Samak Sundaravej
Encyclopedia
Samak Sundaravej ' onMouseout='HidePop("58097")' href="/topics/Royal_Thai_General_System_of_Transcription">RTGS:
Samak Suntharawet) was a Thai Chinese
politician who briefly served as the Prime Minister
of Thailand
and Minister of Defense in 2008, as well as the leader of the People's Power Party
in 2008.
, Thailand to Phraya Bumrungrajabhariphan (Samien Sundaravej) and his wife Khunying Umphan Bumrungrajabhariphan (Umphan Sundaravej). He was of Chinese
ancestry (ancestral surname Lee (李)) and had five siblings. Samak studied at Saint Gabriel's College
and Assumption Commercial College, then graduating from Thammasat University
. He also received diplomas from Chulalongkorn University
and Bryant & Stratton College.
Besides being a politician, Samak was a well-known television chef. For seven years before the military coup of September 2006, he had hosted a cooking show called Tasting, Ranting on the Thailand ITV television network and on Royal Thai Army Radio and Television. He said that when he became Prime Minister, he would also resume his career as a TV chef and did. However, it is illegal for a government minister to hold another job, and on 9 September 2008, the full bench of the Constitutional Court ruled that it was unconstitutional for him to work in a private company, (Thailand ITV) and disqualified him from office.
Samak was married to Khunying Surat Sundaravej, a financial adviser to the Charoen Pokphand Group
. He has two children with her.
. Having strong ties military, Samak became head of its renegade right-wing faction. In the 1976 general election, he defeated M. R. Kukrit Pramoj
and became Deputy Interior Minister in the cabinet of M. R. Seni Pramoj
. He quickly became prominent for arresting several allegedly far-left-wing activists.
In late August 1976, Seni sent Samak to Singapore
to persuade Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn
not to return to Thailand. Paul M. Handley contends, however, that Samak was a close confidant of Queen Sirikit and had been sent by King Bhumibol to guarantee royal support for the exiled Field Marshal. This charge is apparently supported by Samak's claim during a cabinet meeting that the King had endorsed Thanom's return.
On 5 October, Samak was removed from his ministerial position, and in reaction organised an anti-government demonstration calling for the removal of three liberal Democrat ministers he branded as being "communists". It had been said that Samak was involved in the 6 October 1976 Massacre
at Thammasat University
in which students were protesting against the return of a military dictator. Samak played a crucial role in instigating violence against the students he called "communists". The incident ended violently, the victims were brutally slaughtered and burnt.
Although in interviews he gave to CNN and al-Jazeera in 2008 Samak denied involvement in the 6 October 1976 massacre that officially left at least 46 dead, he also insisted that only one person was killed intentionally. Accounts from witnesses, documents and published reports clearly identify Samak as a program host on the "Armoured Brigade" radio station, a military-run ultra-right wing station that constantly expounded anti-communist and pro-right propaganda. Samak used this program to stir up hatred against student demonstrators at Thammasat University
, and intentionally disobeyed the Prime Minister's orders to "stop creating divisiveness." In defending the return of 1973-ousted Field Marshal Thanom over the radio, Samak told listeners that students demonstrating against the dictator's return were committing suicide.
Following the coup of 6 October 1976, Samak became Minister of the Interior in the administration of Tanin Kraivixien
, a royalist anti-Communist with a reputation for honesty. Samak immediately launched a campaign which saw hundreds of alleged leftists, many of whom were writers and other intellectuals, arrested.
In 1979 Samak founded the right-wing Prachakorn Thai Party. In the 1979 General Elections it defeated the incumbent Democrat Party by winning 29 of the 39 seats in Bangkok. In the 1983 General Elections it extended its base to 36 seats, and did not suffer too greatly from the Democrat surge in 1986.
In 1992, as Deputy Prime Minister in the Suchinda administration, Samak justified the military's brutal suppression of pro-democracy demonstrators by declaring that the government had the right to do so as long as the United States could send troops to kill people in other countries, a reference to the Gulf War which defeated Iraq led by Saddam Hussein taking place from 2 August 1990 to 28 February 1991. He remained unrepentant and continued to stand by his justification, stating that the military was merely trying to restore law and order after the pro-democracy demonstrators, which he branded as "troublemakers", had resorted to "mob rule".
From 2001 to 2006, the Thai Rak Thai was the ruling party under Prime Minister and its founder Thaksin Shinawatra. In 2006 the military staged a coup to remove Thaksin from power. His Thai Rak Thai party was dissolved on 30 May 2007 by the military appointed Constitutional Tribunal for violation of electoral laws. Members of the dissolved party formed a new party under the name People's Power Party.
In 2007 the People's Power Party came to power after the first election since the military coup ousted Thaksin in 2006. Samak, the party's leader, became Prime minister of Thailand. He was accused as being a proxy for the exiled Thaksin by his opponents and massive street protests by the PAD lead to him being sentenced to two years in jail, however that sentence was suspended pending appeal. On 25 September 2008, the Appeals Court upheld the two year jail sentence. Shortly afterwards he jumped bail and fled the country heading for the United States, supposedly in order to receive cancer treatment.
motion of no-confidence against Samak Sundaravej and 7 cabinet ministers in the parliament, to oust his coalition government. The marathon debate was held on 28 June.
Amid 4 months in power and public street protests by the People's Alliance for Democracy
(PAD), Samak and all 7 cabinet members survived the no-confidence motion. The 3 days of censure debate were finally terminated by the voting session on 27 June. As predicted by opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva
, of 442 MPs present, Samak got 280 votes of confidence and 162 votes of no-confidence.
(PPP) resigned from this post, effective Monday. The deputy leader of the party Yongyut Tiyapairat, was banned from politics for 5 years, after the Supreme Court affirmed vote buying charges against him. Then, Chiya Sasomsub was removed from office by another supreme court, for illegally concealing his wife's assets. The Constitutional Court ruled on 8 July that Noppadon and the entire cabinet violated the charter by failing to ask parliamentary approval for a Cambodia deal. Noppadon signed the agreement on June, to support Cambodia's bid to seek World Heritage status for the 900-year-old Preah Vihear
temple. The Opposition filed a petition with deputy Senate Speaker Nikom Wairatpanit to impeach Noppadon Pattama
over Preah Vihear Temple issue. Sathit Wongnongtoei submitted 141 signatures of MPs. Noppadon was accused of violating Article 190 and 270 of the Constitution. The Opposition filed the motion before Noppadon stepped down.
at Hua Hin
palace.
A few days after, 30,000 protesters led by the People's Alliance for Democracy
occupied Sundaravej's Government House compound in central Bangkok
so as to force him and his advisers to work out of a military command post. Riot police entered the occupied compound and delivered a court order for the eviction of protesters. Chamlong Srimuang
ordered 45 PAD guards to break into the main government building on Saturday. 3 regional airports remain closed and 35 trains between Bangkok and the provinces were cancelled. Protesters raided the Phuket International Airport
tarmac
on the resort island of Phuket Province
resulting in 118 flights cancelled or diverted, affecting 15,000 passengers. He returned ashen-faced from the meeting but soon recovered his brazen approach.
Protesters also blocked the entrance of the airports in Krabi
and Hat Yai
(which was later re-opened). Police issued arrest warrants for Sondhi Limthongkul
and 8 other protest leaders on charges of insurrection, conspiracy
, unlawful assembly
and refusing orders to disperse. Meanwhile, Gen Anupong Paochinda
stated: "The army will not stage a coup. The political crisis should be resolved by political means." Samak and the Thai Party ruling coalition called urgent parliamentary debate and session for 31 August.
On 2 September 2008, following the clashes between the pro and anti-government protesters which led to at least one pro government protesters death, Sundaravej declared a controversial state of emergency
. The state of emergency was lifted on 14 September 2008.http://www.hotelthailand.com/news/state-emergency-lifted-bangkok.html
On 9 September of the year, the Constitutional Court of Thailand
delivered a decision disqualifying Sundaravej from the premiership in accordance with the complaints lodged by the Senators and the Election Commission of Thailand
. However, Sundaravej's People's Power Party vowed to vote him back to the premiership, and he did not decline this nomination for prime minister as Kuthep Suthin Klangsang, PPP's deputy spokesman, said in a press release on 12 September: "Samak has accepted his nomination for prime minister. Samak said he is confident that parliament will find him fit for office, and that he is happy to accept the post. A majority of party members voted Thursday to reappoint Samak. Samak is the leader of our party so he is the best choice."
Despite objections from its coalition partners, the PPP, in an urgent meeting, unanimously decided to renominate Samak Sundaravej. Five coalition parties, namely Chart Thai, Matchima Thipataya, Pracharaj, Puea Pandin and Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana, unanimously agreed to support the People Power party (PPP) to set up the new government and vote for the person who should be nominated as the new prime minister. Chart Thai deputy leader Somsak Prissananantakul and Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana leader Chettha Thanajaro said the next prime minister who will be nominated on Friday. Caretaker prime minister Somchai Wongsawat
said PPP secretary-general Surapong Suebwonglee will notify the 5 parties who the PPP nominates to take office again. Some lawmakers, then said that they would propose an alternate candidate. Meanwhile, Thailand's army chief Gen. Anupong Paochinda
said he backed the creation of a unity government that would include all the country's parties, and he also asked for the lifting of a state of emergency that Samak imposed on 2 September.
