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Yingluck Shinawatra (ยิ่งลักษณ์ ชินวัตร, RTGS: Yinglak Chinnawat, born 21 June 1967) is a Thai politician, figurehead of the Pheu Thai Party, and Prime Minister of Thailand following the 2011 general election.<br/><br/> Born in Chiang Mai, Yingluck Shinawatra earned a bachelors degree from Chiang Mai University and a masters degree from Kentucky State University, both in public administration. She became an executive in the businesses founded by her elder brother, Thaksin Shinawatra, and later became the president of property developer SC Asset and managing director of Advanced Info Service. Meanwhile, her brother Thaksin became Prime Minister, was overthrown in a military coup, and went into self-imposed exile after a tribunal convicted him of abuse of power. In May 2011, the Pheu Thai Party, which maintained close ties to Thaksin, nominated Yingluck as their candidate for Prime Minister in the 2011 general election.<br/><br/> Election results indicated that Pheu Thai had won a landslide victory with 265 out of the 500 seats available in the House of Representatives of Thailand, making it only the second time in Thai political history that a single party won a parliamentary majority. Yingluck was Thailand's first female Prime Minister. She was dismissed by the Constitutional Court for corruption in 2014.
Yingluck Shinawatra (ยิ่งลักษณ์ ชินวัตร, RTGS: Yinglak Chinnawat, born 21 June 1967) is a Thai politician, figurehead of the Pheu Thai Party, and Prime Minister of Thailand following the 2011 general election.<br/><br/> Born in Chiang Mai, Yingluck Shinawatra earned a bachelors degree from Chiang Mai University and a masters degree from Kentucky State University, both in public administration. She became an executive in the businesses founded by her elder brother, Thaksin Shinawatra, and later became the president of property developer SC Asset and managing director of Advanced Info Service. Meanwhile, her brother Thaksin became Prime Minister, was overthrown in a military coup, and went into self-imposed exile after a tribunal convicted him of abuse of power. In May 2011, the Pheu Thai Party, which maintained close ties to Thaksin, nominated Yingluck as their candidate for Prime Minister in the 2011 general election.<br/><br/> Election results indicated that Pheu Thai had won a landslide victory with 265 out of the 500 seats available in the House of Representatives of Thailand, making it only the second time in Thai political history that a single party won a parliamentary majority. Yingluck was Thailand's first female Prime Minister. She was dismissed by the Constitutional Court for corruption in 2014.
A third-generation Thai Chinese, Chuan was born in Trang province. As the leader of the Democrat Party, Chuan was elected in 1992 after the abortive coup by General Suchinda Kraprayoon, thus becoming Thailand's first prime minister to come to power without either aristocratic or military backing.<br/><br/> His first administration consisted of a five party coalition of the Democrat, New Aspiration, Palang Dhamma, Social Action and Social Unity Parties until he was defeated in the 1995 election, but assumed power in late 1997 following the fall of the Chavalit Yongchaiyudh administration, which was held responsible for the economic crisis that beset Thailand in 1997.<br/><br/> Trang has been a trading center since at least the 1st century AD. It grew to prosperity between the 7th and 13th centuries during the Srivijaya period and remains an important commercial town today.<br/><br/> Rubber, palm oil and fishing are the mainstays of the town's economy. Tourism is making an increasing impact as Trang’s Anadaman Coast and islands are increasingly developed and popularized.<br/><br/> The town has a strong Overseas Chinese character (and hence good Chinese restaurants) as a result of an influx of Chinese labor in the latter half of the 19th century.
Yingluck Shinawatra (ยิ่งลักษณ์ ชินวัตร, RTGS: Yinglak Chinnawat, born 21 June 1967) is a Thai politician, figurehead of the Pheu Thai Party, and Prime Minister of Thailand following the 2011 general election.<br/><br/> Born in Chiang Mai, Yingluck Shinawatra earned a bachelors degree from Chiang Mai University and a masters degree from Kentucky State University, both in public administration. She became an executive in the businesses founded by her elder brother, Thaksin Shinawatra, and later became the president of property developer SC Asset and managing director of Advanced Info Service. Meanwhile, her brother Thaksin became Prime Minister, was overthrown in a military coup, and went into self-imposed exile after a tribunal convicted him of abuse of power. In May 2011, the Pheu Thai Party, which maintained close ties to Thaksin, nominated Yingluck as their candidate for Prime Minister in the 2011 general election.<br/><br/> Election results indicated that Pheu Thai had won a landslide victory with 265 out of the 500 seats available in the House of Representatives of Thailand, making it only the second time in Thai political history that a single party won a parliamentary majority. Yingluck was Thailand's first female Prime Minister. She was dismissed by the Constitutional Court for corruption in 2014.
