Siddhi Savetsila facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Siddhi Savetsila
PChW MPCh MWM PMN GCIH
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สิทธิ เศวตศิลา
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Siddhi Savetsila at the Catshuis in 1980
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| Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand | |
| In office 15 January 1986 – 5 August 1986 |
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| Prime Minister | Prem Tinsulanonda |
| Minister of Foreign Affairs | |
| In office 11 February 1980 – 26 August 1990 |
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| Prime Minister |
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| Preceded by | Upadit Pachariyangkun |
| Succeeded by | Subin Pinkayan |
| Minister to the Office of the Prime Minister | |
| In office 24 May 1979 – 11 February 1980 |
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| Prime Minister | Kriangsak Chamanan |
| Secretary-General of the National Security Council | |
| In office 1974–1980 |
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| Prime Minister |
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| Preceded by | Lek Neawmalee |
| Succeeded by | Prasong Soonsiri |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 7 January 1919 Bangkok, Thailand |
| Died | 5 December 2015 (aged 96) Bangkok, Thailand |
| Political party | Social Action (1983–1990) |
| Other political affiliations |
Free Thai Movement |
| Education | MIT: S.B., S.M. |
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| Signature |  |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Thailand |
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| Battles/wars | Pacific War |
Siddhi Savetsila (born January 7, 1919 – died December 5, 2015) was an important person in Thailand. He was an officer in the Thai air force. Later, he became a well-known politician.
He served as the Foreign Minister of Thailand for ten years, from 1980 to 1990. This means he was in charge of Thailand's relationships with other countries. After his time in the military, he reached the high rank of Air Chief Marshal. In 1991, he became a member of the Privy Council for King Bhumibol Adulyadej. This council advises the King. In 1985, he was also the president of the United Nations Security Council.
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About Siddhi Savetsila's Life
Siddhi Savetsila was born in Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand. His family was part of the Thai aristocracy, which means they were from a high-ranking social group. His father was an important official in the government.
His grandfather, Henry Alabaster, was British. He worked as a consul for Britain in Siam (the old name for Thailand). Later, he became an advisor to King Rama V. Siddhi's mother came from the powerful Bunnag family.
Education and Early Career
Siddhi studied engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States. He focused on metallurgy, which is the study of metals. He earned his first degree in 1943.
During World War II, he joined a group called the Free Thai Movement. This group worked against the Japanese forces that were in Thailand at the time. Siddhi helped the US intelligence agency, the Office of Strategic Services (OSS). The OSS later became the CIA. He even faced temporary detention by the Japanese. After the war, he went back to MIT and earned his master's degree in 1947.
Military and Government Roles
After his studies, Siddhi joined the Royal Thai Air Force. He rose through the ranks to become an Air Chief Marshal. From 1975 to 1980, he was the secretary-general of the National Security Council. This council helps protect the country. In this role, he helped Prime Minister Kriangsak Chomanan during the time Vietnam invaded Cambodia in 1978-1979.
In 1980, he became the Minister of Foreign Affairs. He kept this job when Prem Tinsulanonda became prime minister. As Thailand's representative at the United Nations (UN) and ASEAN, Siddhi believed in being firm with Vietnam. Vietnam was occupying Cambodia after 1979.
In 1983, Siddhi was elected as a member of parliament. In 1985, he became the leader of the Social Action Party. His party did well in the 1986 election. For a short time, he also served as Deputy Prime Minister.
Retirement from Politics
In August 1990, the new Prime Minister Chatichai Choonhavan removed Siddhi from his foreign minister role. The Prime Minister wanted a different approach to relations with communist countries in Southeast Asia. Siddhi's party faced challenges in the late 1980s. In September 1990, Siddhi stepped down as party chairman. A month later, he left parliament and the party completely, saying he was tired of politics. In 1991, King Bhumibol appointed him to his privy council.
Siddhi received special honorary degrees from several universities, including the University of the Philippines and the National University of Singapore. He also received many awards from Thailand and 14 other countries.
On May 8, 2000, he was one of five Free Thai veterans who received an award from the CIA director, George Tenet.
Siddhi Savetsila passed away on December 5, 2015, at the age of 96.
Awards and Honors
Foreign Honors
Malaysia : Honorary Commander of the Order of the Defender of the Realm (1983)
Portugal: Grand Cross of the Order of Prince Henry
United States: Medal of Freedom
Military Ranks
- Air Chief Marshal
- Volunteer Defense Corps Lieutenant Colonel