(PPP) leadership.
Somchai Wongsawat
– the fugitive ex-P.M. Thaksin Shinawatra's brother-in-law, was ratified by the National Assembly of Thailand
as Prime Minister of Thailand
on 17 September, winning 298 votes against 163 votes for Abhisit Vejjajiva
.
(ConCourt) on 2 June 2008, and the Election Commission of Thailand
(ECT) submitted a similar complaint 29 July 2008. The complaints requested the ConCourt to decide whether the premiership of Samak Sundaravej is terminated upon Section 91, Section 182 Paragraph One (7) and Section 267 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand (2007)
.
On 9 September 2008, 15.30 hours, the ConCourt with Justice Chat Chonlaworn sitting as the President rendered its decision as follows:
1. The essence of the first complaint (Senators' Complaint) could be summarised as follows: as Sundaravej was a holder of the political position as a Prime Minister, he was under the subject of Section 267 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand (2007) prohibiting the Prime Minister and Ministers from having any position in a partnership, a company or an organisation carrying out business with a view to sharing profits or incomes or being an employee of any person. However, Sundaravej, who acknowledged the purpose of such Section so well, still worked for the Face Media Co., Ltd. as emcee of two cookery shows, Chim Pai Bon Pai (Tasting and Grumbling) and Yok Khayong Hok Mong Chao (All Set at 6 am), and ceased from such works just when the ECT received a complaint concerning the case. Therefore the Senators exercised their right under Section 91 requesting the President of the Senate to submit their complaint to the ConCourt to make a decision as said.
2. The essence of the second complaint (ECT's Complaint) could be summarised as follows: On 17 April 2008, Senator Ruangkrai Leekijwattana lodged with the ECT a complaint that Sundaravej, pending his premiership, worked for Face Media Co., Ltd. which was a private company having commercial purpose. This was in breach of Section 267 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand (2007) and led to the termination of his premiership as of the date the said prohibited act was performed. The ECT has appointed an inquisitorial panel to look into the case and discovered that it was a prima facie
case, so it unanimously resolved to forward the case to the ConCourt to make a decision as said.
3. Sundaravej, after having received a quo warranto
, represented to the accusation through submitting the letters dated 30 June, 14 and 25 August 2008 to the ConCourt, stated that:
4. The Constitutional Court considered that:
5. Therefore, the ConCourt, by the unanimous resolution, held that Sundaravej has performed the acts in breach of Section 267 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand (2007) which individually led to the termination of his premiership in accordance with Section 182 Paragraph One (7) of which, and called forth the vacating from office of the entire Council of Ministers under Section 180 Paragraph One (1). However, as the premiership has individually been terminated, all Ministers other than Sundaravej could remain in office as a caretaker government and continuing their functions until the new Council of Ministers is sworn in.
, said it planned to propose a parliamentary vote Wednesday on returning Samak to power: "Samak still has legitimacy. The party still hopes to vote him back unless he says no. Otherwise we have many other capable candidates."
On 10 September 2008, however, the PPP shied away from their earlier statement they would renominate Sundaravej and was apparently looking for an alternative candidate instead; with the new PM then scheduled to have bern nominated on 12 September 2008.
People Power Party
's deputy spokesman Kuthep Suthin Klangsang, on 12 September 2008, announced that: "Samak has accepted his nomination for prime minister. Samak said he is confident that parliament will find him fit for office, and that he is happy to accept the post. A majority of party members voted Thursday to reappoint Samak. Samak is the leader of our party so he is the best choice." Despite objections from its coalition partners, the PPP, in an urgent meeting, unanimously decided to renominate Samak Sundaravej. 5 coalition parties, namely Chart Thai, Matchima Thipataya, Pracharaj, Puea Pandin and Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana, unanimously agreed to support the People Power party (PPP) to set up the new government and vote for the person who should be nominated as the new prime minister. Chart Thai deputy leader Somsak Prissananantakul and Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana leader Chettha Thanajaro said the next prime minister who will be nominated on Friday. Caretaker prime minister Somchai Wongsawat
said PPP secretary-general Surapong Suebwonglee will notify the 5 parties who the PPP nominates to take office again. Some lawmakers, however, said they will propose an alternate candidate. Meanwhile, Thailand's army chief Gen. Anupong Paochinda
said he backed the creation of a unity government that would include all the country's parties, and he also asked for the lifting of a state of emergency that Samak imposed on 2 September.
The legal reasoning of the decision was also discussed in a Harvard Law School dissertation a full copy of which is available to the public.
faction of People Power Party (PPP) and the coalition parties boycotted the vote on a new Prime Minister, resulting in a lack of quorum and subsequent postponement of the vote.
The boycott was a sign of the depth of ill-feeling towards Samak from both his own party's members and coalition parties. Finally Samak gave up his re-election bid, allowing his party to choose new a nominee. The majority of his party and the coalition partners eventually voted for Somchai Wongsawat
, Deputy Prime Minister, to be the new premier.
Party MPs agreed to contest the 2007 election as candidates of the People's Power Party. This was after the Thai Rak Thai Party was dissolved by the Thai Supreme Court on 30 May 2007 and followed the ban on participating in politics for many former TRT party politicians, such as Newin Chidchob, Buriram and former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra
. Many other former TRT members have also formed their own parties, such as the Ruam Jai Thai and Puea Pandin parties.
Samak Sundaravej and former TRT Cabinet Minister Surapong Suebwonglee were elected People's Power Party leader and secretary general respectively on 24 August 2007. It was, also, widely known that Thaksin chose him to be the new head of his former party's members.
On 23 December 2007 General Election the PPP won 228 seats, sufficient to win the election ahead of the Democrat Party
but short of the 241 seats needed for a majority of the 480-seat house. He was able to form a six-party coalition, however, gaining a parliamentary majority of about two-thirds.
In a parliamentary vote on 28 January 2008, Samak was elected Prime Minister, receiving 310 votes against 163 for Abhisit Vejjejava of the Democrat Party. He was endorsed as Prime Minister by the king on the next day. On 6 February, his Cabinet, including himself as Minister of Defense, was endorsed by the king and sworn in. Sundaravej angrily insisted he was the country's real leader on 29 February 2008 despite the triumphant return from exile of deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra
, the man considered the driving force behind the new government.
Samak Sundaravej ended his campaign to regain his position on 12 September 2008. Mr Samak's decision was revealed on 11 September by Theerapol Nopparampa, his close aide, after he spent about 50 minutes meeting Mr Samak at his home and he told AP that Samak told him to tell "every reporter that he is going to step down from being the party leader and he will not accept the prime ministership." The ruling People's Power Party said earlier it was abandoning its bid to install Samak back in power. The announcements raise hopes of ending a political crisis buffeting the country. Leaders of the People Power Party had said since Tuesday that they would seek to restore Samak, but they need to convince five other parties in the coalition to go along with that choice. Some lawmakers have indicated they will propose an alternate candidate.
and underwent laser
surgery to remove a tumour and was treated at Bumrungrad International Hospital on 2 October 2008. He was discharged on 25 October. On the morning of 24 November 2009, it was reported that at 8:48 am Samak had died at Bumrungrad International Hospital of liver cancer
at the age of 74. Thaksin Shinawatra
, former Thai Prime Minister, said "My family and I express profound sorrow for the passing away of HE (His Excellency
) Samak but I will not be able to attend his funeral." Samak's funeral was held at Wat Benchamabophit
and his cremation
was held at Wat Debsirin. Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn
presided over the ceremonies, representing the King and Queen.
of Thailand:
|-
Royal Thai General System of Transcription
The Royal Thai General System of Transcription is the official system for rendering Thai language words in the Latin alphabet, published by the Royal Institute of Thailand...
Samak Suntharawet) was a Thai Chinese
Thai Chinese
The Thai Chinese are an overseas Chinese community who live in Thailand. Thailand is home to the largest, oldest, most prominent, and most integrated overseas Chinese community in the world with a population of approximately 9.5 million people...
politician who briefly served as the Prime Minister
Prime Minister of Thailand
The Prime Minister of Thailand is the head of government of Thailand. The Prime Minister is also the chairman of the Cabinet of Thailand. The post has existed since the Revolution of 1932, when the country became a constitutional monarchy....
of Thailand
Thailand
Thailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...
and Minister of Defense in 2008, as well as the leader of the People's Power Party
People's Power Party (Thailand)
The People's Power Party was a Thai political party founded on November 9, 1998 by Police Lieutenant Colonel Garn Tienkaew. The party leader was Somchai Wongsawat, the Party Secretary General was Surapong Suebwonglee, and the Party Spokesperson was Kuthep Saikrajarng...
in 2008.
Early life and family
Samak was born in BangkokBangkok
Bangkok is the capital and largest urban area city in Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or simply Krung Thep , meaning "city of angels." The full name of Bangkok is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom...
