Seni Pramoj facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mom Rajawongse
Seni Pramoj
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เสนีย์ ปราโมช
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Seni in 1944
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| 6th Prime Minister of Thailand | |
| In office 20 April 1976 – 6 October 1976 |
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| Monarch | Bhumibol Adulyadej |
| Preceded by | Kukrit Pramoj |
| Succeeded by | Sangad Chaloryu (de facto) |
| In office 15 February 1975 – 13 March 1975 |
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| Monarch | Bhumibol Adulyadej |
| Preceded by | Sanya Dharmasakti |
| Succeeded by | Kukrit Pramoj |
| In office 17 September 1945 – 31 January 1946 |
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| Monarch | Ananda Mahidol |
| Preceded by | Thawi Bunyaket |
| Succeeded by | Khuang Aphaiwong |
| Minister of Defense | |
| In office 27 August 1976 – 23 September 1976 |
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| Prime Minister | himself |
| Preceded by | Tawich Seneewong |
| Succeeded by | Sangad Chaloryu |
| Minister of Interior | |
| In office 20 April 1976 – 6 October 1976 |
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| Prime Minister | himself |
| Preceded by | Kukrit Pramoj |
| Succeeded by | Samak Sundaravej |
| Leader of the Opposition | |
| In office 22 March 1975 – 12 January 1976 |
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| Prime Minister | Kukrit Pramoj |
| Preceded by | Thawit Klinprathum |
| Succeeded by | Boonteng Thongsawat |
| In office 12 February 1969 – 17 November 1971 |
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| Prime Minister | Thanom Kittikachorn |
| Preceded by | Khuang Aphaiwong |
| Succeeded by | Thawit Klinprathum |
| Minister of Justice | |
| In office 24 November 1947 – 21 February 1948 |
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| Prime Minister | Khuang Aphaiwong |
| Preceded by | Thawan Thamrongnawasawat |
| Succeeded by | Phraya Attargarinipon |
| Leader of the Democrat Party | |
| In office 1968–1979 |
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| Preceded by | Khuang Aphaiwong |
| Succeeded by | Thanat Khoman |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 26 May 1905 Nakhon Sawan, Nakhon Sawan, Siam (now Mueang Nakhon Sawan, Nakhon Sawan, Thailand) |
| Died | 28 July 1997 (aged 92) Bangkok Hospital, Huai Khwang, Bangkok, Thailand |
| Political party | Democrat |
| Other political affiliations |
Free Thai Movement |
| Spouse | Utsana Saligupta |
| Children |
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| Alma mater | Worcester College, Oxford |
| Profession | |
| Signature |  |
Mom Rajawongse Seni Pramoj (Thai: หม่อมราชวงศ์เสนีย์ ปราโมช, RTGS: Seni Pramot; 26 May 1905 – 28 July 1997) was an important Thai politician. He served as the Prime Minister of Thailand three times. He was also a lawyer, diplomat, and professor. Seni came from the Thai royal family, being a great-grandson of King Rama II. His younger brother, Kukrit Pramoj, also served as Prime Minister.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Seni Pramoj was born to Prince Khamrob and his mother, Daeng. He received a good education, starting at Trent College in England. Later, he studied law at Oxford University in England. He continued his legal studies in London, where he achieved high honors.
After finishing his education abroad, Seni returned to Thailand. He studied Thai law and worked at the Supreme Court for a short time. He then joined the Foreign Ministry. In 1940, he was sent to the United States to serve as Thailand's ambassador.
The Free Thai Movement
When Japan invaded Thailand on December 8, 1941, Seni Pramoj was the Thai ambassador in the United States. The Thai Prime Minister at the time, Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram, quickly made a deal with Japan. This allowed Japan to use Thai military bases for their invasion of Malaya and Burma.
On January 25, 1942, the Thai government declared war on Great Britain and the United States. However, Seni Pramoj refused to deliver Thailand's declaration of war to the U.S. government. Instead, he decided to organize a resistance group in the United States.
Seni and his staff at the embassy chose to support the Allied forces. He offered their help to the U.S. government. He believed that pro-Japanese people had forced Thailand to surrender early. Seni suggested using Thai money that was frozen in the U.S. to help the Allies. He also wanted to create a group of loyal Thais who loved their country. This group would act as a true Thai government while their home country was under Japanese control.
The U.S. State Department agreed to treat Seni as if he still represented Thailand. This allowed him to use the frozen Thai funds. Seni then helped identify other patriotic Thais who were against Japan. Many Thai students in the U.S. also chose to stay and support the Allies. They refused to return home after Thailand declared war. Like Seni, they saw Thailand as a victim of Japanese aggression.
Post-War Political Career
Seni Pramoj became Prime Minister on September 17, 1945, the day he returned to Bangkok. However, he found it difficult to work with his cabinet. Many members were loyal to Pridi Phanomyong, another powerful politician. Seni felt that some politicians were not in touch with Thailand's real political situation. This led to disagreements between Seni and Pridi.
In 1946, Seni and his brother joined the newly formed Democrat Party. This party was mostly made up of royalists and conservative people. Seni actively worked against Pridi. He even asked for an investigation into how some money from the U.S. was spent. An independent group, however, found no wrongdoing. They said the Free Thai movement had done a great job.
After King Ananda Mahidol's death, Seni and his party strongly criticized the government. They accused Pridi of being involved in the king's death. This accusation caused a lot of political tension.
In November 1947, the Democrat Party worked with some army officers. They helped to remove the government of Thawan Thamrongnawasawat. As a result, Seni was given a role in the new government led by Khuang.
Seni also gave a famous lecture in 1949. He spoke about King Mongkut as a lawmaker. Seni believed the King was the first true democrat in Thailand. He used the King's writings to show that even a slave could be elected as a judge if they were wise. Seni also used historical facts to correct misunderstandings from the novel and film Anna and the King of Siam.
The 1970s and Later Life
Seni Pramoj returned to his work as a lawyer. However, he remained active in the Democrat Party during times when the military ruled Thailand. He served as Prime Minister again for a short time from February 15 to March 13, 1975. After that, his younger brother, Kukrit Pramoj, became Prime Minister.
Kukrit's government did not last long. Seni Pramoj became Prime Minister for his final term on April 20, 1976. This was a very difficult time for Thailand. After a period of unrest and protests, the military took control. Seni was forced out of office on October 6, 1976. The military then put Tanin Kraivixien in charge.
After this, Seni decided to step down as the leader of the Democrat Party. He left politics for good. He continued to work as a lawyer until he retired.
Seni Pramoj passed away on July 28, 1997, at the age of 92. He died from heart and kidney problems at Bangkok Hospital.
Honours
Academic Achievements
- Professor at Thammasat University
- Professor at Chulalongkorn University
Images for kids
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Seni Pramoj's signature
See also
In Spanish: Seni Pramoj para niños