Yingluck Shinawatra (ยิ่งลักษณ์ ชินวัตร, RTGS: Yinglak Chinnawat, born 21 June 1967) is a Thai politician, figurehead of the Pheu Thai Party, and Prime Minister of Thailand following the 2011 general election.<br/><br/> Born in Chiang Mai, Yingluck Shinawatra earned a bachelors degree from Chiang Mai University and a masters degree from Kentucky State University, both in public administration. She became an executive in the businesses founded by her elder brother, Thaksin Shinawatra, and later became the president of property developer SC Asset and managing director of Advanced Info Service. Meanwhile, her brother Thaksin became Prime Minister, was overthrown in a military coup, and went into self-imposed exile after a tribunal convicted him of abuse of power. In May 2011, the Pheu Thai Party, which maintained close ties to Thaksin, nominated Yingluck as their candidate for Prime Minister in the 2011 general election.<br/><br/> Election results indicated that Pheu Thai had won a landslide victory with 265 out of the 500 seats available in the House of Representatives of Thailand, making it only the second time in Thai political history that a single party won a parliamentary majority. Yingluck was Thailand's first female Prime Minister. She was dismissed by the Constitutional Court for corruption in 2014.
Rear Admiral Thawal Thamrong Navaswadhi, also spelled Thawal Thamrongnavasawat, (November 21, 1901—December 3, 1988) was the 8th Prime Minister of Thailand from 1946-1947.<br/><br/> A career naval officer of Chinese ancestry, Admiral Thamrong was a leading member of the anti-Japanese Seri Thai resistance movement during World War II. He became Thailand's elected Prime Minister on August 23, 1946, replacing Khuang Abhaiwongse. However, he was removed from office by a military coup orchestrated by Field Marshall Plaek Pibulsonggram on November 8, 1947. Pibulsonggram then assumed the post of prime minister once more.
Tawee Bunyaket (November 10, 1904 - November 3, 1971) was a Thai politician and Prime Minister for a short term.<br/><br/> After studying at King's College, Cambridge (England) and the École nationale supérieure d'Agronomie de Grignon (France), he started work as a Government Official at the Thai Ministry of Agriculture. On June 24, 1932 he joined the coup group of the 1932 coup, the People's Party. He became Secretary General in the cabinet of Field Marshal Phibunsongkhram, and Minister of Education in the cabinet of Khuang Abhaiwongse.<br/><br/> When Khuang resigned directly after the end of World War II, he was elected as Prime Minister on August 31, 1945 and formed the 12th Thai administration. However he was only chosen because the preferred candidate Seni Pramoj, chief of the Free Thai Movement, wasn't available. 17 days after his election, on September 17, he resigned to free the post for Seni Pramoj.
General Phraya Phahon Phonphayuhasena (29 March 1887 – 14 February 1947), born as Phot Phahonyothin, was a Thai military leader and politician. He became the Second Prime Minister of Siam in 1933 after ousting his predecessor in a Coup d'état. After serving five years as Prime Minister he retired in 1938.<br/><br/> Phahonyothin Road, which runs from Bangkok to the border of Burma in the north, is named after Phraya Phahon. Formerly known as Prachathipatai Road, Field Marshal Plaek Pibulsongkram renamed the road in his honor.
Phraya Manopakorn Nititada, born Kon Hutasingha (July 15, 1884–October 1, 1948) was the first Prime Minister of Siam after the Siamese Revolution of 1932. He was selected by the leader of the People's Party - the party that instigated the revolution. However, in the following year, 1933, Manoparkorn was ousted by a coup due to conflicts between members of the People's Party.<br/><br/> The coup d'état happened on 20 June, led by Phraya Pahol and other military leaders. Phraya Manopakorn was immediately removed as Prime Minister. Phraya Phahol appointed himself the country's second Prime Minister and took over the Government, King Pradhipok (Rama VII) duly accepted his appointment. Manopakorn was then exiled to Penang, British Malaya, by train and spent the rest of his life there until his death in 1948, aged 64.
