by Baker Chris
Phibun Songkhram
December 1938–July 1944
Khuang Aphaiwong
August 1944–August 1945
Thawee Boonyaket
August 1945–September 1945
Seni Pramoj
September 1945–January 1946
Khuang Aphaiwong
January 1946–March 1946
Pridi Banomyong
March 1946–August 1946
Thamrong Nawasawat
August 1946–November 1947
Khuang Aphaiwong
November 1947–April 1948
Phibun Songkhram
April 1948–September 1957
Pote Sarasin
September 1957–December 1957
Thanom Kittikhachon
January 1958–October 1958
Sarit Thanarat
October 1958–December 1963
Thanom Kittikhachon
December 1963–October 1973
Sanya Thammasak
October 1973–January 1975
Seni Pramoj
February 1975–March 1975
Kukrit Pramoj
March 1975–April 1976
Seni Pramoj
April 1976–October 1976
Thanin Kraivixien
October 1976–October 1977
Kriangsak Chomanand
November 1977–February 1980
Prem Tinsulanond
March 1980–April 1988
Chatichai Choonhavan
April 1988–February 1991
Anand Panyarachun
February 1991–April 1992
Suchinda Kraprayun
April 1992–May 1992
Anand Panyarachun
June 1992–September 1992
Chuan Leekpai
September 1992–July 1995
Banharn Silpa-archa
July 1995–November 1996
Chavalit Yongchaiyudh
November 1996–November 1997
Chuan Leekpai
November 1997–February 2001
Thaksin Shinawatra
February 2001–September 2006
Surayud Chulanont
October 2006–January 2008
Samak Sundaravej
January 2008–September 2008
Somchai Wongsawat
September 2008–December 2008
Abhisit Vejjajiva
December 2008–July 2011
Yingluck Shinawatra
July 2011–
Glossary of names
Abhisit Vejjajiva (1964–). Born in UK to an illustrious Vietnamese-Chinese lineage that arrived in Siam in 19th century. Educated in UK at Eton College and Oxford University (a first in PPE). Drafted into Democrat Party under patronage of Chuan Leekpai. Elected to parliament in 1992. Party leader in 2005. Prime minister, 2008–11.
Anand Panyarachun (1932–). Born in Bangkok, descendant of noble Mon family and Hokkien jao sua. Educated in England at Dulwich College and Trinity College, Cambridge. Career diplomat, 1955–77, including ambassador to USA. Resigned government service, joined Saha-Union (textile-based conglomerate), and became chairman, 1991. Prime minister under NPKC coup junta, 1991–92. Head of Constitution Drafting Assembly, 1996–97.
Anuman Rajadhon, Phya (1888–1969). Born to Chinese family in Bangkok. Educated at Assumption College. Worked in Customs Department. Independent scholar and essayist on religion, Thai culture, philology, and folklore under pen-name Sathirakoses. Recruited to Fine Arts Department in 1933 and rose to director-general. Taught and lectured after retirement.
Banharn Silpa-archa (1932–). Son of moderately successful cloth traders in Suphanburi market. Chinese name, Tek Siang sae Be. Moved to Bangkok after secondary education and gained patronage of senior officials in Public Works Department. Won contract to supply chlorine for water supply. Founded construction company, working mainly on public works contracts. Also crop trader and business in construction materials. Elected MP for Suphanburi in Chat Thai Party from 1975. Party secretary-general, 1976–94. Various ministerial posts, including finance and interior in Chatichai Cabinet, 1988–91. Party leader in 1994. Prime minister, 1995–96.
Bhumibol Adulyadej, King Rama IX (1927–). Born in Boston, USA, son of Prince Mahidol, half-brother of King Rama VII. Family moved to Lausanne, Switzerland. Entered Lausanne University, 1945. Ascended throne on mysterious death of elder brother in 1946. Returned from Europe in 1951. Assumed more prominent role after Sarit’s rise in 1957–58. Built new role for monarchy through Buddhist ritual, development projects, gifting relationships, television exposure, and political interventions at times of national crisis (1973, 1976, 1992). Longest reign of any Thai monarch (1988), and of any living monarch in the world (1992).
Boonchu Rojanastian (1921–2007). Born in Chonburi, son of Hainanese immigrant carpenter turned construction contractor. Educated at Xinmin School and Thammasat University. Started accountancy practice. Hired into Bangkok Bank by Chin Sophonpanich in 1953. Rose to executive vice-president. Patron of left-wing journalism in 1950s. Founder-member of Kukrit’s Social Action Party in 1974. Elected MP for Chonburi, 1975. Finance minister, 1975–76. Deputy prime minister, 1980. Drifted through minor parties. Leader of Phalang Tham Party in 1992.
