Former army commander Issarapong "Big Tui" Noonpakdi passed away on Friday at noon at Phra Mongkut Klao Hospital. He was 85.
Issarapong: Key man in 1991 coup
Born on Nov 20, 1933, Gen Issarapong completed his Mathayom Suksa education at Amnuaysilpa School before enrolling at Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy (Class 5).
He climbed the ranks and was deputy army chief during the 1991 coup led by then army commander Gen Suchinda Kraprayoon which overthrew the Chatichai Choonhavan government.
Known to be a key man behind the putsch, he was appointed as secretary to the National Peace Keeping Council. The general was named the interior minister in the Anand Panyarachun administration.
Gen Issarapong was appointed army chief in early 1992 when Gen Suchinda stepped down from the post and became premier.
The bathing ceremony for his body will be held at Wat Sommanat on Wednesday.