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 from September 1957 until 1964.<br/><br/> 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).
General Kriangsak Chomanan (17 December 1917 – 23 December 2003) served as Prime Minister of Thailand from 1977 to 1980.<br/><br/> A professional soldier, General Kriangsak fought against the communists in both the Korean War and the Vietnam War. In 1977, as the Supreme Commander of the Thai army, he staged a successful coup d'etat against Prime Minister Tanin Kraivixien.<br/><br/> General Kriangsak is widely credited for defusing a long-running Communist insurgency in northern Thailand. Allegedly, he allowed the People's Republic of China to ship arms to the rebel Khmer Rouge in Cambodia in exchange for the PRC withdrawing its support of the communists in Thailand. However this is denied by the Thai government, which cites his offer of amnesty as the primary reason.<br/><br/> General Kriangsak voluntarily retired in February 1980 and was succeeded by General Prem Tinsulanonda.
Abhisit Vejjajiva (born 3 August 1964) is a Thai politician who was the 27th Prime Minister of Thailand between 2008 and 2011.<br/><br/> Born in England, Abhisit attended Eton College and earned bachelors and masters degrees from the University of Oxford. He was elected to the Parliament of Thailand at age 27, and promoted to Democrat Party leader in 2005, after his predecessor resigned following the party's defeat in the 2005 general election.<br/><br/> Abhisit was appointed Prime Minister of Thailand on 17 December 2008, following a Parliamentary vote after the Constitutional Court of Thailand removed Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat from office. At age 44, he was the country's youngest prime minister in more than 60 years.
Major Luang Khuang Abhaiwongse (May 17, 1902 - March 15, 1968) was Prime Minister of Thailand three times. During World War II he received the title Major after joining the guard of King Prajadhipok (Rama VII). In the governments of Phraya Phahol Pholphayuhasena and Plaek Phibunsongkhram he became a minister, and was elected as Prime Minister on August 1, 1944, after Plaek's plans to move the capital to Phetchabun and to create the Phutthamonthon park failed to get enough approval from Parliament. On August 17, 1945 he resigned to make way for a new administration.<br/><br/> In 1946 he was one of the founders of the Democrat Party, and became its first leader. The fourth national elections on January 6, 1946 were won by the Democrat Party, which gained him a second term as Prime Minister starting on January 31. Only 45 days later, on March 24, his government lost an election in Parliament and he resigned.<br/><br/> He became Prime Minister a third time on November 10, 1947 following a coup d'état led by Phin Chunhawan. However, the coup leaders were not pleased with the performance of Khuang's government and forced him to resign on April 8, 1948. This also ensured Plaek Phibunsongkhram would become Prime Minister again. Khuang continued in politics as the opposition leader and leader of the Democrat Party.
Mom Rajawongse Seni Pramoj (May 26, 1905 – July 28, 1997) was Prime Minister of Thailand three times and a politician in the Democrat Party. A member of the Thai royal family, he was a descendant of King Rama II.<br/><br/> Seni's final term was a time of crisis in the nation. A rightwing backlash against leftist student demonstrators culminated in the Thammasat University massacre on October 6, 1976, and the military forced him out of office.<br/><br/> Seni decided to resign as the leader of the Democrat Party and left politics permanently. He worked as a lawyer until his retirement.
Sanya Dharmasakti or Sanya Thammasak, pronounciation (5 April 1907 - 6 January 2002) was the 12th Prime Minister of Thailand.<br/><br/> Professor Sanya Dharmasakti was one of the most influential political figures in Thailand. He served as the president of the Supreme Court (1968-1973), dean of the faculty of law and chancellor of the Thammasat University, vice president of the constitutional congress, Prime Minister from 1973-1975, and was requested by his Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej to serve as the president of the privy council.
Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn (August 11, 1911 - June 16, 2004) was a military dictator of Thailand. A staunch anti-Communist, Thanom oversaw a decade of military rule in Thailand from 1963 to 1973, until public protests which exploded into violence forced him to step down. His return from exile in 1976 sparked protests which led to a massacre of demonstrators, followed by a military coup.<br/><br/> In October 1976, Thanom returned to Thailand as a novice monk at Wat Bowonniwet. His return triggered student protests which took place on the campus of Thammasat University. The far right, aided by government security forces, stormed the campus and massacred protesters on 6 October 1976. That evening, the military again seized power from the elected civilian government.<br/><br/> Thanom soon left the monkhood but never took a role in politics again. Later in his life, he made an effort to rehabilitate his tarnished image and recover properties that had been seized when he was overthrown.<br/><br/> In March 1999, Thanom was nominated to become a member of the honorary Royal Guard by Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai, which was a highly controversial act. Thanom turned down the appointment.<br/><br/> Thanom died at the age of 92 on 16 June 2004 in Bangkok General Hospital, after suffering a stroke and a heart attack in January 2004. His medical expenses were paid by King Bhumibol Adulyadej. His cremation was held on 25 February 2007 at Wat Debsirin. Queen Sirikit presided over the cremation ceremony, lighting the royal flame on behalf of King Bhumibol. Princess Chulabhorn also presided.
Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat (June 16, 1908 – December 8, 1963) was a Thai career soldier who staged a coup in 1957, thereafter serving as Thailand's Prime Minister until his death in 1963. He was born in Bangkok, but grew up in his mother's home town in Lao-speaking northeastern Thailand and considered himself a northeasterner. During his years as Prime Minister Sarit was a patron of the Lao strongman General Phoumi Nosavan against the communist Pathet Lao guerrillas in the neighboring Kingdom of Laos.<br/><br/> Sarit's regime was the most repressive and authoritarian in modern Thai history, abrogating the constitution, dissolving parliament, and vesting all power in his newly-formed Revolutionary Party. Sarit banned all other political parties, imposing very strict censorship of the press after the coup.<br/><br/> After Sarit's death, his reputation took a heavy blow when Sarit was discovered to have owned a trust company, a brewery, 51 cars, and some 30 plots of land, most of which he gave to the dozens of mistresses he was found to have had. Thai language newspapers published the names of 100 women who claimed to have shared his bed, shocking the public when it was learnt how corrupt he had actually been.
Pibulsongkram was one of the leaders of the military branch of the People's Party that staged a coup d'état and overthrew Thailand's absolute monarchy in 1932. In 1938, Pibulsonggram replaced Phraya Phahol as Prime Minister.<br/><br/> Pibulsonggram began to increase the pace of modernisation in Thailand. By manipulating the mass media, Pibulsonggram supported fascism and nationalism. In 1939, Pibulsonggram changed the country's name from Siam to Thailand. In 1941, in the midst of World War II, he decreed January 1 the official start of the new year instead of the traditional April 13.<br/><br/> When the Japanese invaded Thailand on December 8, 1941, Pibulsonggram was reluctantly forced to order a general ceasefire after just one day of resistance. On December 12, Pibulsongkram signed a military alliance with Japan. The following month, on January 25, 1942, Pibulsongkram declared war on the allied powers. At the war's end, Pibulsonggram was put on trial at Allied insistence. However, he was acquitted amidst intense public pressure. Public opinion was favourable to Pibulsonggram as he was thought to have done his best to protect Thai interests.<br/><br/> Phibun was involved in another coup in 1947, and resumed his pre-war position as effective military dictator until a 1957 coup, led by Sarit Dhanaraj, forced him into exile in Japan where he died in 1964.
Pibulsongkram was one of the leaders of the military branch of the People's Party that staged a coup d'état and overthrew Thailand's absolute monarchy in 1932. In 1938, Pibulsonggram replaced Phraya Phahol as Prime Minister.<br/><br/> Pibulsonggram began to increase the pace of modernisation in Thailand. By manipulating the mass media, Pibulsonggram supported fascism and nationalism. In 1939, Pibulsonggram changed the country's name from Siam to Thailand. In 1941, in the midst of World War II, he decreed January 1 the official start of the new year instead of the traditional April 13.<br/><br/> When the Japanese invaded Thailand on December 8, 1941, Pibulsonggram was reluctantly forced to order a general ceasefire after just one day of resistance. On December 12, Pibulsongkram signed a military alliance with Japan. The following month, on January 25, 1942, Pibulsongkram declared war on the allied powers. At the war's end, Pibulsonggram was put on trial at Allied insistence. However, he was acquitted amidst intense public pressure. Public opinion was favourable to Pibulsonggram as he was thought to have done his best to protect Thai interests.<br/><br/> Phibun was involved in another coup in 1947, and resumed his pre-war position as effective military dictator until a 1957 coup, led by Sarit Dhanaraj, forced him into exile in Japan where he died in 1964.