Borommakot, King (1681?–1758). Ascended throne of Ayutthaya in 1733 after bitter succession struggle. Patronized Buddhism strongly. Built or rebuilt many Ayutthaya wat. Sent missions to Sri Lanka in 1751 and 1755 to revive the Sangha.
Buddhadasa Bhikkhu (1906–1993). Born in Chaiya, son of Chinese shopkeeper. Attended wat schools and ordained in 1926. Studied in Bangkok but became disillusioned with monastic education. Founded Suan Mokh Khapalaram near Chaiya in 1932. Wrote series of reinterpretations of Buddhist texts. By 1940s, recognized as leading philosopher of this-worldly Buddhism.
Chamlong Srimuang (1935–). Born in Thonburi, son of Chinese immigrant fish merchant. Career soldier. Attended Chulachomklao Military Academy, 1953. Three training spells in USA. Saw action in Laos, 1962. Member of Young Turks. Joined ascetic Santi Asoke Buddhist sect around 1973. Present at 1976 Thammasat massacre. Secretary to prime minister, Prem Tinsulanond, in 1980. Broke with Young Turks over failed 1981 coup. Resigned from army in 1985 as major-general. Elected mayor of Bangkok on anti-corruption platform, 1985 and 1990. Formed Phalang Tham Party, 1988. Resigned as mayor, 1992. Led Black May 1992 protests. MP, 1992–95. Resigned Phalang Tham leadership, 1995. Founded leadership school.
Chanat Piyaoui (1922–). Born Kim Ngek sae Ui in Saraburi, third daughter of sawmill and rice-mill owners. Educated in Bangkok, Thammasat University. Went to New York to study after Second World War, but abandoned project. Built Princess Hotel in 1950 with land and investment mainly from family. Opened Dusit Thani Hotel in 1970, and developed Dusit hotel group over next two decades.
Charnvit Kasetsiri (1941–). Born in Ratchaburi. BA in diplomacy from Thammasat University, doctorate from Cornell University on Ayutthayan history, 1972. Lecturer at Thammasat from 1973. Shifted focus of Thai history from Sukhothai, kings, and wars to Ayutthaya, trade, and the Chinese. Went abroad after 1976 massacre. Rector, 1994–95. Publicized history of 1973–76 era in print and video. Promoted interest in regional culture and history. Received Fukuoka Asia Prize, 2012.
Chatichai Choonhavan (1920–1998). Born in Bangkok, son of General Phin, leader of 1947 coup. Career cavalry officer. Leader of Ratchakhru faction. Retired from army as major-general after Sarit’s 1957 coup and served as ambassador. Business interests in textiles and finance. Co-founder of Chat Thai (Thai Nation) Party in 1974. MP for Khorat from 1975. Deputy foreign minister, 1975–76. Prime minister, 1988–91.
Chavalit Yongchaiyudh (1932–). Born in Nonthaburi, son of army captain. Career army officer in signals and intelligence. Leader of Democratic Soldiers and architect of political strategy against communism in 1980. Army commander, 1986–90. Resigned under pressure from NPKC. Founded New Aspiration Party. Prime minister, 1996–97. Merged party into Thai Rak Thai P
arty in 2002.
Chin Sophonpanich (1910–1988). Born in Thonburi, son of Kwangtung immigrant. Schooled in China, 1915–27. On return, worked as barge coolie, clerk in rice mills and timber agents. Shuttled between China and Siam during 1930s. Opened construction materials shop in Bangkok in 1939. In 1944, part of nine-family consortium in gold trading, construction, cinema, ice, and finance. Consortium opened Bangkok Bank in December 1944 with Chin as compradore. Developed remittance business. Moved closely with Phao Siyanon and financed business of Ratchakhru group. Boardroom coup against partners in 1952. Big capital injection from government funds. Fled after Sarit coup, but restored relationship with Praphat.
Chuan Leekpai (1938–). Born in Trang, son of a Chinese teacher and market trader. Took law degree from Thammasat University and qualified as a barrister, 1964. Elected MP for Trang under Democrat Party since 1969. Attacked as communist in 1976 polarization. Prime minister, 1992–95, 1997–2001.
