Attractive gold-tone cigarette case presented to General William Westmoreland by Thai military dictator Thanom Kittikachorn. The case, 5.25 x 3.25, features elaborate Thai designs on the top and bottom and opens to reveal an engraved dedication to the underside of the lid, which reads: “To Gen. William C. Westmoreland, with the compliments of Field Marshal…(Thanom Kittikachorn) Supreme Commander of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, January, 1968.” Includes Westmoreland’s personal calling card. In fine condition.
One day after Sarit Thanarat’s death in 1963, Thanom was appointed prime minister and he subsequently established himself as commander-in-chief of the army. One year later, he promoted himself to the concurrent ranks of field marshal, admiral of the fleet, and Marshal of the Royal Thai Air Force. Thanom continued his predecessor's pro-American and anti-Communist politics, which helped ensure massive U.S. economic and financial aid during the Vietnam War.
