Phin Choonhavan
Phin Choonhavan was a Thai military leader and Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand. Phin was a leader of several coups against the government, most notably the 1947 coup. During the Second World War, he commanded the Phayap Army's 3rd Division before being made military governor of the Shan States, which Thailand had occupied during the Burma Campaign.
Phin was the son of a Chinese physician, Kai who migrated to Siam from Chaoshan, as was the father of his wife, Lim Hong, who was also an immigrant from Chenghai Shantou. His son, Chatichai Choonhavan, became Prime Minister of Thailand, while his daughter, Udomlak, married Phao Siyanon, director general of the Thai police. Another daughter, Charoen, married Pramarn Adireksarn, who served as deputy prime minister in several governments.
Honours
National honours
- Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Chula Chom Klao
- Knight Grand Cordon of the Order of the White Elephant
- Knight Grand Cordon of The Order of the Crown of Thailand
- Victory Medal - Franco-Thai War
- Victory Medal - World War II
- Safeguarding the Constitution Medal
- Medal for Service Rendered in the Interior
- Chakra Mala Medal
- King Rama VIII Royal Cypher Medal, Second Class
- King Rama IX Royal Cypher Medal, First Class
- King Rama VI Coronation Medal
- King Rama VII Coronation Medal
- King Rama IX Coronation Medal
- 150 Years Commemoration of Bangkok Medal
- 25th Buddhist Century Celebration Medal
Foreign honours
- :
- * Grand Cross of the Order of the Million Elephants and the White Parasol
- :
- * Commander of the Legion of Merit
- :
- * Grand Commander of the Order of Thiri Thudhamma