Sindh Kamalanavin

Sindh Kamalanavin (23 June 1901 – 14 May 1976), commonly known as Luang Sinthusongkhramchai (Thai: หลวงสินธุสงครามชัย) was a Thai admiral who served as Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy in 1934 and then from 1938 to 1951, holding various ministerial roles throughout his career. During the Siamese Revolution of 1932, he emerged as a prominent leader of the Navy faction within the Khana Ratsadon. His efforts to reform the Navy were instrumental in its modernization, notably introducing Thailand’s first submarines.

Sindh Kamalanavin MPCh MWM
สินธุ์ กมลนาวิน
Commanders-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy
In office 24 October 1938 – 1 July 1951
Preceded by	Phraya Wichanworajak
Succeeded by	Luang Pholasinthanawat
In office 11 January – 1 May 1934
Preceded by	Phraya Wichcitcholathai
Succeeded by	Phraya Wichanworajak
President of Kasetsart University
In office 28 September 1943 – 27 September 1945
Preceded by	Position established
Succeeded by	Thawi Bunyaket
Ministerial offices 1935–1945 Minister of Defense In office 2 August 1944 – 31 August 1945 Prime Minister Khuang Aphaiwong Preceded by Phichit Kriangsakphichit Succeeded by Chit Munsilpa Sinadyodharaksa Minister of Agriculture In office 7 March 1942 – 31 August 1945 Prime Minister Plaek Phibunsongkhram Khuang Aphaiwong Preceded by Dej Snidvongs Succeeded by Thawi Bunyaket Minister of Economy In office 16 February – 6 March 1942 Prime Minister Plaek Phibunsongkhram Preceded by Pao Pienlert Boripanyutakit Succeeded by Charun Rattanakun Seriroengrit Minister of Education In office 1 August 1935 – 16 February 1942 Preceded by Chuen Charuwat Succeeded by Plaek Phibunsongkhram
Personal details
Born	Sindh (1901-06-23)23 June 1901 Samut Prakan, Siam
Died	14 April 1976(1976-04-14) (aged 74) Bangkok, Thailand
Nationality	Thai
Political party	Khana Ratsadon
Spouse	Chintana Nutiprapha
Children	4
Military service
Allegiance	Siam (later Thailand)
Branch/service	Royal Thai Navy
Years of service	1927–1951
Rank	Admiral
Battles/wars	Siamese Revolution

Life

Sindh graduated from Suankularb Wittayalai School in 1914 and pursued naval studies in Denmark on a government scholarship. While arriving in Paris in 1928, he joined Khana Ratsadon by Thawi Bunyaket's invitation and became the Navy faction’s leader. After the 1932 Revolution, he was appointed to several ministerial roles, naval commander-in-chief, and the first president of Kasetsart University. He is credited with coining the Thai term for “submarine” (เรือดำน้ำ). He also oversaw the introduction of Thailand’s first submarines, the Matchanu-class, into naval service.

Following the Manhattan Rebellion in 1951, Sindh was removed from his position as naval commander and, despite his lack of involvement, was convicted of treason and imprisoned for three years.

He died on 14 May 1976.

References

Bibliography

• Naihonhuay (2012). ทหารเรือปฏิวัติ. Bangkok: Matichon. ISBN 9789740210252.