Samak Sundaravej served as Prime Minister of Thailand in 2008, holding office during a period of intense civil unrest and institutional conflict. Born in 1935 in Bangkok, his career spanned decades of Thai political history, evolving from his early involvement with the Democrat Party to his leadership of the People's Power Party.
Early Career and Ministerial Roles
After graduating from Saint Gabriel's College and Thammasat University, Samak entered politics by joining the Democrat Party in 1968. He established himself as a right-wing faction leader with strong military connections. By 1975, he began a series of appointments as Minister Attached to the Prime Minister's Office. In 1976, he became Minister of Interior, a position he held until 1977. During this time, he was a vocal opponent of leftist students, particularly around the events of October 1976 at Thammasat University.
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In 1979, he founded the Thai Citizens' Party, which performed strongly in Bangkok elections. His administrative influence extended to local government when he served as the Governor of Bangkok from 2000 to 2004. Throughout his career, he balanced these duties with various ministerial roles, including additional terms as Minister Attached to the Prime Minister's Office between 1995 and 1997.
Prime Minister and Legal Challenges
Samak became Prime Minister and Minister of Defence in 2008. His tenure was marked by protests from the People's Alliance for Democracy and legal disputes regarding his extracurricular activities. While in office, he hosted a television cooking program, which the Constitutional Court ruled to be an unconstitutional conflict of interest. This, alongside a libel conviction, led to his disqualification. He left office in 2008 and passed away in Bangkok in 2009.
Fast facts
- Born: 1935, Bangkok
- Died: 2009, Bangkok
- Education: Saint Gabriel's College, Thammasat University
- Prime Minister of Thailand: 2008
- Governor of Bangkok: 2000-2004
- Party: People's Power Party
- Award: Order of Friendship
Questions readers ask
Did Samak Sundaravej hold office as Minister of Defence?
Yes, he served as the Minister of Defence of Thailand in 2008.
Why was Samak Sundaravej disqualified from his position as Prime Minister?
The Constitutional Court ruled that his employment as a television chef for a private company was unconstitutional for a government minister.
Achievements
- Governor of Bangkok (2000–2004)
- Prime Minister of Thailand (2008–2008)
- Minister of Defence of Thailand (2008–2008)
- Member of the House of Representatives of Thailand (2007–2011)
- Order of Friendship
- Educated at Thammasat University and Saint Gabriel's College