Pridi Banomyong (May 11, 1900 – May 2, 1983) was a highly-revered Thai politician. He was a Prime Minister and Senior Statesman of Thailand, and was named one of the world's great personalities of the 20th century by UNESCO in 2000.
Maj. Gen. Mom Rajawongse (M.R.) Kukrit Pramoj (April 20, 1911 - October 9, 1995) was a Thai politician and scholar. He was Speaker of the House of Representatives of Thailand 1973-1974 and was the thirteenth Prime Minister of Thailand, serving in office from 1975-1976.<br/><br/> Of royal descent, M.R. Kukrit Pramoj was born into an aristocratic family. Like all upper class Thais of his generation, his parents sent him and his siblings to boarding schools in England including Trent College. He finished his Bachelor's degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) from Queen's College, University of Oxford. Upon returning to Thailand, his first job was in the field of banking; but his true vocation was his mastery of many forms of arts, including politics and journalism.<br/><br/> As a scholar, he wrote many non-fiction works ranging from history and religion to astrology. Most notable are his epics and many short stories portraying various aspects of life and documenting contemporary history. His works encompass many subjects from humour to drama. He was also known as a staunch loyalist and served the monarchy for his entire life. He is considered one of the great statesmen of Thailand.<br/><br/> His former home is now a heritage museum.
General Prem Tinsulanonda (August 26, 1920 - May 26, 2019) was a Thai military officer who served as Prime Minister of Thailand from March 3, 1980 to August 4, 1988.
Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat (June 16, 1908 – December 8, 1963) was a Thai career soldier who staged a coup in 1957, thereafter serving as Thailand's Prime Minister until his death in 1963. He was born in Bangkok, but grew up in his mother's home town in Lao-speaking northeastern Thailand and considered himself a northeasterner. During his years as Prime Minister Sarit was a patron of the Lao strongman General Phoumi Nosavan against the communist Pathet Lao guerrillas in the neighboring Kingdom of Laos.<br/><br/> Sarit's regime was the most repressive and authoritarian in modern Thai history, abrogating the constitution, dissolving parliament, and vesting all power in his newly-formed Revolutionary Party. Sarit banned all other political parties, imposing very strict censorship of the press after the coup.<br/><br/> After Sarit's death, his reputation took a heavy blow when Sarit was discovered to have owned a trust company, a brewery, 51 cars, and some 30 plots of land, most of which he gave to the dozens of mistresses he was found to have had. Thai language newspapers published the names of 100 women who claimed to have shared his bed, shocking the public when it was learnt how corrupt he had actually been.
General Chatichai Choonhavan (5 April 1920 — 6 May 1998) was the Prime Minister of Thailand from 1988 to 1991. He was the only son of Field Marshal Phin Choonhavan, and was of Thai Chinese descent with ancestry from the Teochew region of Guangdong Province. Chatichai served as Thailand's Foreign Minister from 1975-1976.
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.<br/><br/> 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).
Rear Admiral Thawal Thamrong Navaswadhi, also spelled Thawal Thamrongnavasawat, (November 21, 1901—December 3, 1988) was the 8th Prime Minister of Thailand from 1946-1947.<br/><br/> A career naval officer of Chinese ancestry, Admiral Thamrong was a leading member of the anti-Japanese Seri Thai resistance movement during World War II. He became Thailand's elected Prime Minister on August 23, 1946, replacing Khuang Abhaiwongse. However, he was removed from office by a military coup orchestrated by Field Marshall Plaek Pibulsonggram on November 8, 1947. Pibulsonggram then assumed the post of prime minister once more.
