Thailand's Top 10 Longest-Serving Prime Ministers

[webfact]

 

In a surprising turn of events, the Thai political landscape has been thrown into turmoil following the Constitutional Court's ruling against Prime Minister Settha Thavisin.

 

The court voted 5 to 4, finding Settha guilty of lacking the necessary qualifications to serve as Prime Minister due to previous legal issues, leading to his resignation after just 358 days in office, reported Daily News.

 

The setback has sparked discussions, with many reflecting on the longest-serving prime ministers in Thai history. Settha, Thailand’s 30th Prime Minister, held the position for less than a year, a stark contrast to some of his predecessors. 

 

Let's take a closer look at the top 10 longest-serving prime ministers in Thailand's history:

 

1. Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram (15 years 25 days)
   - Held office across multiple non-consecutive terms from 1938 to 1957, Phibunsongkhram's tenure was marked by militarised governance and efforts at modernisation.
   
2. Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn (9 years 205 days)
   - His time included five terms from 1958 to 1973, culminating in widespread protests and his forced resignation.

 

3. General Prem Tinsulanonda (8 years 154 days)
   - Served three terms from 1980 to 1988 and was known for his role in stabilising the country during a period of economic growth.

 

4. General Prayut Chan-o-cha (8 years 363 days)
   - Thailand’s current political landscape was significantly shaped by Prayut's leadership from 2014 to 2023.

 

5. Chuan Leekpai (6 years 20 days)
   - Known for his integrity, Chuan served two terms from 1992 to 1995 and 1997 to 2001.

 

6. Pol. Lt. Col. Thaksin Shinawatra (5 years 222 days)
   - His two terms from 2001 to 2006 were noted for economic reforms, but ended controversially with a military coup.

 

7. Colonel Phraya Phahon Phonphayuhasena (5 years 178 days)
   - Led the country between 1933 to 1938, a critical period in modern Thai history.

 

8. Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat (4 years 302 days)
   - His rule from 1959 to 1963 saw significant socio-economic reforms.

 

9. Yingluck Shinawatra (2 years 275 days)
   - Thailand’s first female prime minister served from 2011 to 2014 before a controversial court ruling forced her out of office.

 

10. Abhisit Vejjajiva (2 years 231 days)
    - His term from 2008 to 2011 was marked by attempts at economic stabilisation amidst political unrest.

 

However, for Srettha Thavisin, the 30th Prime Minister of Thailand, he has started his term 1: 22 August 2023 - 14 August 2024, a period of 358 days.

 

Despite his brief term, Settha Thavisin's tenure will be remembered as a moment of political upheaval,

reflecting on the challenges and the ever-evolving political environment in Thailand.

 

TOP Image composite courtesy: Daily News

 

-- 2024-08-15

 

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[Srikcir]

7 hours ago, webfact said:

4. General Prayut Chan-o-cha (8 years 363 days)

Incorrect according to the Constitutional Court that only recognized the Prayut only served four years (2009-2023 as PM).

According to the Constitution, if a PM has served an aggregate of eight years, that person cannot run again for PM. PM Prayut was challenged in court to be ineligible to be nominated PM in the 2023 election but the CC found against the challenge.

[Hunz Kittisak]

It’s seems those who reign (as opposed to serve) longest are the generals with the guns 

[john donson]

longest, blabla...   all of them, filthy rich...

[hotandsticky]

On 8/15/2024 at 4:47 PM, Hunz Kittisak said:

It’s seems those who reign (as opposed to serve) longest are the generals with the guns 

 

 

They don't need guns..........the lapek badges are sufficient.

[hotandsticky]

On 8/15/2024 at 1:30 PM, Srikcir said:

Incorrect according to the Constitutional Court that only recognized the Prayut only served four years (2009-2023 as PM).

According to the Constitution, if a PM has served an aggregate of eight years, that person cannot run again for PM. PM Prayut was challenged in court to be ineligible to be nominated PM in the 2023 election but the CC found against the challenge.

 

 

 

14 ?