Kowit Wattana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kowit Wattana
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โกวิท วัฒนะ
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| Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand | |
| In office 9 August 2011 – 18 January 2012 |
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| Prime Minister | Yingluck Shinawatra |
| In office 2 August 2008 – 9 September 2008 |
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| Prime Minister | Samak Sundaravej |
| Minister of Interior | |
| In office 2 August 2008 – 2 December 2008 |
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| Prime Minister |
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| Preceded by | Chalerm Yubamrung |
| Succeeded by | Chaovarat Chanweerakul |
| Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police | |
| In office 1 October 2004 – 2 December 2007 |
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| Preceded by | San Sarutanon |
| Succeeded by | Seripisut Temiyavet |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 11 March 1947 Phak Hai, Ayutthaya, Thailand |
| Died | 15 December 2025 (aged 78) Bangkok, Thailand |
| Political party | Pheu Thai Party |
| Alma mater | Royal Thai Police Cadet Academy |
| Profession | Police officer |
Kowit Wattana (Thai: โกวิท วัฒนะ; born 11 March 1947 – died 15 December 2025) was a respected Thai Police General and politician. He held important roles in Thailand's government. From 2004 to 2007, he led the Royal Thai Police as its Commissioner-General. In 2008, he served as the Minister of Interior. Later, from 2011 to 2012, he was a Deputy Prime Minister under Yingluck Shinawatra. Kowit was a member of the Pheu Thai Party.
Kowit Wattana's Early Life and Police Career
Kowit Wattana was born on March 11, 1947. His father was a teacher and a local official in Phak Hai District. Kowit attended the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School. He also graduated from the Royal Thai Police Cadet Academy.
He began his career as an officer with the Border Patrol Police. This special police unit works to protect Thailand's borders. Kowit served in this unit for 27 years.
From 1970 to 1975, he was part of a special Border Patrol Police company. They worked to maintain peace and order in Thailand. Later, he led police teams along a 120-kilometer section of the Thai-Burmese border. He then became the leader of the Border Patrol Police in all of northern Thailand.
In this role, he faced many challenges. He worked to stop illegal activities and serious crime problems. He also led efforts to restore order in the region. In 1994, he became the national commander of the Border Patrol Police. In 2004, he was appointed Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police. This was a very important leadership position.
Kowit Wattana's Political Journey
Following the 2006 coup d'état, Kowit Wattana took on new roles. He became a deputy chief of a special council. This council was in charge of guiding the country.
On September 22, this council gave General Wattana full authority over all police operations. He also became the head of a new National Police Commission. This commission worked to update laws about the police force. He was replaced by Seripisut Temiyavet in 2007.
On August 2, 2008, Kowit Wattana was appointed Deputy Prime Minister. He also became the Minister of Interior. He took over the Interior Minister role from Chalerm Yubamrung. On September 24, 2008, he continued as Minister of Interior in Somchai Wongsawat's government. He served until the government changed on December 2, 2008.
Kowit Wattana was an important member of the Pheu Thai Party. This party followed another political party that was no longer active. In September 2010, many thought he would become the party's chairman. However, he chose not to take the role and asked Yongyuth Wichaidit to continue.
On August 9, 2011, Kowit was appointed Deputy Prime Minister. He served in Yingluck Shinawatra's government. He left this position on January 18, 2012, due to a big change in the government team.
See also
In Spanish: Kowit Wattana para niños