, Thailand to Phraya Bumrungrajabhariphan (Samien Sundaravej) and his wife Khunying Umphan Bumrungrajabhariphan (Umphan Sundaravej). He was of Chinese
Thai Chinese
The Thai Chinese are an overseas Chinese community who live in Thailand. Thailand is home to the largest, oldest, most prominent, and most integrated overseas Chinese community in the world with a population of approximately 9.5 million people...
ancestry (ancestral surname Lee (李)) and had five siblings. Samak studied at Saint Gabriel's College
Saint Gabriel's College
Saint Gabriel's College is a private Catholic school located in Bangkok, Thailand. The school was founded by the Brothers of Saint Gabriel in 1920 and is regarded as one of the leading schools in Thailand....
and Assumption Commercial College, then graduating from Thammasat University
Thammasat University
Thammasat University , or in brief TU , is Thailand's second oldest university. Officially established on 27 June 1934, the university was originally named by founder Pridi Banomyong, University of Moral Science and Politics , reflecting the political fervor of the time...
. He also received diplomas from Chulalongkorn University
Chulalongkorn University
Chulalongkorn University is the oldest university in Thailand and is the country's highest ranked university. It now has nineteen faculties and institutes. Regarded as the best and most selective university in Thailand, it consistently attracts top students from around the country...
and Bryant & Stratton College.
Besides being a politician, Samak was a well-known television chef. For seven years before the military coup of September 2006, he had hosted a cooking show called Tasting, Ranting on the Thailand ITV television network and on Royal Thai Army Radio and Television. He said that when he became Prime Minister, he would also resume his career as a TV chef and did. However, it is illegal for a government minister to hold another job, and on 9 September 2008, the full bench of the Constitutional Court ruled that it was unconstitutional for him to work in a private company, (Thailand ITV) and disqualified him from office.
Samak was married to Khunying Surat Sundaravej, a financial adviser to the Charoen Pokphand Group
Charoen Pokphand
The Charoen Pokphand Group is a transnational conglomerate that consists of three core businesses that operate in the agribusiness and food, retail and distribution, and the telecommunications industries with investment in 15 countries. Founded in 1921, the CP Group currently employs over 280,000...
. He has two children with her.
Political career
In 1968 Samak joined the opposition Democrat PartyDemocrat Party (Thailand)
The Democrat Party is Thailand's oldest political party and was the main coalition government party of the 23rd House of Representatives of Thailand. The Democrat Party's current leader is Abhisit Vejjajiva, incumbent opposition leader and former Prime Minister. The party upholds a conservative...
. Having strong ties military, Samak became head of its renegade right-wing faction. In the 1976 general election, he defeated M. R. Kukrit Pramoj
Kukrit Pramoj
Mom Rajawongse Kukrit Pramoj was a Thai politician and scholar. He was Speaker of the House of Representatives of Thailand 1973-1974 and was the thirteenth Prime Minister of Thailand, serving in office from 1975-1976.- Early years:Of royal descent, M.R...
and became Deputy Interior Minister in the cabinet of M. R. Seni Pramoj
Seni Pramoj
Mom Rajawongse Seni Pramoj was three times the prime minister of Thailand and a politician in the Democrat Party. A member of the Thai royal family, he was a descendant of King Rama II.-Biography:...
. He quickly became prominent for arresting several allegedly far-left-wing activists.
In late August 1976, Seni sent Samak to Singapore
Singapore
Singapore , officially the Republic of Singapore, is a Southeast Asian city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, north of the equator. An island country made up of 63 islands, it is separated from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor to its north and from Indonesia's Riau Islands by the...
to persuade Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn
Thanom Kittikachorn
Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn was a military dictator of Thailand. A staunch anti-Communist, Thanom oversaw a decade of military rule in Thailand from 1963 to 1973, until public protests which exploded into violence forced him to step down...
not to return to Thailand. Paul M. Handley contends, however, that Samak was a close confidant of Queen Sirikit and had been sent by King Bhumibol to guarantee royal support for the exiled Field Marshal. This charge is apparently supported by Samak's claim during a cabinet meeting that the King had endorsed Thanom's return.
On 5 October, Samak was removed from his ministerial position, and in reaction organised an anti-government demonstration calling for the removal of three liberal Democrat ministers he branded as being "communists". It had been said that Samak was involved in the 6 October 1976 Massacre
6 October 1976 Massacre
The Thammasat University Massacre, or Massacre of 6 October 1976 , was an attack on students and protesters that occurred on the campus of Thammasat University and at Sanam Luang in Bangkok. Students from various universities were demonstrating against the return to Thailand of Field Marshal...
at Thammasat University
Thammasat University
Thammasat University , or in brief TU , is Thailand's second oldest university. Officially established on 27 June 1934, the university was originally named by founder Pridi Banomyong, University of Moral Science and Politics , reflecting the political fervor of the time...
in which students were protesting against the return of a military dictator. Samak played a crucial role in instigating violence against the students he called "communists". The incident ended violently, the victims were brutally slaughtered and burnt.
Although in interviews he gave to CNN and al-Jazeera in 2008 Samak denied involvement in the 6 October 1976 massacre that officially left at least 46 dead, he also insisted that only one person was killed intentionally. Accounts from witnesses, documents and published reports clearly identify Samak as a program host on the "Armoured Brigade" radio station, a military-run ultra-right wing station that constantly expounded anti-communist and pro-right propaganda. Samak used this program to stir up hatred against student demonstrators at Thammasat University
Thammasat University
Thammasat University , or in brief TU , is Thailand's second oldest university. Officially established on 27 June 1934, the university was originally named by founder Pridi Banomyong, University of Moral Science and Politics , reflecting the political fervor of the time...
, and intentionally disobeyed the Prime Minister's orders to "stop creating divisiveness." In defending the return of 1973-ousted Field Marshal Thanom over the radio, Samak told listeners that students demonstrating against the dictator's return were committing suicide.
Following the coup of 6 October 1976, Samak became Minister of the Interior in the administration of Tanin Kraivixien
Tanin Kraivixien
Tanin Kraivixien or Thanin Kraivixien was the prime minister of Thailand between 1976 and 1977. Tanin is a son of Hae and Pa-ob Kraivixien, and is of Chinese-Thai descent. Tanin studied law at Thammasat University, graduating in 1948. He then went to the London School of Economics to continue with...
, a royalist anti-Communist with a reputation for honesty. Samak immediately launched a campaign which saw hundreds of alleged leftists, many of whom were writers and other intellectuals, arrested.
In 1979 Samak founded the right-wing Prachakorn Thai Party. In the 1979 General Elections it defeated the incumbent Democrat Party by winning 29 of the 39 seats in Bangkok. In the 1983 General Elections it extended its base to 36 seats, and did not suffer too greatly from the Democrat surge in 1986.
In 1992, as Deputy Prime Minister in the Suchinda administration, Samak justified the military's brutal suppression of pro-democracy demonstrators by declaring that the government had the right to do so as long as the United States could send troops to kill people in other countries, a reference to the Gulf War which defeated Iraq led by Saddam Hussein taking place from 2 August 1990 to 28 February 1991. He remained unrepentant and continued to stand by his justification, stating that the military was merely trying to restore law and order after the pro-democracy demonstrators, which he branded as "troublemakers", had resorted to "mob rule".
From 2001 to 2006, the Thai Rak Thai was the ruling party under Prime Minister and its founder Thaksin Shinawatra. In 2006 the military staged a coup to remove Thaksin from power. His Thai Rak Thai party was dissolved on 30 May 2007 by the military appointed Constitutional Tribunal for violation of electoral laws. Members of the dissolved party formed a new party under the name People's Power Party.
In 2007 the People's Power Party came to power after the first election since the military coup ousted Thaksin in 2006. Samak, the party's leader, became Prime minister of Thailand. He was accused as being a proxy for the exiled Thaksin by his opponents and massive street protests by the PAD lead to him being sentenced to two years in jail, however that sentence was suspended pending appeal. On 25 September 2008, the Appeals Court upheld the two year jail sentence. Shortly afterwards he jumped bail and fled the country heading for the United States, supposedly in order to receive cancer treatment.
Censure (no-confidence) motion
The Democrat Party, led by Sathit Wongnongtoei, on 18 June 2008 submitted to Deputy House Speaker Somsak Kiartsuranan a censureCensure
A censure is an expression of strong disapproval or harsh criticism. Among the forms that it can take are a stern rebuke by a legislature, a spiritual penalty imposed by a church, and a negative judgment pronounced on a theological proposition.-Politics:...
motion of no-confidence against Samak Sundaravej and 7 cabinet ministers in the parliament, to oust his coalition government. The marathon debate was held on 28 June.
Amid 4 months in power and public street protests by the People's Alliance for Democracy
People's Alliance for Democracy
The People's Alliance for Democracy also called the National Liberation Alliance - กลุ่มพันธมิตรกู้ชาติ, Thai Patriots Network or the Yellow Shirts - เสื้อเหลือง - was originally a coalition of protesters against Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister of Thailand. Its leaders include...
