In March 1999, Chuan nominated Thanom Kittikachorn to the post of honorary royal guard to King Bhumibol Adulyadej, provoking widespread criticism. Thanom turned down his appointment[11] Thanom was one of the "Three Tyrants" who ruled Thailand from 1963 to 1973 and ordered the massacre of pro-democracy students on 14 October 1973, after which he was ordered to step down and be exiled by HM Bhumibol Adulyadej.
He nominated Thanom Kittikachorn to the post of honorary royal guard despite the fact that Thanom was one of the "Three Tyrants" that ordered the massacre of pro-democracy students on 14 October 1973.