Prem Tinsulanonda facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Prem Tinsulanonda
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เปรม ติณสูลานนท์
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Tinsulanonda in 2010
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| 16th Prime Minister of Thailand | |
| In office 3 March 1980 – 4 August 1988 |
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| Monarch | Bhumibol Adulyadej |
| Preceded by | Kriangsak Chamanan |
| Succeeded by | Chatichai Choonhavan |
| Regent of Thailand | |
| In office 13 October 2016 – 1 December 2016 |
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| Monarch | Vajiralongkorn |
| Prime Minister | Prayut Chan-o-cha |
| President of the Privy Council | |
| In office 4 September 1998 – 26 May 2019 |
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| Monarch | |
| Preceded by | Sanya Dharmasakti |
| Succeeded by | Surayud Chulanont |
| Minister of Defence | |
| In office 24 May 1979 – 5 August 1986 |
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| Prime Minister |
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| Preceded by | Kriangsak Chamanan |
| Succeeded by | Panieng Karntarat |
| Commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Army | |
| In office 2 October 1978 – 26 August 1982 |
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| Preceded by | Serm Na Nakhon |
| Succeeded by | Prayuth Jarumanee |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 26 August 1920 Nakhon Si Thammarat, Pak Tai, Siam (now Mueang Songkhla, Songkhla, Thailand) |
| Died | 26 May 2019 (aged 98) Phramongkutklao Hospital, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, Thailand |
| Political party | Independent |
| Alma mater |
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| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Thailand |
| Branch/service |  Royal Thai Army |
| Years of service | 1941–1986 |
| Rank | |
| Battles/wars |
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Prem Tinsulanonda (Thai: เปรม ติณสูลานนท์, RTGS: Prem Tinnasulanon) was an important Thai military leader and politician. He was born on August 26, 1920, and passed away on May 26, 2019. He served as the Prime Minister of Thailand for eight years, from 1980 to 1988.
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Early Life and Military Career
Prem Tinsulanonda was born in Songkhla Province, located in southern Thailand. His father, Luang Winittantagum, was the warden of the local prison. Prem often joked that he spent much of his childhood in prison because of this!
He attended Maha Vajiravudh Secondary School in Songkhla. Later, he went to Suankularb Wittayalai School in Bangkok. In 1941, he joined the Royal Thai Army Academy, which is now known as the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy.
Prem became a very respected army officer. He started his political journey in 1959. He was part of the committee that wrote the country's constitution. Over the years, he served as a Senator and a Member of Parliament. He also held important roles like Deputy Interior Minister and Minister of Defence.
General Prem is well-known for helping to end the fighting with the Communist Party of Thailand. He started talks that led to an amnesty, which meant many communist members could safely return home. This helped bring peace to Thailand in the 1980s.
Leading Thailand as Prime Minister
During his time as Prime Minister, Prem Tinsulanonda achieved many great things. He is praised for ending the communist uprising in the country. He also oversaw a period of fast economic growth for Thailand.
Later in his life, Prem became the President of the Privy Council of Thailand. This is a group of advisors to the King. When King Bhumibol Adulyadej passed away in 2016, Prem served as the Regent of Thailand. This meant he acted as the temporary head of state until the new King, Vajiralongkorn, was officially proclaimed.
Prem Tinsulanonda lived to be 98 years old, making him the longest-living Thai Prime Minister. He also became the oldest regent of any country.
During a political crisis in the mid-2000s, Prem, as the President of the Privy Council, strongly supported the ideas and projects of King Bhumibol. He encouraged Thai people to follow the King's advice. He also started several projects to help with education, reduce poverty, and bring people together. Being from the south of Thailand, he also worked to solve problems related to the South Thailand insurgency.
Personal Life and Contributions
Prem Tinsulanonda never married. He once famously said that he was "married" to the army, showing his deep dedication to his military career and country.
He was very active in many charity works, including the Prem Foundation. He also helped establish the Prem Tinsulanonda International School. This school opened in August 2001 in Chiang Mai Province. It has a large campus and welcomes students from many different countries.
Passing Away and Legacy
Prem Tinsulanonda passed away from heart failure on May 26, 2019, at the age of 98. He died at Phramongkutklao Hospital in Bangkok.
King Vajiralongkorn ordered a 21-day period of mourning for Prem. His royal funeral took place on December 8, 2019. The King and Queen, along with other royal family members, attended the cremation ceremony.
Many things have been named in honor of Prem Tinsulanonda to remember his contributions:
- The Tinsulanonda Bridge in Songkhla province was built to honor him. It connects different parts of the province and is a well-known landmark. People often call it "Pa Prem Bridge" or "Prem Bridge."
- The Prem Tinsulanonda Public Library was built in Khon Kaen Province. It serves the local community and military officers.
- Statues of Prem have been placed in different locations, including in Nakhon Ratchasima Province and his birthplace in Songkhla Province. These statues often carry the message, "Born to repay the land."
Honours and Awards
Prem Tinsulanonda received many high honors and awards from Thailand and other countries throughout his life. These awards recognized his long and dedicated service to his country.
Some of his notable Thai honors include:
- Knight of the Ancient and Auspicious Order of the Nine Gems
- Knight Grand Cross of the Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom Klao
- Knight Grand Commander of the Honourable Order of Rama
- Knight Grand Cordon of the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant
He also received medals for his military service, such as the Victory Medal for the Franco-Thai War and World War II.
His foreign honors include awards from countries like Sweden, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Germany, Japan, and Spain, showing his international recognition.
Images for kids
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US President Ronald Reagan during a working visit of Prime Minister Prem Tinsulanonda in the Oval Office in 1984
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Prem with Dutch Prime Minister Ruud Lubbers, 10 March 1987
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Prem as the President of Privy Council
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Prem in 2011
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See also
In Spanish: Prem Tinsulanonda para niños