(PAD), Samak and all 7 cabinet members survived the no-confidence motion. The 3 days of censure debate were finally terminated by the voting session on 27 June. As predicted by opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva
Abhisit Vejjajiva
Abhisit Vejjajiva , , ; born Mark Abhisit Vejjajiva; 3 August 1964 in Newcastle upon Tyne) is a Thai politician who was the 27th Prime Minister of Thailand from 2008 to 2011 and is the current leader of the Democrat Party...
, of 442 MPs present, Samak got 280 votes of confidence and 162 votes of no-confidence.
Resignations and impeachment
Samak Sundaravej's 5-month-old government was in great trouble on 10 July 2008 after Pattama the third top official in the ruling People Power PartyPeople Power Party
People Power is a populist political movement in Australia that was Federally registered as a political party in March 2006. The party contested its first election in the Victorian state election, 2006.- Policies :...
(PPP) resigned from this post, effective Monday. The deputy leader of the party Yongyut Tiyapairat, was banned from politics for 5 years, after the Supreme Court affirmed vote buying charges against him. Then, Chiya Sasomsub was removed from office by another supreme court, for illegally concealing his wife's assets. The Constitutional Court ruled on 8 July that Noppadon and the entire cabinet violated the charter by failing to ask parliamentary approval for a Cambodia deal. Noppadon signed the agreement on June, to support Cambodia's bid to seek World Heritage status for the 900-year-old Preah Vihear
Prasat Preah Vihear
Preah Vihear Temple is a Hindu temple built during the reign of Khmer Empire, that is situated atop a cliff in the Dângrêk Mountains, in the Preah Vihear province, Cambodia...
temple. The Opposition filed a petition with deputy Senate Speaker Nikom Wairatpanit to impeach Noppadon Pattama
Noppadon Pattama
Noppadon Pattama , Thai politician, became Foreign Minister of Thailand on 6 February 2008, in the Cabinet of Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej. He is a member of Samak's People's Power Party...
over Preah Vihear Temple issue. Sathit Wongnongtoei submitted 141 signatures of MPs. Noppadon was accused of violating Article 190 and 270 of the Constitution. The Opposition filed the motion before Noppadon stepped down.
2008 political crisis
Even though the campaigns demanding Samak resign from the premiership were abundant, he remarked, "I will never resign in response to these threats. I will not dissolve the House. I will meet the king today to report what's going on." Later Samak met with King Bhumibol AdulyadejBhumibol Adulyadej
Bhumibol Adulyadej is the current King of Thailand. He is known as Rama IX...
at Hua Hin
Hua Hin
Hua Hin is a famous beach resort town in Thailand, in the northern part of the Malay Peninsula, some 200 km south of Bangkok. It has a population of 84,883 in an area of 911 km², and is one of eight districts of the Prachuap Khiri Khan province.Hua Hin is closely associated with the...
palace.
A few days after, 30,000 protesters led by the People's Alliance for Democracy
People's Alliance for Democracy
The People's Alliance for Democracy also called the National Liberation Alliance - กลุ่มพันธมิตรกู้ชาติ, Thai Patriots Network or the Yellow Shirts - เสื้อเหลือง - was originally a coalition of protesters against Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister of Thailand. Its leaders include...
occupied Sundaravej's Government House compound in central Bangkok
Bangkok
Bangkok is the capital and largest urban area city in Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or simply Krung Thep , meaning "city of angels." The full name of Bangkok is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom...
so as to force him and his advisers to work out of a military command post. Riot police entered the occupied compound and delivered a court order for the eviction of protesters. Chamlong Srimuang
Chamlong Srimuang
Major General Chamlong Srimuang is a controversial Thai activist and former politician. A former general, he was a leader of the "Young Turks" military clique, founded and led the Phalang Dharma party, served for six years as governor of Bangkok, led the anti-military uprising of May 1992, and...
ordered 45 PAD guards to break into the main government building on Saturday. 3 regional airports remain closed and 35 trains between Bangkok and the provinces were cancelled. Protesters raided the Phuket International Airport
Phuket International Airport
Phuket International Airport is an airport serving the Phuket Province of Thailand. It is located in the north of Phuket Island, 32 kilometres from the centre of Phuket City. The airport plays a major role in Thailand's tourism industry, as Phuket Island is a popular resort destination...
tarmac
Tarmac
Tarmac is a type of road surface. Tarmac refers to a material patented by Edgar Purnell Hooley in 1901...
on the resort island of Phuket Province
Phuket Province
Phuket , formerly known as Thalang and, in Western sources, Junk Ceylon , is one of the southern provinces of Thailand...
resulting in 118 flights cancelled or diverted, affecting 15,000 passengers. He returned ashen-faced from the meeting but soon recovered his brazen approach.
Protesters also blocked the entrance of the airports in Krabi
Krabi
Krabi is a town on the west coast of southern Thailand at the mouth of the Krabi River where it empties in Phangnga Bay. As of 2005 the town has a population of 24,986. The town is the capital of Krabi Province and Krabi district...
and Hat Yai
Hat Yai
Hat Yai is a city in southern Thailand near the Malaysian border. Located at , it has a population of 157,359 in the city itself and about 800,000 in the greater Hat Yai area. Hat Yai is the largest city of Songkhla Province, the largest metropolitan area in Southern, and third largest...
(which was later re-opened). Police issued arrest warrants for Sondhi Limthongkul
Sondhi Limthongkul
Sondhi Limthongkul is a Thai media mogul and leader of the right-wing People's Alliance for Democracy . He was elected for leader of the New Politics Party ....
and 8 other protest leaders on charges of insurrection, conspiracy
Conspiracy (crime)
In the criminal law, a conspiracy is an agreement between two or more persons to break the law at some time in the future, and, in some cases, with at least one overt act in furtherance of that agreement...
, unlawful assembly
Unlawful assembly
Unlawful assembly is a legal term to describe a group of people with the mutual intent of deliberate disturbance of the peace. If the group are about to start the act of disturbance, it is termed a rout; if the disturbance is commenced, it is then termed a riot.- Section 144 :Section 144 is a...
and refusing orders to disperse. Meanwhile, Gen Anupong Paochinda
Anupong Paochinda
General Anupong Paochinda is a former Commander in Chief of the Royal Thai Army. He held the position from 2007 until his retirement on 30 September 2010....
stated: "The army will not stage a coup. The political crisis should be resolved by political means." Samak and the Thai Party ruling coalition called urgent parliamentary debate and session for 31 August.
On 2 September 2008, following the clashes between the pro and anti-government protesters which led to at least one pro government protesters death, Sundaravej declared a controversial state of emergency
State of emergency
A state of emergency is a governmental declaration that may suspend some normal functions of the executive, legislative and judicial powers, alert citizens to change their normal behaviours, or order government agencies to implement emergency preparedness plans. It can also be used as a rationale...
. The state of emergency was lifted on 14 September 2008.http://www.hotelthailand.com/news/state-emergency-lifted-bangkok.html
On 9 September of the year, the Constitutional Court of Thailand
Constitutional Court of Thailand
The Constitutional Court of Thailand is an independent Thai court originally established under the 1997 Constitution with jurisdiction over the constitutionality of parliamentary acts, royal decrees, draft legislation, as well as the appointment and removal of public officials and issues regarding...
delivered a decision disqualifying Sundaravej from the premiership in accordance with the complaints lodged by the Senators and the Election Commission of Thailand
Election Commission (Thailand)
The Election Commission of the Kingdom of Thailand is an independent government agency and the sole Electoral Commission of Thailand tasked with overseeing Senate, House, local and district elections throughout the Kingdom of Thailand. Established by the Constitution, the Election Commission has...
. However, Sundaravej's People's Power Party vowed to vote him back to the premiership, and he did not decline this nomination for prime minister as Kuthep Suthin Klangsang, PPP's deputy spokesman, said in a press release on 12 September: "Samak has accepted his nomination for prime minister. Samak said he is confident that parliament will find him fit for office, and that he is happy to accept the post. A majority of party members voted Thursday to reappoint Samak. Samak is the leader of our party so he is the best choice."
Despite objections from its coalition partners, the PPP, in an urgent meeting, unanimously decided to renominate Samak Sundaravej. Five coalition parties, namely Chart Thai, Matchima Thipataya, Pracharaj, Puea Pandin and Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana, unanimously agreed to support the People Power party (PPP) to set up the new government and vote for the person who should be nominated as the new prime minister. Chart Thai deputy leader Somsak Prissananantakul and Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana leader Chettha Thanajaro said the next prime minister who will be nominated on Friday. Caretaker prime minister Somchai Wongsawat
Somchai Wongsawat
Somchai Wongsawat is a Thai politician, as well as former executive member of the People's Power Party whose political rights have been disfranchised by the Constitutional Court for five years....
said PPP secretary-general Surapong Suebwonglee will notify the 5 parties who the PPP nominates to take office again. Some lawmakers, then said that they would propose an alternate candidate. Meanwhile, Thailand's army chief Gen. Anupong Paochinda
Anupong Paochinda
General Anupong Paochinda is a former Commander in Chief of the Royal Thai Army. He held the position from 2007 until his retirement on 30 September 2010....
said he backed the creation of a unity government that would include all the country's parties, and he also asked for the lifting of a state of emergency that Samak imposed on 2 September.
