Career
As defense minister, Sa-ngad led the coup of October 6, 1976. This coup ousted the elected civilian government of Seni Pramoj. Sa-ngad became chairman of NARC, which appointed royal favorite Tanin Kraivixien as prime minister.
The Tanin government instituted sweeping purges of leftists and communists.
Sa-ngad was a figurehead and Army Secretary Kriangsak Chomanan was NARC"s the most influential figure. NARC staged a second coup in October 1977, this time without the king"s consent, and replaced Tanin with Kriangsak.