s family and his associates were gathered. The study is divided chronologically from 1932 to 1944. Field Marshal Pibul Songgram was a charismatic leader. He was efficient, well disciplined, authoritarian and hard working. His rise to power and the maintenance of power were made possible through the effective manipulation of military and police forces. Field Marshal’s most important theme towards his political credit was Nationalist Ideology with himself as the role architect and imtigator. The dominant feature of the Field Marshal’s works was a process of Nation-building, politicaly, economically, and socially as seen from the demands on former Thai territories from both France and England, the elimination of foreign influence in the Thai economy, the promotion of occupations for the Thais, as well as a campaign to foster a true Thai culture. Due to his educational background, the Field Marshal’s style was military in orientation. His power was absolute and decisions made solely rested upon himself. This pattern of behavior resulted in a delay of political development process during his rein.