Yingluck Shinawatra (ยิ่งลักษณ์ ชินวัตร, RTGS: Yinglak Chinnawat, born 21 June 1967) is a Thai politician, figurehead of the Pheu Thai Party, and Prime Minister of Thailand following the 2011 general election.<br/><br/> Born in Chiang Mai, Yingluck Shinawatra earned a bachelors degree from Chiang Mai University and a masters degree from Kentucky State University, both in public administration. She became an executive in the businesses founded by her elder brother, Thaksin Shinawatra, and later became the president of property developer SC Asset and managing director of Advanced Info Service. Meanwhile, her brother Thaksin became Prime Minister, was overthrown in a military coup, and went into self-imposed exile after a tribunal convicted him of abuse of power. In May 2011, the Pheu Thai Party, which maintained close ties to Thaksin, nominated Yingluck as their candidate for Prime Minister in the 2011 general election.<br/><br/> Election results indicated that Pheu Thai had won a landslide victory with 265 out of the 500 seats available in the House of Representatives of Thailand, making it only the second time in Thai political history that a single party won a parliamentary majority. Yingluck was Thailand's first female Prime Minister. She was dismissed by the Constitutional Court for corruption in 2014.
Tanin Kraivixien or Thanin Kraivixien (born April 5, 1927 in Bangkok) was the prime minister of Thailand between 1976 and 1977. Tanin studied law at Thammasat University, Bangkok, graduating in 1948. He then went to the London School of Economics to continue with his studies in Law. He graduated in 1953 and in 1958 was called to the Bar at Gray's Inn.<br/><br/> Tanin is a highly respected lawyer in Thailand. His involvement with Thai politics did not begin until after the student massacre on the campus of Thammasat University and the following military coup on 6 October 1976. The military named Tanin to be Prime Minister on 8 October 1976. His administration ruled for just one year, until 20 October 1977, when he was deposed by the military.<br/><br/> His was the most right-wing administration in Thai history and perpetrated attacks on left-wing activists, communist sympathizers and progressive students due to the fear of communism, which had gained some popularity due to Communist Party of Thailand actions. The victory of communists in the neighboring countries of Laos, Cambodia and South Vietnam gave further reason to be concerned.<br/><br/> Tanin at present is one of the 18 members of the Privy Council to the King of Thailand, the most respected position Thai commoners can hold in the court of the monarch.
Pibulsongkram was one of the leaders of the military branch of the People's Party that staged a coup d'état and overthrew Thailand's absolute monarchy in 1932. In 1938, Pibulsonggram replaced Phraya Phahol as Prime Minister.<br/><br/> Pibulsonggram began to increase the pace of modernisation in Thailand. By manipulating the mass media, Pibulsonggram supported fascism and nationalism. In 1939, Pibulsonggram changed the country's name from Siam to Thailand. In 1941, in the midst of World War II, he decreed January 1 the official start of the new year instead of the traditional April 13.<br/><br/> When the Japanese invaded Thailand on December 8, 1941, Pibulsonggram was reluctantly forced to order a general ceasefire after just one day of resistance. On December 12, Pibulsongkram signed a military alliance with Japan. The following month, on January 25, 1942, Pibulsongkram declared war on the allied powers. At the war's end, Pibulsonggram was put on trial at Allied insistence. However, he was acquitted amidst intense public pressure. Public opinion was favourable to Pibulsonggram as he was thought to have done his best to protect Thai interests.<br/><br/> Phibun was involved in another coup in 1947, and resumed his pre-war position as effective military dictator until a 1957 coup, led by Sarit Dhanaraj, forced him into exile in Japan where he died in 1964.
Pibulsongkram was one of the leaders of the military branch of the People's Party that staged a coup d'état and overthrew Thailand's absolute monarchy in 1932. In 1938, Pibulsonggram replaced Phraya Phahol as Prime Minister.<br/><br/> Pibulsonggram began to increase the pace of modernisation in Thailand. By manipulating the mass media, Pibulsonggram supported fascism and nationalism. In 1939, Pibulsonggram changed the country's name from Siam to Thailand. In 1941, in the midst of World War II, he decreed January 1 the official start of the new year instead of the traditional April 13.<br/><br/> When the Japanese invaded Thailand on December 8, 1941, Pibulsonggram was reluctantly forced to order a general ceasefire after just one day of resistance. On December 12, Pibulsongkram signed a military alliance with Japan. The following month, on January 25, 1942, Pibulsongkram declared war on the allied powers. At the war's end, Pibulsonggram was put on trial at Allied insistence. However, he was acquitted amidst intense public pressure. Public opinion was favourable to Pibulsonggram as he was thought to have done his best to protect Thai interests.<br/><br/> Phibun was involved in another coup in 1947, and resumed his pre-war position as effective military dictator until a 1957 coup, led by Sarit Dhanaraj, forced him into exile in Japan where he died in 1964.