Abandoned
Embattled Samak abandoned his bid to regain his Thailand Prime Minister post, and Teerapon Noprampa said Samak would also give up the ruling People's Power PartyPeople's Power Party
People's Power Party can refer to:* Lok Janshakti Party * People's Power Party * People’s Power party...
(PPP) leadership.
Somchai Wongsawat
Somchai Wongsawat
Somchai Wongsawat is a Thai politician, as well as former executive member of the People's Power Party whose political rights have been disfranchised by the Constitutional Court for five years....
– the fugitive ex-P.M. Thaksin Shinawatra's brother-in-law, was ratified by the National Assembly of Thailand
National Assembly of Thailand
The National Assembly of Thailand or the Parliament of Thailand is the legislative branch of the government of Thailand. The National Assembly of Thailand is a bicameral body, consisting of two chambers: the upper house, , and the lower house,...
as Prime Minister of Thailand
Prime Minister of Thailand
The Prime Minister of Thailand is the head of government of Thailand. The Prime Minister is also the chairman of the Cabinet of Thailand. The post has existed since the Revolution of 1932, when the country became a constitutional monarchy....
on 17 September, winning 298 votes against 163 votes for Abhisit Vejjajiva
Abhisit Vejjajiva
Abhisit Vejjajiva , , ; born Mark Abhisit Vejjajiva; 3 August 1964 in Newcastle upon Tyne) is a Thai politician who was the 27th Prime Minister of Thailand from 2008 to 2011 and is the current leader of the Democrat Party...
.
Court decision
The Senate President lodged a complaint with the Constitutional Court of ThailandConstitutional Court of Thailand
The Constitutional Court of Thailand is an independent Thai court originally established under the 1997 Constitution with jurisdiction over the constitutionality of parliamentary acts, royal decrees, draft legislation, as well as the appointment and removal of public officials and issues regarding...
(ConCourt) on 2 June 2008, and the Election Commission of Thailand
Election Commission (Thailand)
The Election Commission of the Kingdom of Thailand is an independent government agency and the sole Electoral Commission of Thailand tasked with overseeing Senate, House, local and district elections throughout the Kingdom of Thailand. Established by the Constitution, the Election Commission has...
(ECT) submitted a similar complaint 29 July 2008. The complaints requested the ConCourt to decide whether the premiership of Samak Sundaravej is terminated upon Section 91, Section 182 Paragraph One (7) and Section 267 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand (2007)
2007 Constitution of Thailand
A Permanent Constitution for the Kingdom of Thailand was drafted by a committee established by the military junta that abrogated the previous 1997 Constitution. On August 19, 2007, a referendum was held in which 59.3% of the voters voted in favor of the constitution...
.
On 9 September 2008, 15.30 hours, the ConCourt with Justice Chat Chonlaworn sitting as the President rendered its decision as follows:
1. The essence of the first complaint (Senators' Complaint) could be summarised as follows: as Sundaravej was a holder of the political position as a Prime Minister, he was under the subject of Section 267 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand (2007) prohibiting the Prime Minister and Ministers from having any position in a partnership, a company or an organisation carrying out business with a view to sharing profits or incomes or being an employee of any person. However, Sundaravej, who acknowledged the purpose of such Section so well, still worked for the Face Media Co., Ltd. as emcee of two cookery shows, Chim Pai Bon Pai (Tasting and Grumbling) and Yok Khayong Hok Mong Chao (All Set at 6 am), and ceased from such works just when the ECT received a complaint concerning the case. Therefore the Senators exercised their right under Section 91 requesting the President of the Senate to submit their complaint to the ConCourt to make a decision as said.
2. The essence of the second complaint (ECT's Complaint) could be summarised as follows: On 17 April 2008, Senator Ruangkrai Leekijwattana lodged with the ECT a complaint that Sundaravej, pending his premiership, worked for Face Media Co., Ltd. which was a private company having commercial purpose. This was in breach of Section 267 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand (2007) and led to the termination of his premiership as of the date the said prohibited act was performed. The ECT has appointed an inquisitorial panel to look into the case and discovered that it was a prima facie
Prima facie
Prima facie is a Latin expression meaning on its first encounter, first blush, or at first sight. The literal translation would be "at first face", from the feminine form of primus and facies , both in the ablative case. It is used in modern legal English to signify that on first examination, a...
case, so it unanimously resolved to forward the case to the ConCourt to make a decision as said.
3. Sundaravej, after having received a quo warranto
Quo warranto
Quo warranto is a prerogative writ requiring the person to whom it is directed to show what authority they have for exercising some right or power they claim to hold.-History:...
, represented to the accusation through submitting the letters dated 30 June, 14 and 25 August 2008 to the ConCourt, stated that:
- 3.1) he received no remunerationRemunerationRemuneration is the total compensation that an employee receives in exchange for the service they perform for their employer. Typically, this consists of monetary rewards, also referred to as wage or salary...
for being the emcee of both cookery TV programmes, but only 5,000 Baht as travelling costs.
- 3.2) he held no interests, shares or positions in the Face Media Co., Ltd. as well as received no salaries or other benefits from the said company.
- 3.3) as being the emcee of both programmes, he has been invited, not employed. This meant he was not an employee under the definition prescribed in the Labour Protection Act, BE 2541 (1998) and the Announcement of the Ministry of Interior Re: Labour Protection (No. 111).
- 3.4) as he has been seen on the said programmes after having assumed the premiership, those shows were pre-recorded for months and he has already ceased from being the emcee prior to having been in office.
4. The Constitutional Court considered that:
- 4.1) The spirit of this Constitution is to prevent against the conflict of interestConflict of interestA conflict of interest occurs when an individual or organization is involved in multiple interests, one of which could possibly corrupt the motivation for an act in the other....
which may cause the condition of misconduct—the condition compelled to choose between self-interest and public interest—to be occurred. Should a holder of the position offered by the public be mindful on his own interest beyond the public interest, he could conduct an abuse of his power. Therefor, the accomplishment of the spirit of the Constitution is not only to construct the term "employee" through the definition under the Civil and Commercial Code, the law on labour protection or the law on taxation, as each law contains different spirit and purposes of enforcement; as well as the said laws are at the lower class than the Constitution. The term "employee" under the Constitution holds broader meaning than that of any other laws, and should be interpreted in a general path. For which the Official Dictionary of Thai Words by the Royal Institute, 1999 VersionThe Royal Institute of ThailandThe Royal Institute of Thailand , or RIT in brief, is a Thai public agency called otherwise but having the status equivalent to an independent Department which is not subsidiary to any other agency but comes under the direct supervision of the Prime Minister of Thailand.The...
defined the term "employee" that "a person who works for any job; a person who agrees to work for other person, irrespective of how he is called."
- 4.2) Sundaravej gave an interview in the Sakul Thai Magazine vol 47 (Tuesday 23 October 2001) pp 37 that he was monthly paid 80,000 Baht for being the emcee of the said programmes. And pursuant to the letter Sundaravej replied to the Face Media Co., Ltd. on 25 December 2007 that he will do this work [being the emcee] without receiving anything as usual, this kind of letter has never been made by Sundaravej prior to being enquired by the ECT. As well as the affirmation of Sundaravej that he had received only the travelling costs from the Company was in contrary to the witnesses' testimonies and to the taxation evidences showing that what Sundaravej previously received was the payments for working, not only the travelling costs as he represented.
- 4.3) As Sundaravej defended himself that the programmes aired after he was in office and were pre-recorded months before he came in; however, in one of the said programmes Sundaravej stated that: "...Came again those people who wanted to find a person to replace Mr Samak as boisterously appeared on the news. Yes, that group, the group which delivered an ultimatum to Mr Samak to resign. They newly discovered that the programme 'Tasting and Grumbling' was in breach of law. Because, as I assumed the premiership...and you know, they said that it [the Constitution] told that I was unable to be a temporary employee, permanent employee...But, I have to fill my words into your ears that after having been in the premiership for three months, I am engaging in such work still. Because I have got some counsels from the top legal advisers that..." This was a defence contrary per se.
- 4.4) These were the clear traces of guilt. According to the conclusion of fact, it could be concluded that Sundaravej was an employee to the said Company. Moreover, three Constitutional judges deemed that Sundaravej portrait and the picture of rose apple mocking Sundaravej’s nose using as a logo of the "Tasting and Grumbling" programme as well the status of being an emcee and the use of the name "Tasting and Grumbling", a popular quote of Sundaravej, were the acts of engaging in a joint affair with a commercial purpose which were in breach of Section 267 of the Constitution. And another six judges deemed that it was not necessary to further decide as to what position Sundaravej held in the said Company, as he was manifestly breached the law.
5. Therefore, the ConCourt, by the unanimous resolution, held that Sundaravej has performed the acts in breach of Section 267 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand (2007) which individually led to the termination of his premiership in accordance with Section 182 Paragraph One (7) of which, and called forth the vacating from office of the entire Council of Ministers under Section 180 Paragraph One (1). However, as the premiership has individually been terminated, all Ministers other than Sundaravej could remain in office as a caretaker government and continuing their functions until the new Council of Ministers is sworn in.
