Plaek Phibunsongkham was originally born with the name Plaek Khittasangkha, on 14th July, 1897, in Nonthaburi, Thailand. He studied at the Wat Khamapirataram School, and went on to study at the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy. Following World War I, he was sent to study artillery tactics in France, after which he received the honorary title of ‘Luang’ from King Prajadhipok, and thus took on the name of Luang Phibunsongkhram thereon after. He was one of the leaders of the military branch of the people’s party (Khana Ratsadon).