Prayuth Chan-ocha (Thai: ประยุทธ์ จันทร์โอชา; born 21 March 1954) is a Thai army officer who is concurrently the Commander in Chief of the Royal Thai Army and the Leader of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).<br/><br/> Prayuth has been characterised as a strong royalist and an opponent of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.<br/><br/> During the political crisis that began in November 2013 and involved the protests against the caretaker government of Yingluck Shinawatra, Prayuth attempted to maintain army neutrality. However, on 22 May 2014, Prayuth launched a military coup against the government and since then assumed control of the country as NCPO leader.<br/><br/> On 21 August 2014, a military dominated national legislature elected him as the new prime minister.
General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh (born May 15, 1932 in Nonthaburi) is a Thai politician and retired general. He was Thailand's 22nd Prime Minister from 1996 to 1997. He is of Sino-Thai and ethnic Lao descent.<br/><br/> Chavalit began his political career in 1988 as Defence Minister, with the rank of Deputy Prime Minister, in the administration of Chatichai Choonhavan. He held that position until 1991. He then served as Minister of Interior from 1992 to 1994, and was Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence from 1995 to 1996.
A third-generation Thai Chinese, Chuan was born in Trang province. As the leader of the Democrat Party, Chuan was elected in 1992 after the abortive coup by General Suchinda Kraprayoon, thus becoming Thailand's first prime minister to come to power without either aristocratic or military backing.<br/><br/> His first administration consisted of a five party coalition of the Democrat, New Aspiration, Palang Dhamma, Social Action and Social Unity Parties until he was defeated in the 1995 election, but assumed power in late 1997 following the fall of the Chavalit Yongchaiyudh administration, which was held responsible for the economic crisis that beset Thailand in 1997.
General Prem Tinsulanonda (August 26, 1920 - May 26, 2019) was a Thai military officer who served as Prime Minister of Thailand from March 3, 1980 to August 4, 1988.
Anand Panyarachun (born August 9, 1932) was Thailand's Prime Minister twice, between 1991–1992 and once again in 1992. He was effective in initiating economic and political reforms, one of which was the drafting of Thailand's "Peoples' Constitution", which was promulgated in 1997 and abrogated in 2006. Anand received a Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service in 1997.
Banharn Silpa-archa (19 August 1932 - 2016) was the 21st Prime Minister of Thailand, from 13 July 1995 to 24 November 1996.
A third-generation Thai Chinese, Chuan was born in Trang province. As the leader of the Democrat Party, Chuan was elected in 1992 after the abortive coup by General Suchinda Kraprayoon, thus becoming Thailand's first prime minister to come to power without either aristocratic or military backing.<br/><br/> His first administration consisted of a five party coalition of the Democrat, New Aspiration, Palang Dhamma, Social Action and Social Unity Parties until he was defeated in the 1995 election, but assumed power in late 1997 following the fall of the Chavalit Yongchaiyudh administration, which was held responsible for the economic crisis that beset Thailand in 1997.
Abhisit Vejjajiva (born 3 August 1964) is a Thai politician who was the 27th Prime Minister of Thailand between 2008 and 2011.<br/><br/> Born in England, Abhisit attended Eton College and earned bachelors and masters degrees from the University of Oxford. He was elected to the Parliament of Thailand at age 27, and promoted to Democrat Party leader in 2005, after his predecessor resigned following the party's defeat in the 2005 general election.<br/><br/> Abhisit was appointed Prime Minister of Thailand on 17 December 2008, following a Parliamentary vote after the Constitutional Court of Thailand removed Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat from office. At age 44, he was the country's youngest prime minister in more than 60 years.
Samak Sundaravej (June 13, 1935 – November 24, 2009) was a Thai Chinese politician who briefly served as the Prime Minister of Thailand and Minister of Defense in 2008, as well as the leader of the People's Power Party in 2008.
Thaksin Shinawatra (born 26 July 1949) is a politician and businessman and was Prime Minister of Thailand from 2001 to 2006, when he was deposed in a military coup for allegedly abusing his power for personal gain.
General Prem Tinsulanonda (August 26, 1920 - May 26, 2019) was a Thai military officer who served as Prime Minister of Thailand from March 3, 1980 to August 4, 1988.