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Thailand: Pote Sarasin (1905-2000), Prime Minister of Thailand (September 1957 - December 1957)

Thailand: Pote Sarasin (1905-2000), Prime Minister of Thailand (September 1957 - December 1957)

Pote Sarasin (March 25, 1905 - September 28, 2000) was a Thai diplomat and politician. He served as foreign minister from 1949 to 1951 and then served as ambassador to the United States. In September 1957 when Sarit Thanarat seized power in a military coup, he appointed Pote to be the acting Prime Minister. He resigned in December 1957. Pote also served as the first Secretary General of the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) from September 1957 until 1964.

On September 21, 1957, Sarit chose Pote to head the coup-installed government, mainly because the American-educated diplomat had good relations with the Americans. Under him largely free and fair elections were held in December. He resigned from the premiership that same month to resume his post as Secretary General of SEATO (Southeast Asia Treaty Organization).

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