Phraya Phahon was an important member of a group of conspirators known as the "Four Musketeers" (). They were part of the
Khana Ratsadon (or 'People's Party') who carried out the
revolution of 1932. After the 1932 coup, three factions formed among the political and military leaders of Khana Ratsadon: the senior military faction led by Phraya Phahon; the junior army and navy faction led by
Luang Phibunsongkhram; and the civilian faction led by
Pridi Banomyong. Also he,
Phraya Songsuradet, and
Phraya Rithi-akkhaney were the collective military defenders of capital and exercised power on behalf of the king. As its most senior member, Phraya Phahon was viewed as the
de facto leader of the Khana Ratsadon and the revolution itself. It was Phraya Phahon who read the
Declaration of the New Siamese State in the
Royal Plaza that declared the end of
absolute monarchy and the establishment of the
constitutional Siamese state. Because of the key role he played in the revolution he was rewarded with a high position in the new government and was made a member of the new
cabinet. In March 1933 a constitutional crisis developed in Siam over the "Yellow Cover Dossier" incident, precipitated by Pridi's draft economic plan, which contained
socialist elements. Because of this,
Phraya Manopakorn Nititada, the prime minister, expelled him from the cabinet and suspended the constitution. This action upset many in the People's Party who supported Pridi, including Phraya Phahon. On 15 June Phraya Phahon resigned from the cabinet citing health reasons. In truth, he and a couple of military officers planned to overthrow Phraya Mano's increasingly authoritarian government. On 20 June a
bloodless coup was carried out, led by Phraya Phahon. The following day, Phraya Phahon appointed himself the second
Prime Minister of Siam and immediately sent a report to King Prajadhipok explaining the objectives of the coup. The king reluctantly endorsed him and exiled Phraya Mano to
British Malaya. ==Premiership==