Thanin Kraivichien, the hard-line anti-communist judge and former prime minister of Thailand, has died at 97. The death was confirmed by his family in a Sunday notice announcement, but no cause was given. Thanin dominated Thailand's politics in the 1970s when he became prime minister following the 1976 coup but was deposed after only a year because of his hard-line policies.
The Political Rise and Rule of Thanin Kraivichien
Supreme Court judge and staunch royalist, Thanin was installed as Thailand's 14th prime minister on October 8, 1976, following a violent crackdown on student protesters at Thammasat University. He was installed with the consent of the ruling junta and King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
His tenure was marked by outright censorship, suppression of labor unions, and stern anti-communism. Under Thailand: A Country Study, prepared by the U.S. government, Thanin, a civilian politician though he was, governed with even stricter authoritarian measures than most of his military predecessors.
Historians like the late David Wyatt in Thailand: A Short History observed that Thanin's policies like political party prohibition and conditioning of bureaucrats through anti-communist indoctrination alienated many, including military personnel. His suggestion that Thailand needed 12 years of political education before democracy could be restored evoked general derision.
Thanin's rule was short-lived. On 20 October 1977, another coup, this time under General Kriangsak Chomanan, removed him from power. His radical policies were regarded as self-defeating in that they worked to consolidate the Communist Party of Thailand's popularity. Thanin still retained power, however.
Just two months after he was removed from office, King Bhumibol appointed him to the Privy Council, where he stayed for nearly four decades. His membership in the council solidified his place in Thai political and legal existence years after his prime ministership.
Legacy and Impact on Thai Politics
Thanin's passing marks the end of an era for Thailand's conservative political establishment. His resilience against communism and his controversial policies are a subject of debate. Present Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra posted condolences on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), referring to him as a central figure in Thai history.
For more information on Thanin Kraivichien's legacy and the history of Thai politics, visit:
- BBC News - Thailand Political History
- Bangkok Post - Former Thai Leaders
- Thailand Government Archives
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