Bangkok Plot
Political Conspiracy to Overthrow Leader
CLASSIFICATION: Assassination
LOCATION
Siem Reap, Cambodia
TIME PERIOD
1959
VICTIMS
1 confirmed
In early 1959, a conspiracy known as the Bangkok Plot was uncovered, aimed at toppling Prince Norodom Sihanouk of Cambodia. The plot involved key figures including Cambodian politicians Sam Sary and Son Ngoc Thanh, warlord Dap Chhuon, and alleged support from the governments of Thailand and South Vietnam, with possible involvement from US intelligence. On February 21, 1959, Sihanouk's intelligence services arrested several conspirators, including US citizen Victor Matsui, while Chhuon fled but was later captured and died under suspicious circumstances. The plot's exposure led to significant political repercussions in Cambodia, including the execution of Chhuon's brother for treason, and remains a pivotal event influencing Cambodian politics to this day.
The Bangkok Plot is believed to have been orchestrated by a coalition of right-wing politicians and military figures, including Sam Sary, Son Ngoc Thanh, and Dap Chhuon, with possible backing from the US and neighboring governments. Speculation surrounds the circumstances of Chhuon's death, with claims that Defense Minister Lon Nol ordered his execution to silence him about the coup. Additionally, the ongoing influence of the plot's political dynamics is thought to still affect Cambodian politics today.
The Bangkok Plot: A 1950s Conspiracy to Topple a Prince
In the late 1950s, a clandestine conspiracy known as the Bangkok Plot, or the Dap Chhuon Plot, rippled through the political landscape of Southeast Asia. This international intrigue aimed to unseat Prince Norodom Sihanouk of Cambodia and was allegedly orchestrated by a coalition of right-wing politicians, regional warlords, and foreign governments. The key figures in this audacious plan included Sam Sary and Son Ngoc Thanh, both influential Cambodian politicians, the formidable warlord and governor Dap Chhuon, and the governments of Thailand and South Vietnam. Whispers of possible involvement from U.S. intelligence services added a layer of complexity to the plot. Despite its failure, the Bangkok Plot left an indelible mark on Cambodian politics, with its echoes still resonating in the region today.
The Conspiracy Unfolds
According to Sihanouk's later revelations, the coup was to be executed by Thanh's Khmer Serai irregulars, a force composed predominantly of the Khmer Krom minority from southern Vietnam. These irregulars amassed along the southern borders, poised for action. Meanwhile, Chhuon, once a trusted ally of Sihanouk, was to ignite an uprising in the northeast.
The plot thickened in early February 1959 when Admiral Harry Felt, General Lawton Collins, and Colonel Edward Lansdale made a conspicuous visit to Chhuon's base in Siem Reap. Their presence hinted at international interest and possible support for the unfolding conspiracy.
The Plot's Discovery and Aftermath
However, Sihanouk's intelligence network was vigilant and soon uncovered the intricate details of the coup. On February 21, 1959, a battalion was dispatched to arrest Chhuon. During this operation, a U.S. citizen named Victor Matsui, suspected of being a CIA radio operator, was captured. Chhuon, attempting to flee, was eventually apprehended. Unfortunately, before a thorough interrogation could be conducted, Chhuon died under mysterious circumstances, allegedly from injuries. Sihanouk later suggested that Defence Minister Lon Nol had Chhuon executed to prevent implicating others in the conspiracy.
In a dramatic display, Sihanouk ordered photographs of Chhuon's lifeless body to be posted publicly along a main thoroughfare in Phnom Penh, serving as a stark warning to others. As for the other conspirators, Sam Sary vanished in 1962, while Son Ngoc Thanh became involved in Lon Nol's government post-1970 before relocating to Vietnam. Chhuon's brother, Slat Peou, who was part of Sihanouk's delegation at the United Nations and a friend of Matsui, faced execution for treason.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Norodom Sihanouk, who had a flair for filmmaking, transformed the ordeal into a cinematic narrative. His film "Ombre sur Angkor" ("Shadow over Angkor"), released in 1968, was a creative expression of the political turmoil. For Sihanouk, the plot was irrefutable evidence of the United States' intention to destabilize his regime, which had formed diplomatic ties with Communist China.