Reactions following the decision delivery
Karn Tienkaew, deputy leader of Samak's People's Power PartyPeople's Power Party
People's Power Party can refer to:* Lok Janshakti Party * People's Power Party * People’s Power party...
, said it planned to propose a parliamentary vote Wednesday on returning Samak to power: "Samak still has legitimacy. The party still hopes to vote him back unless he says no. Otherwise we have many other capable candidates."
On 10 September 2008, however, the PPP shied away from their earlier statement they would renominate Sundaravej and was apparently looking for an alternative candidate instead; with the new PM then scheduled to have bern nominated on 12 September 2008.
People Power Party
People Power Party
People Power is a populist political movement in Australia that was Federally registered as a political party in March 2006. The party contested its first election in the Victorian state election, 2006.- Policies :...
's deputy spokesman Kuthep Suthin Klangsang, on 12 September 2008, announced that: "Samak has accepted his nomination for prime minister. Samak said he is confident that parliament will find him fit for office, and that he is happy to accept the post. A majority of party members voted Thursday to reappoint Samak. Samak is the leader of our party so he is the best choice." Despite objections from its coalition partners, the PPP, in an urgent meeting, unanimously decided to renominate Samak Sundaravej. 5 coalition parties, namely Chart Thai, Matchima Thipataya, Pracharaj, Puea Pandin and Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana, unanimously agreed to support the People Power party (PPP) to set up the new government and vote for the person who should be nominated as the new prime minister. Chart Thai deputy leader Somsak Prissananantakul and Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana leader Chettha Thanajaro said the next prime minister who will be nominated on Friday. Caretaker prime minister Somchai Wongsawat
Somchai Wongsawat
Somchai Wongsawat is a Thai politician, as well as former executive member of the People's Power Party whose political rights have been disfranchised by the Constitutional Court for five years....
said PPP secretary-general Surapong Suebwonglee will notify the 5 parties who the PPP nominates to take office again. Some lawmakers, however, said they will propose an alternate candidate. Meanwhile, Thailand's army chief Gen. Anupong Paochinda
Anupong Paochinda
General Anupong Paochinda is a former Commander in Chief of the Royal Thai Army. He held the position from 2007 until his retirement on 30 September 2010....
said he backed the creation of a unity government that would include all the country's parties, and he also asked for the lifting of a state of emergency that Samak imposed on 2 September.
The legal reasoning of the decision was also discussed in a Harvard Law School dissertation a full copy of which is available to the public.
Disapproval of Samak
On 12 September 2008, however, the IsanIsan
Isan is the northeastern region of Thailand. It is located on the Khorat Plateau, bordered by the Mekong River to the north and east, by Cambodia to the southeast and the Prachinburi mountains south of Nakhon Ratchasima...
faction of People Power Party (PPP) and the coalition parties boycotted the vote on a new Prime Minister, resulting in a lack of quorum and subsequent postponement of the vote.
The boycott was a sign of the depth of ill-feeling towards Samak from both his own party's members and coalition parties. Finally Samak gave up his re-election bid, allowing his party to choose new a nominee. The majority of his party and the coalition partners eventually voted for Somchai Wongsawat
Somchai Wongsawat
Somchai Wongsawat is a Thai politician, as well as former executive member of the People's Power Party whose political rights have been disfranchised by the Constitutional Court for five years....
, Deputy Prime Minister, to be the new premier.
Political profile
- Member of Democrat PartyDemocrat Party (Thailand)The Democrat Party is Thailand's oldest political party and was the main coalition government party of the 23rd House of Representatives of Thailand. The Democrat Party's current leader is Abhisit Vejjajiva, incumbent opposition leader and former Prime Minister. The party upholds a conservative...
(1968–1976) - Member of Parliament (1973–1975, 1976, 1979–1983, 1986–1990, 1992–2000, 2008)
- Founder and Leader of Prachakornthai Party (Thai Citizen Party) (1979–2000)
- Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives (1975–1976)
- Deputy Minister of Interior (1976)
- Minister of Interior (1976–1977)
- Minister of Transport (1983–1986, 1990–1991)
- Governor of Bangkok (2000–2004)
- Senator-elected (2006; later nullified by coup d'état)
- Leader of People's Power PartyPeople's Power Party (Thailand)The People's Power Party was a Thai political party founded on November 9, 1998 by Police Lieutenant Colonel Garn Tienkaew. The party leader was Somchai Wongsawat, the Party Secretary General was Surapong Suebwonglee, and the Party Spokesperson was Kuthep Saikrajarng...
(2007–2008) - Prime MinisterPrime Minister of ThailandThe Prime Minister of Thailand is the head of government of Thailand. The Prime Minister is also the chairman of the Cabinet of Thailand. The post has existed since the Revolution of 1932, when the country became a constitutional monarchy....
(2008)
The leader of People's Power Party
On 29 July 2007, some former members of the Thai Rak ThaiThai Rak Thai
The Thai Rak Thai Party was a Thai political party that was officially banned on May 30, 2007, by the Constitutional Court of Thailand due to violations of electoral laws during the 2006 legislative elections. From 2001 to 2006, it was the ruling party under Prime Minister and its founder Thaksin...
Party MPs agreed to contest the 2007 election as candidates of the People's Power Party. This was after the Thai Rak Thai Party was dissolved by the Thai Supreme Court on 30 May 2007 and followed the ban on participating in politics for many former TRT party politicians, such as Newin Chidchob, Buriram and former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra
Thaksin Shinawatra
Thaksin Shinawatra is a Thai businessman and politician, who was Prime Minister of Thailand from 2001 to 2006, when he was overthrown in a military coup....
. Many other former TRT members have also formed their own parties, such as the Ruam Jai Thai and Puea Pandin parties.
Samak Sundaravej and former TRT Cabinet Minister Surapong Suebwonglee were elected People's Power Party leader and secretary general respectively on 24 August 2007. It was, also, widely known that Thaksin chose him to be the new head of his former party's members.
On 23 December 2007 General Election the PPP won 228 seats, sufficient to win the election ahead of the Democrat Party
Democrat Party (Thailand)
The Democrat Party is Thailand's oldest political party and was the main coalition government party of the 23rd House of Representatives of Thailand. The Democrat Party's current leader is Abhisit Vejjajiva, incumbent opposition leader and former Prime Minister. The party upholds a conservative...
but short of the 241 seats needed for a majority of the 480-seat house. He was able to form a six-party coalition, however, gaining a parliamentary majority of about two-thirds.
In a parliamentary vote on 28 January 2008, Samak was elected Prime Minister, receiving 310 votes against 163 for Abhisit Vejjejava of the Democrat Party. He was endorsed as Prime Minister by the king on the next day. On 6 February, his Cabinet, including himself as Minister of Defense, was endorsed by the king and sworn in. Sundaravej angrily insisted he was the country's real leader on 29 February 2008 despite the triumphant return from exile of deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra
Thaksin Shinawatra
Thaksin Shinawatra is a Thai businessman and politician, who was Prime Minister of Thailand from 2001 to 2006, when he was overthrown in a military coup....
, the man considered the driving force behind the new government.
Samak Sundaravej ended his campaign to regain his position on 12 September 2008. Mr Samak's decision was revealed on 11 September by Theerapol Nopparampa, his close aide, after he spent about 50 minutes meeting Mr Samak at his home and he told AP that Samak told him to tell "every reporter that he is going to step down from being the party leader and he will not accept the prime ministership." The ruling People's Power Party said earlier it was abandoning its bid to install Samak back in power. The announcements raise hopes of ending a political crisis buffeting the country. Leaders of the People Power Party had said since Tuesday that they would seek to restore Samak, but they need to convince five other parties in the coalition to go along with that choice. Some lawmakers have indicated they will propose an alternate candidate.
Death
At age 73 Samak admitted he had liver cancerLiver cancer
Liver tumors or hepatic tumors are tumors or growths on or in the liver . Several distinct types of tumors can develop in the liver because the liver is made up of various cell types. These growths can be benign or malignant...
and underwent laser
Laser
A laser is a device that emits light through a process of optical amplification based on the stimulated emission of photons. The term "laser" originated as an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation...
surgery to remove a tumour and was treated at Bumrungrad International Hospital on 2 October 2008. He was discharged on 25 October. On the morning of 24 November 2009, it was reported that at 8:48 am Samak had died at Bumrungrad International Hospital of liver cancer
Liver cancer
Liver tumors or hepatic tumors are tumors or growths on or in the liver . Several distinct types of tumors can develop in the liver because the liver is made up of various cell types. These growths can be benign or malignant...
at the age of 74. Thaksin Shinawatra
Thaksin Shinawatra
Thaksin Shinawatra is a Thai businessman and politician, who was Prime Minister of Thailand from 2001 to 2006, when he was overthrown in a military coup....
, former Thai Prime Minister, said "My family and I express profound sorrow for the passing away of HE (His Excellency
Excellency
Excellency is an honorific style given to certain members of an organization or state.Usually, people styled "Excellency" are heads of state, heads of government, governors, ambassadors, certain ecclesiastics, royalty, aristocracy, and military, and others holding equivalent rank .It is...
