Serving as the 15th Prime Minister of Thailand from 1977 to 1980, Kriangsak Chamanan emerged from a professional military career to lead the nation during a period of significant regional instability. He transitioned from battlefield command in the Korean War to high-level political office, ultimately overseeing a period of domestic reform and strategic diplomatic shifts.
Military Service and Education
Born in 1917 in Samut Sakhon, Kriangsak graduated from the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy in 1938. His early career included service in the Franco-Thai War and the Korean War, where he commanded Infantry Battalion III during the Battle of Pork Chop Hill. His performance earned him the United States Legion of Merit. He later advanced his professional education at the United States Army Command and General Staff College, rising to the rank of general by 1973.
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Kriangsak became a central figure in the 1977 military coup that displaced the government of Thanin Kraivichien. He had previously participated in the 1976 coup alongside Admiral Sangad Chaloryu. By 1977, Kriangsak positioned himself as a moderate alternative to the existing hardline administration, assuming the role of Prime Minister to address internal political unrest and the growing influence of the Communist Party of Thailand.
Policy and Governance
As Prime Minister, Kriangsak moved away from the confrontational foreign policies of his predecessor, prioritizing détente with communist neighbors and strengthening ties with the United States. Domestically, he implemented amnesty programs for political detainees to mitigate insurgency and held a general election in 1979 to move toward democratic restoration. Beyond the premiership, he held several ministerial roles, including Minister of Finance and Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives between 1979 and 1980.
Retirement and Later Years
Kriangsak resigned from the premiership in 1980 amid public economic pressure. His post-government career included an unsuccessful coup attempt against Prem Tinsulanonda in 1985, for which he received a pardon. He later served as a member of the InterAction Council of Former Heads of State and Government, focusing on global policy issues. He died in Bangkok in 2003.
Fast facts
- Born: 1917, Samut Sakhon
- Died: 2003, Bangkok
- Military Rank: General
- Prime Minister of Thailand: 1977-1980
- Education: Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy
- Education: United States Army Command and General Staff College
- Awards: Legion of Merit
- Awards: Order of the White Elephant
Questions readers ask
What major military award did Kriangsak Chamanan receive?
He was awarded the United States Legion of Merit for his service during the Korean War.
When did he serve as Prime Minister of Thailand?
He served as Prime Minister from 1977 until his resignation in 1980.