Sources
For further reading and context, refer to the following:
- William J. Rust (2016). Eisenhower & Cambodia: Diplomacy, Covert Action, and the Origins of the Second Indochina War. University Press of Kentucky. ISBN 9780813167428.
- Prados, J. Lost crusader: the secret wars of CIA director William Colby, Oxford University Press, 2003, p.67.
- David Hutt (16 August 2018). "Hun Sen's power grab guided by Cambodian history". Asia Times. Retrieved 20 January 2019.
- Norodom Sihanouk. My War with the CIA, Pelican, p.108.
- "Ombre sur Angkor". IMDb. Retrieved 20 January 2019.
- Sihanouk, p.111.
For a visual exploration, you can view Sihanouk's film "Shadow Over Angkor" on YouTube.
This narrative encapsulates the tense and dramatic events surrounding the Bangkok Plot, providing insight into a pivotal moment in Cambodia's history. The plot's legacy and the political dynamics it influenced remain a topic of intrigue and analysis.
Wikipedia URL: Bangkok Plot
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Bangkok Plot Initiated
Conspiracy to topple Prince Norodom Sihanouk begins involving key Cambodian politicians and foreign governments.
Troops Dispatched
Sihanouk's intelligence services discover the plot and send troops to arrest Dap Chhuon.
Chhuon Arrested
A battalion of troops captures Victor Matsui, a suspected CIA operator, while Chhuon flees.
Chhuon Apprehended
Dap Chhuon is captured and later dies under suspicious circumstances before interrogation.
Chhuon's Death
Chhuon dies from injuries, allegedly ordered by Defence Minister Lon Nol to prevent him from implicating others.
Sary Disappears
Sam Sary, one of the main plotters, disappears, further complicating the investigation into the coup.
Film Released
Sihanouk releases 'Ombre sur Angkor', a film based on the Bangkok Plot, highlighting US involvement.
Thanh's Involvement
Son Ngoc Thanh becomes involved in Lon Nol's government after the coup, marking a shift in power.
In early 1959, a conspiracy known as the Bangkok Plot was uncovered, aimed at toppling Prince Norodom Sihanouk of Cambodia. The plot involved key figures including Cambodian politicians Sam Sary and Son Ngoc Thanh, warlord Dap Chhuon, and alleged support from the governments of Thailand and South Vietnam, with possible involvement from US intelligence. On February 21, 1959, Sihanouk's intelligence services arrested several conspirators, including US citizen Victor Matsui, while Chhuon fled but was later captured and died under suspicious circumstances. The plot's exposure led to significant political repercussions in Cambodia, including the execution of Chhuon's brother for treason, and remains a pivotal event influencing Cambodian politics to this day.
The Bangkok Plot is believed to have been orchestrated by a coalition of right-wing politicians and military figures, including Sam Sary, Son Ngoc Thanh, and Dap Chhuon, with possible backing from the US and neighboring governments. Speculation surrounds the circumstances of Chhuon's death, with claims that Defense Minister Lon Nol ordered his execution to silence him about the coup. Additionally, the ongoing influence of the plot's political dynamics is thought to still affect Cambodian politics today.
The Bangkok Plot: A 1950s Conspiracy to Topple a Prince
In the late 1950s, a clandestine conspiracy known as the Bangkok Plot, or the Dap Chhuon Plot, rippled through the political landscape of Southeast Asia. This international intrigue aimed to unseat Prince Norodom Sihanouk of Cambodia and was allegedly orchestrated by a coalition of right-wing politicians, regional warlords, and foreign governments. The key figures in this audacious plan included Sam Sary and Son Ngoc Thanh, both influential Cambodian politicians, the formidable warlord and governor Dap Chhuon, and the governments of Thailand and South Vietnam. Whispers of possible involvement from U.S. intelligence services added a layer of complexity to the plot. Despite its failure, the Bangkok Plot left an indelible mark on Cambodian politics, with its echoes still resonating in the region today.