) Samak but I will not be able to attend his funeral." Samak's funeral was held at Wat Benchamabophit
Wat Benchamabophit
Wat Benchamabophit Dusitvanaram is a Buddhist temple in the Dusit district of Bangkok, Thailand. Also known as the marble temple, it is one of Bangkok's most beautiful temples and a major tourist attraction...
and his cremation
Cremation
Cremation is the process of reducing bodies to basic chemical compounds such as gasses and bone fragments. This is accomplished through high-temperature burning, vaporization and oxidation....
was held at Wat Debsirin. Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn
Maha Vajiralongkorn
Somdet Phra Boromma-orasathirat Chao Fa Maha Vajiralongkorn Sayammakutratchakuman is the only son of Bhumibol Adulyadej, the King of Thailand, and Queen Sirikit...
presided over the ceremonies, representing the King and Queen.
Royal decorations
Samak has received the following royal decorations in the Honours SystemThai Honours Order of Precedence
State decorations awarded by Thailand take the form of orders and medals. This page lists them by order of precedence.-Royal decorations:# Knight and Dame of the Most Auspicious Order of the Rajamitrabhorn...
of Thailand:
- 1974 –
_ribbon.png)
Commander (Third Class) of The Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand - 1975 –
_ribbon.png)
Commander (Third Class) of the Most Exalted Order of the White ElephantOrder of the White ElephantThe Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant is the most awarded order of Thailand. It was established in 1861 by King Rama IV of the Kingdom of Siam.The Order consists of eight classes:... - 1976 –
_ribbon.png)
Knight Commander (Second Class) of The Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand - 1977 –
_ribbon.png)
King Rama IXBhumibol AdulyadejBhumibol Adulyadej is the current King of Thailand. He is known as Rama IX...
Royal Cypher Medal, 2nd Class - 1979 –
_ribbon.png)
Knight Grand Cross (First Class) of the Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand - 1981 –
_ribbon.png)
Knight Grand Cross (First Class) of the Most Exalted Order of the White ElephantOrder of the White ElephantThe Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant is the most awarded order of Thailand. It was established in 1861 by King Rama IV of the Kingdom of Siam.The Order consists of eight classes:... - 1983 –
_ribbon.png)
Knight Grand Cordon (Special Class) of the Most Exalted Order of the White ElephantOrder of the White ElephantThe Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant is the most awarded order of Thailand. It was established in 1861 by King Rama IV of the Kingdom of Siam.The Order consists of eight classes:... - 1984 –
_ribbon.png)
Knight Commander (Second Class, lower grade) of The Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom KlaoOrder of Chula Chom KlaoThe Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom Klao was established in 16 November 1873 by King Rama V of The Kingdom of Siam to commemorate the 90th Jubilee of the Chakri Dynasty, and bears his Name... - 1984 –
_ribbon.png)
Knight Grand Cordon (Special Class) of The Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand - 1996 –
_ribbon.png)
Knight Grand Cross (First Class) of the Most Admirable Order of the DirekgunabhornOrder of the DirekgunabhornThe Most Admirable Order of the Direkgunabhorn was established by King Rama IX on 22 July 1991 to be bestowed upon those who have rendered devotional services to the Kingdom of Thailand.... - 2002 –
_ribbon.png)
Knight Grand Commander (Second Class, higher grade) of the Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom KlaoOrder of Chula Chom KlaoThe Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom Klao was established in 16 November 1873 by King Rama V of The Kingdom of Siam to commemorate the 90th Jubilee of the Chakri Dynasty, and bears his Name...
Samak cabinet
This Cabinet was active from 29 January 2008 to 9 September 2008| Position | Name | Party |
|---|---|---|
| Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Prime Minister of Thailand The Prime Minister of Thailand is the head of government of Thailand. The Prime Minister is also the chairman of the Cabinet of Thailand. The post has existed since the Revolution of 1932, when the country became a constitutional monarchy.... |
Samak Sundaravej | PPP People's Power Party (Thailand) The People's Power Party was a Thai political party founded on November 9, 1998 by Police Lieutenant Colonel Garn Tienkaew. The party leader was Somchai Wongsawat, the Party Secretary General was Surapong Suebwonglee, and the Party Spokesperson was Kuthep Saikrajarng... |
| Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Ministry of Education (Thailand) The Ministry of Education , is a Thai government body responsible for the oversight of education in Thailand.-External links:* - Official Website in Thai* - Official Website in English... |
Somchai Wongsawat Somchai Wongsawat Somchai Wongsawat is a Thai politician, as well as former executive member of the People's Power Party whose political rights have been disfranchised by the Constitutional Court for five years.... |
PPP People's Power Party (Thailand) The People's Power Party was a Thai political party founded on November 9, 1998 by Police Lieutenant Colonel Garn Tienkaew. The party leader was Somchai Wongsawat, the Party Secretary General was Surapong Suebwonglee, and the Party Spokesperson was Kuthep Saikrajarng... |
| Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Ministry of Commerce (Thailand) The Ministry of Commerce of the Kingdom of Thailand is a Cabinet ministry in the Government of Thailand. The head of the ministry is called the Minister of Commerce, he is a member of the Cabinet of Thailand... |
Mingkwan Saengsuwan | PPP People's Power Party (Thailand) The People's Power Party was a Thai political party founded on November 9, 1998 by Police Lieutenant Colonel Garn Tienkaew. The party leader was Somchai Wongsawat, the Party Secretary General was Surapong Suebwonglee, and the Party Spokesperson was Kuthep Saikrajarng... |
| Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Finance minister The finance minister is a cabinet position in a government.A minister of finance has many different jobs in a government. He or she helps form the government budget, stimulate the economy, and control finances... |
Surapong Suebwonglee | PPP People's Power Party (Thailand) The People's Power Party was a Thai political party founded on November 9, 1998 by Police Lieutenant Colonel Garn Tienkaew. The party leader was Somchai Wongsawat, the Party Secretary General was Surapong Suebwonglee, and the Party Spokesperson was Kuthep Saikrajarng... |
| Deputy Prime Minister Deputy Prime Minister A deputy prime minister or vice prime minister is, in some counties, a government minister who can take the position of acting prime minister when the prime minister is temporarily absent. The position is often likened to that of a vice president, but is significantly different, though both... |
Sahat Banditkul | – |
| Deputy Prime Minister Deputy Prime Minister A deputy prime minister or vice prime minister is, in some counties, a government minister who can take the position of acting prime minister when the prime minister is temporarily absent. The position is often likened to that of a vice president, but is significantly different, though both... |
Sanan Kachornprasart Sanan Kachornprasart Sanan Kachornprasart is a Thai politician and military officer . He was deputy prime minister in the cabinet of Abhisit Vejjajiva, and is Chief Adviser of the Chartthaipattana Party.-Military service:... |
CTP |
| Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Industry | Suwit Khunkitti | Puea Pandin Party For the Motherland Motherland Party was a Thai political party founded on September 11, 2007, by more than 200 politicians including defectors from the Thai Rak Thai Party . Before the general election 2011, it merged with the National Development Party to form the Chart Pattana Puea Pandin Party. The Puea Pandin... |
| Minister for the PM's Office | Choosak Sirinin | PPP People's Power Party (Thailand) The People's Power Party was a Thai political party founded on November 9, 1998 by Police Lieutenant Colonel Garn Tienkaew. The party leader was Somchai Wongsawat, the Party Secretary General was Surapong Suebwonglee, and the Party Spokesperson was Kuthep Saikrajarng... |
| Minister for the PM's Office | Jakrapob Penkair | PPP People's Power Party (Thailand) The People's Power Party was a Thai political party founded on November 9, 1998 by Police Lieutenant Colonel Garn Tienkaew. The party leader was Somchai Wongsawat, the Party Secretary General was Surapong Suebwonglee, and the Party Spokesperson was Kuthep Saikrajarng... |
| Minister of Agriculture Ministry of Agriculture An agriculture ministry or department of agriculture is a ministry or other government agency charged with agriculture. The ministry is often headed by a minister for agriculture.... |
Somsak Prissanananthakul | CTP |
| Deputy Minister of Agriculture Ministry of Agriculture An agriculture ministry or department of agriculture is a ministry or other government agency charged with agriculture. The ministry is often headed by a minister for agriculture.... |
Sompat Kaewpichit | CTP |
| Deputy Minister of Agriculture Ministry of Agriculture An agriculture ministry or department of agriculture is a ministry or other government agency charged with agriculture. The ministry is often headed by a minister for agriculture.... |