Chuang Bunnag (1808–1883). Born in Bangkok, descendant of Persian lineage resident in Siam since 17th century and which became premier noble family in early 19th century. Eldest son of Dit, phrakhlang and kalahom under King Rama III, and architect of Mongkut’s succession. Trader and enthusiast for western knowledge. Became kalahom and Chao Phraya Si Suriyawong in 1851. Managed accession of King Chulalongkorn and served as regent. Promoted abolition of slavery, but opposed financial centralization.
Chulalongkorn, King Rama V (1853–1910). Educated in palace. Succeeded in 1868 at age 15. Travelled to India, Malaya, and Java. Began reforms of finance, labour controls, and administration from 1873–74. Formed ministerial council, mainly of brothers and half-brothers, in 1892. Travelled to Europe in 1897 and 1907. Moulded a ‘modern’ and pro-western conception of the Thai monarchy.
Damrong Rajanuphap (1862–1943). Born in Bangkok, 57th son of King Mongkut. Educated in Royal Pages Corps. Government roles in education and army in 1880s. Appointed first interior minister in 1894. Architect of provincial administrative system. Quarrelled with King Vajiravudh in 1916 and resigned. Chairman of Capital Library (later National Library) and Royal Academy. Wrote around 80 works, mainly on history and biography, especially Our Wars with the Burmese (1920). Recalled as adviser by King Prajadhipok. Opposed introduction of a constitution. Left Siam after 1932 and lived in Penang until 1942.
Dhani Nivat, Prince (1885–1974). Grandson of King Mongkut and nephew of King Chulalongkorn. Brought up in Grand Palace. Educated at Rugby and Merton College, Oxford, in oriental studies. Served in Royal Secretariat under King Rama VI, and as Minister of Public Instruction under Rama VII. After 1932, devoted himself to literature and history in Thai and English. Privy councillor and early tutor of King Bhumibol. Author of many articles on Thai history, monarchy, literature, and Buddhism.
Dhanin Chiaravanont (1939–). Last son of Kwangtung seed trader who established shop in Bangkok in 1921. Chinese name, Jin Kok Min. Studied in Bangkok and Swatow. Built animal feed subsidiary into integrated chicken business under name Charoen Pokphand (CP). Replicated pattern in Indonesia and other neighbouring countries. Entered telecom business in late 1980s. Major foreign investor in China, especially in agribusiness and property, with strong political links in Shanghai and Beijing.
Feroci, Corrado (1892–1962). Born in San Giovani, Italy, to trading family. Attended the Royal Art Academy of Florence. Recruited by King Vajiravudh in 1923 to train artists. Given name of Silpa Bhirasri. Commissioned to produce many sculptures by the post-1932 government, including the bas-reliefs on the Constitution Monument, the Victory Monument, and the statue of Thao Suranari in Khorat. Inaugural dean of Silpakorn University, 1943. Died in Thailand.
Haji Sulong Tomina (1895–1954). Born in Pattani, son of Islamic teacher. Went to study in Mecca, 1907. Stayed 20 years and became renowned religious teacher. Returned to Pattani in 1927. Founded Islamic School. In 1940s, became leader of resistance to Phibun’s cultural policies. Presented seven-point petition for self-governing state within Siam, 1947. Charged with treason. Jailed 1948–52. Disappeared in 1954, believed drowned by Phao’s police in Songkhla lake.
Jit Phumisak (1930–1966). Born in Prachinburi, son of revenue clerk. Began writing on literature, philosophy, history, and art in magazines in late 1940s. Graduated from Chulalongkorn University in 1957, and soon after published Art for Life, Art for the People and The Real Face of Thai Feudalism Today. Poet, musician, and prolific essayist. Jailed 1958–64. Joined CPT in jungle in 1965. Shot by police in Sakon Nakhon.
K. S. R. Kulap Kritsananon (1834–1921). Born in Bangkok, son of minor official. Educated in wat and Royal Pages School. Worked 15 years for foreign firms. In 1880s, became pioneer Thai language publisher and essayist. Published journal Sayam Praphet, 1897–1908. Published texts from royal collections on history, genealogy, royal culture. Found guilty of falsifying texts in 1902, but pardoned because of age.
Khrong Chandawong (1908–1961). Born in Sakon Nakhon, son of well-off farmer. Qualified as teacher in Ubon and became teacher in home locality. Joined Seri Thai. Jailed 1952–57 in Peace Movement sweep. Advocated abolition of anti-communist law and elections of village headmen. MP for Sakon Nakhon, 1957–58. Arrested in 1961 on charge of promoting communism and Isan separatism. Executed on Sarit’s order in 1961.
