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Former Thai PM Chavalit Bedridden & Gravely Ill, Aide Discloses

Featured Replies

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File photo

 

Former prime minister Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh is gravely ill, bedridden, and unable to speak, according to a close aide. Chawalit Wichayasut, deputy leader of the Thai Sang Thai Party, shared this update on Facebook, revealing that the 93-year-old is receiving treatment at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital.

 

Chawalit expressed the family's gratitude to His Majesty the King for providing royal patronage to Gen Chavalit. He detailed the former premier's condition, mentioning that he underwent a tracheotomy, is on dialysis, and is being fed through a tube. Chavalit emphasised that Gen Chavalit is under meticulous medical care.

 

Gen Chavalit, who served as Thailand's 22nd prime minister from 1996 to 1997, has been a significant figure in the country's political landscape. Reports of internal family disputes were also touched upon by Chawalit, who called for the cessation of legal battles, encouraging compassion and unity during this challenging time.

 

Chawalit also addressed media narratives that paint Gen Chavalit as the cause of the 1997 Asian financial crisis. He refuted these claims, saying the crisis stemmed from financial liberalisation policies prior to Gen. Chavalit's administration and pointing to inadequate oversight of the Bangkok International Banking Facility (BIB).F).

 

Looking ahead, Gen Chavalit's health remains a concern amidst ongoing family dynamics. The situation underlines the need for reconciliation and support, as the nation reflects on his legacy and contributions.

 

Key Takeaways:

 

  • Former Thai PM Gen Chavalit is severely ill and hospitalised.
  • His condition and family disputes have drawn public and media attention.
  • Debates persist about his role in the 1997 financial crisis.

 

image.png  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-10-07

 

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  • Popular Post

If he's 93 let him die (naturally) in peace 

  • Popular Post
43 minutes ago, webfact said:

Chawalit also addressed media narratives that paint Gen Chavalit as the cause of the 1997 Asian financial crisis.

 

Could you try to do it again, please ?

48 minutes ago, webfact said:

Chawalit also addressed media narratives that paint Gen Chavalit as the cause of the 1997 Asian financial crisis. He refuted these claims, saying the crisis stemmed from financial liberalisation policies prior to Gen. Chavalit's administration and pointing to inadequate oversight of the Bangkok International Banking Facility (BIB).F).

 

I lived in Thailand already at that time, and remember an article in the Financial Times where was revealed that Chavalit spent 30 million USD on his election campaign.

After he was elected he answered a question about this, and said, if I can stay in power for 6 months it will have been worth it.

Chavalit and Thaksin were good friends at that time, and it was Thaksin's projection to the PM post.

The man is an icon.

The smuggling road into the jungle ending at the Burmese border. The invasion of Uttaradit province by Laos and the lost battle of Ban Rom Klao that he placed a media blackout on. Stingray light tanks whose hulls cracked on rough ground. 

 

His refusal to devalue the Baht was a major factor bringing about the 1997 financial crash which was a disaster for many Thais.  However, the value of overseas currencies against the Baht soared which will be fondly remembered by those of us who were around at the time.

Chawalit is deeply revered in Isaan, almost to the level of a deity, even to this day.
However, its important to remember that during his administration, the Ya Ba epidemic began. The military was responsible for smuggling supplies of the drug from Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia into Thailand. He was essentially the mastermind behind this drug trade. Things shifted when Thaksin rose to power. We are well aware of the events that unfolded when Thaksin launched his war on drugs. 
On 10/7/2025 at 8:51 AM, JoePai said:

If he's 93 let him die (naturally) in peace 

I agree but like many he will never have confronted his own mortality and will hang on until the inevitable end, it's embarrassing.

On 10/7/2025 at 8:38 AM, webfact said:

 

Chawalit also addressed media narratives that paint Gen Chavalit as the cause of the 1997 Asian financial crisis

It was not only he who caused the crash, but his predecessor also Mr Banharn started the ball rolling; he just finished it off.

When the IMF and the World Bank gave Thailand the loan, which I think at the time was the biggest loan made by them, they said that under the condition Chen Lee Pie became PM again, they thought he was the only one who could sort the mess out, hence his second term. 

On 10/6/2025 at 9:30 PM, CallumWK said:

 

I lived in Thailand already at that time, and remember an article in the Financial Times where was revealed that Chavalit spent 30 million USD on his election campaign.

After he was elected he answered a question about this, and said, if I can stay in power for 6 months it will have been worth it.

Chavalit and Thaksin were good friends at that time, and it was Thaksin's projection to the PM post.

The bigger backer of his was CP Group. One of the few former military PM's of Thailand who got there by democratic means not the point of a gun. 1997 not his fault just like Hoover and W. Bush were just unlucky to be leading when the floor fell in, 555.

 

18 hours ago, Purdey said:

Stingray light tanks whose hulls cracked on rough ground. 

 

Made in China?

On 10/8/2025 at 7:26 AM, Thingamabob said:

His refusal to devalue the Baht was a major factor bringing about the 1997 financial crash which was a disaster for many Thais.  However, the value of overseas currencies against the Baht soared which will be fondly remembered by those of us who were around at the time.

With a  little push from Soros and his side kick ?

2 hours ago, Jim Blue said:

With a  little push from Soros and his side kick ?

 

2 hours ago, Jim Blue said:

With a  little push from Soros and his side kick ?

 

2 hours ago, Jim Blue said:

With a  little push from Soros and his side kick ?

Certainly.

On 10/9/2025 at 4:43 AM, watchcat said:

 

Made in China?

UK

On 10/12/2025 at 9:22 AM, Purdey said:

UK

This product is made in the USA.

 

Only Thailand is a user although the U.S. military and other countries have shown an interest.

 

No, made in the USA.

 

Please see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stingray_light_tank

 

 

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