Jongkol Kittikachorn
Than Phu Ying Jongkol Kittikachorn was a prominent Thai first lady best known as the wife of Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn, the 10th Prime Minister of Thailand. Throughout her life, she was recognized not only for her role as the spouse of a major political figure but also for her contributions to social welfare and charitable work.
Early life
Than Phu Ying Jongkol Kittikachorn was born on 14 January 1914 during the reign of King Vajiravudh. She was the fifth daughter of Colonel Luang Chobkrabuan-yut and Khun Ying Khruawan Chobkrabuan-yut, and she had nine siblings. She was born into a Muslim family and later converted to Buddhism upon her marriage.She received her early education in Bangkok during a period when formal schooling for girls was gradually expanding under national education reforms of the early 20th century. As the daughter of a military officer, she had access to primary and secondary schooling in institutions established during the reigns of King Chulalongkorn and King Vajiravudh, which emphasized literacy, etiquette, domestic sciences, and social duties deemed appropriate for young women of her social class.
Her schooling also included traditional cultural training and social protocol, skills that later supported her public role as the spouse of a senior military leader and Prime Minister.
She married Thanom Kittikachorn in 1930, when he held the rank of Second Lieutenant. The couple had six children:
- Nongnat Penchat
- Colonel Narong Kittikachorn, married Supaporn Kittikachorn
- Khun Ying Nongnuch Jirapong
- Air Chief Marshal Yutthapong Kittikachorn
- Khun Ying Songsuda Yodmani, married Lt. Dr. Suvit Yodmani
- Khun Ying Songsom Kachaseni, married Admiral Supha Kachaseni
- Police Major General Nares Khunwattana
- Nara Khunwattana
Later Life and Death
In her later years, Than Phu Ying Jongkol Kittikachorn remained active in charitable and social welfare activities, particularly those connected to veterans’ organizations and public health initiatives. Even after her husband’s withdrawal from political life, she continued to serve as a respected figure within social circles, frequently participating in ceremonial events and philanthropic programs.As she advanced in age, her public appearances gradually decreased, although she continued to support charitable causes privately. Her dedication to public service and social welfare remained an enduring aspect of her identity.
Than Phu Ying Jongkol passed away on 13 July 2012 at Bumrungrad International Hospital in Bangkok at the age of 98. Her death marked the end of an era closely associated with one of the most influential political families of mid-20th-century Thailand. She was widely remembered for her dignity, charitable work, and her longstanding contributions to veteran support initiatives.
Her funeral rites were conducted in accordance with Thai Buddhist traditions, reflecting her religious conversion earlier in life and her long-standing commitment to Buddhist practice.
Personality and Public Image
Kittikachorn was widely regarded as a composed and dignified figure, reflecting the expectations of women in high-ranking military and political families in mid-20th-century Thailand. Her public image was shaped largely by her role as the spouse of Prime Minister Thanom Kittikachorn, where she was frequently seen accompanying him at official ceremonies, state functions, and charitable events.Despite maintaining a traditionally reserved demeanor in public, contemporaries often described her as warm, approachable, and deeply committed to social causes, especially those concerning veterans and their families. Her longstanding involvement in charity work, such as the annual poppy fundraising campaign, contributed significantly to her reputation as a dedicated supporter of public welfare initiatives.
Within elite circles, she was also recognized for her refined manners and adherence to traditional Thai cultural values, qualities that reinforced her status as a respected national figure.