Kukrit Pramoj (1911–1985). Born in Bangkok, great-grandson of King Rama II. Suan Kulap School; Queen’s College, Oxford (PPE). Returned to join Revenue Department in 1933, then Bank of Thailand. Formed Progressive Party in 1945, merged into Democrat Party in 1946. Junior minister, 1947–49. Founded Siam Rath newspaper, 1950. Speaker of National Assembly, 1973–74. Founded Social Action Party, 1974. Prime minister, 1975–76. Novelist, especially Si Phaendin (Four Reigns, 1950). Acted with Marlon Brando in The Ugly American. Enthusiast for traditional arts, especially khon masked drama.
Kulap Saipradit (1905–1974). Born in Bangkok, son of railway clerk. Thepsirin School. Worked as English teacher, translator of imported movie plots and journalist. Pioneer novelist with Luk phu chai (A Real Man, 1928), Songkhram chiwit (The War of Life, 1931), Khanglang phap (Behind the Painting, 1936). Founded Suphapburut (The Gentleman) magazine, 1929. Jailed 1942–44. Visited Australia, 1947. Jailed in Peace Movement sweep, 1952–57. Visited China in 1957, and after Sarit coup decided not to return.
Luang Por Koon (1923–). Born Khun Chatphonkrang in rural Khorat. Ordained in 1944 in the Thammayut forest tradition. Wandered in the forests of the northeast and studied supernaturalism. In late 1960s, began manufacturing amulets popular among soldiers fighting the communist insurgency. Mass popularity in 1993 when amulets reportedly saved people from a hotel collapse and fire disaster.
Manopakon Nithithada, Phraya (1884–1948). Born Korn Huthasingh in Bangkok. Attended Suan Kulap School and Law School. Took government scholarship to study law in London. Appeals judge and privy councillor in 1920s. Prime minister, 1932–33.
Mongkut, King Rama IV (1804–1873). Entered monkhood in 1824 to avoid succession dispute. Engaged in debate with missionaries, especially Bishop Pallegoix. Fascinated with astronomy and astrology. Founded more rigorous Thammayut sect. Left monkhood to ascend throne in 1851. Promoted western education among next royal generation. Began study of Siamese history. Invented guardian spirit for the kingdom. Died from malaria after trip to observe eclipse in Chumphon province.
Nidhi Eoseewong (1940–). Born in Bangkok to Teochiu merchant family. Attended Assumption School, Siracha, Chonburi. Doctorate from University of Michigan. Taught history at Chiang Mai University from 1966 until retirement in 2000. Author of Pen and Sail, and studies of reigns of King Narai and King Taksin. Prolific author of essays on contemporary culture and politics, and advice columns. Activist for people politics. Received Fukuoka Asia Prize, 2000.
Phahon Phonphayuhasena, Phraya (1887–1947). Born Phot Phahonyothin, son of army general from aristocratic family. Studied at military college in Germany and attached to German army. Leader of senior military officers who supported 1932 revolut
ion. Prime minister, 1933–38. Commander-in-chief during Second World War.
Phao Siyanon (1910–1960). Born in Phitsanulok, son of army officer. Career military officer. Aide and son-in-law to commander of Shan States campaign. Transferred to police. Participated in 1947 coup. Appointed chief of police in 1951. Patronized by CIA to build anti-communist forces. Maintained covert group, ‘Knights of the Diamond Ring’, for political assassinations. Fled to Switzerland after Sarit 1957 coup.
Phibun (Phibunsongkhram) (1897–1964). Born Plaek Khitasangkha in Nonthaburi. Given official title, Luang Phibunsongkhram. Infantry Cadet School, top of class at Military Staff College in 1921, Fontainebleau Military Academy, 1924–27. Attended founding meeting of People’s Party in Paris, 1927. Army chief and defence minister, 1934. Prime minister, 1938–44, 1948–57. Fled after 1957 coup, and lived in Cambodia and Japan.
Phumphuang Duangjan (1961–92). Born Ramphueng Chithan, daughter of Chainat field labourers. Two years of schooling. Child labourer. Gained fame in local singing contests. Apprenticed to Waiphot Phetsuphan’s luk thung ensemble, 1973. From 1978, under guidance of Wichien Khamcharoen and with new stage name, modernized rural luk thung singing style and presentation to reach wider urban audience. Died of blood disorder. Granted royal-sponsored cremation. Became centre of cult at Wat Thapkradan, Suphanburi.