Teerachai Saenkaew | PPP People's Power Party (Thailand) The People's Power Party was a Thai political party founded on November 9, 1998 by Police Lieutenant Colonel Garn Tienkaew. The party leader was Somchai Wongsawat, the Party Secretary General was Surapong Suebwonglee, and the Party Spokesperson was Kuthep Saikrajarng... |
| Deputy Minister of Commerce Ministry of Commerce (Thailand) The Ministry of Commerce of the Kingdom of Thailand is a Cabinet ministry in the Government of Thailand. The head of the ministry is called the Minister of Commerce, he is a member of the Cabinet of Thailand... |
Banyin Tangphakorn | MCMP Neutral Democratic Party The Neutral Democratic Party was a Thai political party founded in 2006 by Somsak Thepsuthin, a former Thai Rak Thai party Cabinet Minister... |
| Deputy Minister of Commerce Ministry of Commerce (Thailand) The Ministry of Commerce of the Kingdom of Thailand is a Cabinet ministry in the Government of Thailand. The head of the ministry is called the Minister of Commerce, he is a member of the Cabinet of Thailand... |
Virun Techapaibul | PPP People's Power Party (Thailand) The People's Power Party was a Thai political party founded on November 9, 1998 by Police Lieutenant Colonel Garn Tienkaew. The party leader was Somchai Wongsawat, the Party Secretary General was Surapong Suebwonglee, and the Party Spokesperson was Kuthep Saikrajarng... |
| Minister of Culture | Anusorn Wongwan | PPP People's Power Party (Thailand) The People's Power Party was a Thai political party founded on November 9, 1998 by Police Lieutenant Colonel Garn Tienkaew. The party leader was Somchai Wongsawat, the Party Secretary General was Surapong Suebwonglee, and the Party Spokesperson was Kuthep Saikrajarng... |
| Deputy Minister of Education Ministry of Education (Thailand) The Ministry of Education , is a Thai government body responsible for the oversight of education in Thailand.-External links:* - Official Website in Thai* - Official Website in English... |
Boonlue Prasertsopha | PPP People's Power Party (Thailand) The People's Power Party was a Thai political party founded on November 9, 1998 by Police Lieutenant Colonel Garn Tienkaew. The party leader was Somchai Wongsawat, the Party Secretary General was Surapong Suebwonglee, and the Party Spokesperson was Kuthep Saikrajarng... |
| Deputy Minister of Education Ministry of Education (Thailand) The Ministry of Education , is a Thai government body responsible for the oversight of education in Thailand.-External links:* - Official Website in Thai* - Official Website in English... |
Pongsakorn Annopporn | PPP People's Power Party (Thailand) The People's Power Party was a Thai political party founded on November 9, 1998 by Police Lieutenant Colonel Garn Tienkaew. The party leader was Somchai Wongsawat, the Party Secretary General was Surapong Suebwonglee, and the Party Spokesperson was Kuthep Saikrajarng... |
| Minister for Energy | Lieutanent General Poonpirom Litapanlop | RJCPP Thais United National Development Party The Chart Pattana Puea Pandin Party is a Thai political party. It is the official continuation of the Ruam Chart Pattana Party, and was formed in 2011 by the merger of this party with the Puea Pandin Party. The leader of the party is Wannarat Channukul... |
| Deputy Minister of Finance | Pradit Pattaraprasit | RJCPP Thais United National Development Party The Chart Pattana Puea Pandin Party is a Thai political party. It is the official continuation of the Ruam Chart Pattana Party, and was formed in 2011 by the merger of this party with the Puea Pandin Party. The leader of the party is Wannarat Channukul... |
| Deputy Minister of Finance | Ranongrak Suwanchawee | Puea Pandin Party For the Motherland Motherland Party was a Thai political party founded on September 11, 2007, by more than 200 politicians including defectors from the Thai Rak Thai Party . Before the general election 2011, it merged with the National Development Party to form the Chart Pattana Puea Pandin Party. The Puea Pandin... |
| Minister of Foreign Affairs | Noppadon Pattama Noppadon Pattama Noppadon Pattama , Thai politician, became Foreign Minister of Thailand on 6 February 2008, in the Cabinet of Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej. He is a member of Samak's People's Power Party... |
PPP People's Power Party (Thailand) The People's Power Party was a Thai political party founded on November 9, 1998 by Police Lieutenant Colonel Garn Tienkaew. The party leader was Somchai Wongsawat, the Party Secretary General was Surapong Suebwonglee, and the Party Spokesperson was Kuthep Saikrajarng... |
| Minister of Information and Communication Technology | Man Pattanotai | Puea Pandin Party For the Motherland Motherland Party was a Thai political party founded on September 11, 2007, by more than 200 politicians including defectors from the Thai Rak Thai Party . Before the general election 2011, it merged with the National Development Party to form the Chart Pattana Puea Pandin Party. The Puea Pandin... |
| Minister of Interior | Pol Cpt Chalerm Yoobumrung | PPP People's Power Party (Thailand) The People's Power Party was a Thai political party founded on November 9, 1998 by Police Lieutenant Colonel Garn Tienkaew. The party leader was Somchai Wongsawat, the Party Secretary General was Surapong Suebwonglee, and the Party Spokesperson was Kuthep Saikrajarng... |
| Deputy Minister of Interior | Sithichai Kowsurat | Puea Pandin Party For the Motherland Motherland Party was a Thai political party founded on September 11, 2007, by more than 200 politicians including defectors from the Thai Rak Thai Party . Before the general election 2011, it merged with the National Development Party to form the Chart Pattana Puea Pandin Party. The Puea Pandin... |
| Deputy Minister of Interior | Suphol Fongngam | PPP People's Power Party (Thailand) The People's Power Party was a Thai political party founded on November 9, 1998 by Police Lieutenant Colonel Garn Tienkaew. The party leader was Somchai Wongsawat, the Party Secretary General was Surapong Suebwonglee, and the Party Spokesperson was Kuthep Saikrajarng... |
| Minister of Justice | Sompong Amornwiwat | PPP People's Power Party (Thailand) The People's Power Party was a Thai political party founded on November 9, 1998 by Police Lieutenant Colonel Garn Tienkaew. The party leader was Somchai Wongsawat, the Party Secretary General was Surapong Suebwonglee, and the Party Spokesperson was Kuthep Saikrajarng... |
| Minister of Labour | Uraiwan Thienthong | PRP |
| Minister for Natural Resource and Environment | Anongwan Thepsuthin | MCMP Neutral Democratic Party The Neutral Democratic Party was a Thai political party founded in 2006 by Somsak Thepsuthin, a former Thai Rak Thai party Cabinet Minister... |
| Minister of Public Health | Chaiya Sasomsap | PPP People's Power Party (Thailand) The People's Power Party was a Thai political party founded on November 9, 1998 by Police Lieutenant Colonel Garn Tienkaew. The party leader was Somchai Wongsawat, the Party Secretary General was Surapong Suebwonglee, and the Party Spokesperson was Kuthep Saikrajarng... |
| Deputy Minister of Public Health | Chaovarat Chanweerakul Chaovarat Chanweerakul Chaovarat Chanweerakul, or Chavarat Charnvirakul is a Thai politician. He had served as an Acting Prime Minister of Thailand as a result of the 2008 Thai political crisis.... |
PPP People's Power Party (Thailand) The People's Power Party was a Thai political party founded on November 9, 1998 by Police Lieutenant Colonel Garn Tienkaew. The party leader was Somchai Wongsawat, the Party Secretary General was Surapong Suebwonglee, and the Party Spokesperson was Kuthep Saikrajarng... |
| Minister for Science | Wutthipong Chaisang | PPP People's Power Party (Thailand) The People's Power Party was a Thai political party founded on November 9, 1998 by Police Lieutenant Colonel Garn Tienkaew. The party leader was Somchai Wongsawat, the Party Secretary General was Surapong Suebwonglee, and the Party Spokesperson was Kuthep Saikrajarng... |
| Minister for Social Development and Human Security | Sutha Chansaeng | PPP People's Power Party (Thailand) The People's Power Party was a Thai political party founded on November 9, 1998 by Police Lieutenant Colonel Garn Tienkaew. The party leader was Somchai Wongsawat, the Party Secretary General was Surapong Suebwonglee, and the Party Spokesperson was Kuthep Saikrajarng... |
| Minister of Tourism and Sports | Weerasak Kowsurat | CTP |
| Minister of Transport | Santi Promphat | PPP People's Power Party (Thailand) The People's Power Party was a Thai political party founded on November 9, 1998 by Police Lieutenant Colonel Garn Tienkaew. The party leader was Somchai Wongsawat, the Party Secretary General was Surapong Suebwonglee, and the Party Spokesperson was Kuthep Saikrajarng... |
| Deputy Minister of Transport | Songsak Thongsri | PPP People's Power Party (Thailand) The People's Power Party was a Thai political party founded on November 9, 1998 by Police Lieutenant Colonel Garn Tienkaew. The party leader was Somchai Wongsawat, the Party Secretary General was Surapong Suebwonglee, and the Party Spokesperson was Kuthep Saikrajarng... |
| Deputy Minister of Transport | Anurak Jureemas | CTP |
See also
- Samak Interview on Al Jazeera
- Cabinet of Thailand
External links
- Crabby Thai Judiciary Fires Food Critic PM
- Sundaravej tyrantis Scientific-like paper
- State of Emergency Lifted http://www.hotelthailand.com/news/state-emergency-lifted-bangkok.html
- Samak Sundaravej – Daily Telegraph obituary
- Three-course recipe for the court's cookery : a critique on Thai democracy and judicial review – Verapat Pariyawong
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