The Conspiracy Unfolds
According to Sihanouk's later revelations, the coup was to be executed by Thanh's Khmer Serai irregulars, a force composed predominantly of the Khmer Krom minority from southern Vietnam. These irregulars amassed along the southern borders, poised for action. Meanwhile, Chhuon, once a trusted ally of Sihanouk, was to ignite an uprising in the northeast.
The plot thickened in early February 1959 when Admiral Harry Felt, General Lawton Collins, and Colonel Edward Lansdale made a conspicuous visit to Chhuon's base in Siem Reap. Their presence hinted at international interest and possible support for the unfolding conspiracy.
The Plot's Discovery and Aftermath
However, Sihanouk's intelligence network was vigilant and soon uncovered the intricate details of the coup. On February 21, 1959, a battalion was dispatched to arrest Chhuon. During this operation, a U.S. citizen named Victor Matsui, suspected of being a CIA radio operator, was captured. Chhuon, attempting to flee, was eventually apprehended. Unfortunately, before a thorough interrogation could be conducted, Chhuon died under mysterious circumstances, allegedly from injuries. Sihanouk later suggested that Defence Minister Lon Nol had Chhuon executed to prevent implicating others in the conspiracy.
In a dramatic display, Sihanouk ordered photographs of Chhuon's lifeless body to be posted publicly along a main thoroughfare in Phnom Penh, serving as a stark warning to others. As for the other conspirators, Sam Sary vanished in 1962, while Son Ngoc Thanh became involved in Lon Nol's government post-1970 before relocating to Vietnam. Chhuon's brother, Slat Peou, who was part of Sihanouk's delegation at the United Nations and a friend of Matsui, faced execution for treason.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Norodom Sihanouk, who had a flair for filmmaking, transformed the ordeal into a cinematic narrative. His film "Ombre sur Angkor" ("Shadow over Angkor"), released in 1968, was a creative expression of the political turmoil. For Sihanouk, the plot was irrefutable evidence of the United States' intention to destabilize his regime, which had formed diplomatic ties with Communist China.
Sources
For further reading and context, refer to the following:
- William J. Rust (2016). Eisenhower & Cambodia: Diplomacy, Covert Action, and the Origins of the Second Indochina War. University Press of Kentucky. ISBN 9780813167428.
- Prados, J. Lost crusader: the secret wars of CIA director William Colby, Oxford University Press, 2003, p.67.
- David Hutt (16 August 2018). "Hun Sen's power grab guided by Cambodian history". Asia Times. Retrieved 20 January 2019.
- Norodom Sihanouk. My War with the CIA, Pelican, p.108.
- "Ombre sur Angkor". IMDb. Retrieved 20 January 2019.
- Sihanouk, p.111.
For a visual exploration, you can view Sihanouk's film "Shadow Over Angkor" on YouTube.
This narrative encapsulates the tense and dramatic events surrounding the Bangkok Plot, providing insight into a pivotal moment in Cambodia's history. The plot's legacy and the political dynamics it influenced remain a topic of intrigue and analysis.
Wikipedia URL: Bangkok Plot
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
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Bangkok Plot Initiated
Conspiracy to topple Prince Norodom Sihanouk begins involving key Cambodian politicians and foreign governments.
Troops Dispatched
Sihanouk's intelligence services discover the plot and send troops to arrest Dap Chhuon.
Chhuon Arrested
A battalion of troops captures Victor Matsui, a suspected CIA operator, while Chhuon flees.
Chhuon Apprehended
Dap Chhuon is captured and later dies under suspicious circumstances before interrogation.
Chhuon's Death
Chhuon dies from injuries, allegedly ordered by Defence Minister Lon Nol to prevent him from implicating others.
Sary Disappears
Sam Sary, one of the main plotters, disappears, further complicating the investigation into the coup.
Film Released
Sihanouk releases 'Ombre sur Angkor', a film based on the Bangkok Plot, highlighting US involvement.
Thanh's Involvement
Son Ngoc Thanh becomes involved in Lon Nol's government after the coup, marking a shift in power.