Prawit Wongsuwon, born in Bangkok on 11 August 1945, is a career military officer and political figure in Thailand. His ascent through the ranks of the Royal Thai Army eventually positioned him at the center of the nation's governance, where he held the offices of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence across several consecutive administrations.
Military Career and Rise
Prawit graduated from the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School in 1965 and the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy in 1969. He served in the 21st Infantry Regiment before assuming command of the 2nd and 12th regiments of the 2nd Infantry Division. By 2004, he reached the position of Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army, serving until 2005. His military background is closely tied to the Burapha Payak clique, a group influential in Thai politics.
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Following his military service, Prawit transitioned into high-level government roles. He served as the Minister of Defence from 2008 to 2011 and again from 2014 to 2019. During his time as Deputy Prime Minister between 2014 and 2023, he took on significant administrative duties, including serving as deputy chairman of the National Council for Peace and Order. In 2022, he served as the acting Prime Minister of Thailand for a brief period during a constitutional review regarding the term limits of the incumbent.
Asset Disclosure Investigations
In 2017, the National Anti-corruption Commission initiated an investigation into Prawit's mandatory asset declarations. The inquiry focused on a collection of luxury timepieces, reported to number 25, which were not listed in his filings. Prawit maintained that the watches were loans from friends. Watchdog groups, including the Association to Protect the Thai Constitution, sought clarification on the acquisition of these assets relative to his income as a public official.
Fast facts
- Born: 11 August 1945, Bangkok
- Military Rank: General
- Commander in Chief of the Royal Thai Army: 2004-2005
- Minister of Defence: 2008-2011, 2014-2019
- Deputy Prime Minister: 2014-2023
- Acting Prime Minister: 2022
- Education: Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy
- Member of House of Representatives: 2023-2025
Questions readers ask
What military unit was Prawit originally associated with?
He was an officer in the 21st Infantry Regiment, also known as the Queen's Guard, 2nd Infantry Division.
Why was he acting Prime Minister in 2022?
He served as acting Prime Minister after the Constitutional Court of Thailand suspended Prayut Chan-o-cha pending a ruling on his constitutional term limit.
