History of the Prime Minister Mantri of Thailand
The Prime Minister of Thailand is the head of government of Thailand. The position was created in 1932, with the Siamese Revolution, which changed the government from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy. The Prime Minister is now the head of government and the representative of the King in governing the country.
The first Prime Minister of Thailand was Phya Manopakon Nititada, who served from 28 June 1932 to 21 June 1936. Since then, Thailand has had 29 Prime Ministers. The current Prime Minister is General Prayut Chan-o-cha, who has been in office since 24 August 2014.
The Prime Minister of Thailand has the primary duty to set policy and oversee the administration of the country. The Prime Minister is also the representative of the King in signing royal decrees, proclamations, and orders. The Prime Minister therefore plays an important role in determining the direction of the country's governance.
The Prime Minister of Thailand is appointed by the King on the advice of the House of Representatives. The Prime Minister must be approved by the House of Representatives by a majority vote. The Prime Minister has a term of four years, but may be removed from office by the House of Representatives if they commit a serious offense.
Here are some of the most notable Prime Ministers of Thailand:
- Phya Manopakon Nititada (1932-1936): The first Prime Minister of Thailand, he was a member of the People's Party, which led the Siamese Revolution.
- Luang Phibulsongkram (1938-1944; 1948-1957): A controversial figure, he was known for his authoritarian rule and his pro-Japanese policies during World War II.
- Pridi Banomyong (1946-1947): A popular and charismatic leader, he was overthrown in a coup led by Phibulsongkram.
- Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat (1958-1963): Another authoritarian leader, he was known for his economic reforms and his support for the United States during the Vietnam War.
- Thanom Kittikachorn (1963-1973): A controversial figure, he was overthrown in a student uprising in 1973.
- Kukrit Pramoj (1975-1976): A popular and respected leader, he was overthrown in a coup led by Thanom Kittikachorn.
- Chumphon Bhurawanakorn (1976): A brief and controversial leader, he was overthrown in a coup led by Kriangsak Chamanan.
- Kruangsak Chamanan (1976-1977): A controversial figure, he was overthrown in a coup led by Prem Tinsulanonda.
- Prem Tinsulanonda (1980-1988): A popular and respected leader, he was known for his stability and his support for democracy.
- Chatichai Choonhavan (1988-1991): A popular and charismatic leader, he was overthrown in a coup led by Suchinda Kraprayoon.
- Anand Panyarachun (1991-1992): A popular and respected leader, he was known for his stability and his support for democracy.
- Chuan Leekpai (1992-1995): A popular and charismatic leader, he was overthrown in a coup led by Thaksin Shinawatra.
- Thaksin Shinawatra (2001-2006): A popular and controversial leader, he was overthrown in a coup led by Surayud Chulanont.
- Abhisit Vejjajiva (2008-2011): A controversial figure, he was overthrown in a coup led by Yingluck Shinawatra.
- Yingluck Shinawatra (2011-2014): A popular and controversial leader, she was overthrown in a coup led by Prayut Chan-o-cha.
- Prayut Chan-o-cha (2014-present): A controversial figure, he is the current Prime Minister of Thailand.
