Former Thai PM Thanin Kraivichien passes away at 97
Thanin Kraivichien, the 14th Prime Minister of Thailand and former President of the Privy Council during the reign of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, passed away yesterday, February 23, at the age of 97.
His family has announced that the schedule for his royal cremation and religious ceremonies will be shared in due course.
Born in Bangkok on April 5, 1927, Thanin completed his secondary education at Suankularb Wittayalai School. He pursued law at Thammasat University, graduating in 1948, before continuing his legal studies at the London School of Economics, where he graduated in 1953.
Thanin played a role in Thai politics during a turbulent period in the nation’s history, particularly following the Thammasat University massacre on October 6, 1976 where a crackdown by Thai right-wing paramilitaries on leftist student protesters, resulted in numerous deaths.
In the aftermath of the tragic incident, King Bhumibol Adulyadej appointed Thanin as interim PM on October 8, just two days after the democratically elected Seni Pramoj was ousted by a military coup led by Admiral Sangad Chaloryu.
Despite his initial support, Thanin’s administration faced criticism for its authoritarian approach and was accused of dividing the nation. His government faced mounting opposition due to the suspension of democracy, deteriorating economic conditions, and a perceived lack of public support.
As a result, Thanin was removed from office by Admiral Sangad on October 20, 1977, barely a year into his tenure.
Despite his short-lived premiership, Thanin Kraivichien was widely regarded as one of Thailand’s most honest PMs. Following his removal from office, King Bhumibol Adulyadej appointed him to the Privy Council on December 15.
Many consider Thanin’s passing to mark the end of an era in Thai politics, remembering him as a man of integrity and dedication to his country. Further announcements regarding his royal cremation and religious ceremonies are expected from his family, reported The Nation.
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