A career soldier, he took part in the bloodless coup which ended absolute rule by the Chakri dynasty in 1932. Emerging as the leader of militarist nationalist forces, he became head of state in 1938 and in January 1942 brought Thailand into World War II on the Japanese side. Overthrown in 1944, he returned to power in 1948 and controlled Thailand dictatorially until 1957, taking an anti-communist line, until overthrown after the corruption of his regime had aroused widespread resentment.