Chaovarat Chanweerakul assumed the role of acting Prime Minister of Thailand on 2 December 2008, following a Constitutional Court ruling that dissolved the People's Power Party and removed the sitting administration. As the only senior cabinet member not subject to the executive ban, he navigated a brief period of leadership during a volatile time in national politics.
Early Life and Education
Born on 7 June 1936 in the Phra Nakhon District, Chaovarat is of Thai Chinese descent, with family roots tracing to Guangdong. His educational background includes studies at Assumption College, followed by a degree in economics from Thammasat University, which he completed in 1966. He also attended the National Defence College of Thailand to further his professional development before entering the public sector.
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His political career began with his appointment as Deputy Minister of Finance, a position he held between 1994 and 1995, and again from 1996 to 1997. In 2008, he returned to government service, taking on multiple cabinet roles including Minister of Social Development and Human Security, Minister of Public Health, and Deputy Prime Minister. Following his brief stint as acting Prime Minister, he served as Minister of Interior of Thailand from 2008 until the government lost the 2011 election.
Party Leadership and Recognition
Between February 2009 and September 2012, he served as the leader of the Bhumjai Thai Party. He eventually stepped down, with his son, Anutin Charnvirakul, succeeding him in the role. Throughout his career, he has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Grand Cordon of the Order of the White Elephant in 2004, the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Crown of Thailand in 1997, and an honorary Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2015.
Fast facts
- Born: 7 June 1936, Phra Nakhon District
- Education: Assumption College, Thammasat University, National Defence College of Thailand
- Prime Minister Term: 2 December 2008 – 15 December 2008
- Minister of Interior: 2008–2011
- Party Leader: 2009–2012
- Religion: Theravāda
- Languages: English, Cantonese, Thai
- Award: Commander of the Order of the British Empire (2015)
Questions readers ask
Why was his appointment as acting Prime Minister legally questioned?
Critics and some senators argued the 2007 Constitution required a Prime Minister to be an elected Member of the House of Representatives, a requirement Chaovarat did not meet.
What was his professional background outside of politics?
Chaovarat worked as a businessperson and operated as a building contractor.
