Tanin Kraivixien
Encyclopedia
Tanin Kraivixien or Thanin Kraivixien (born April 5, 1927 in Bangkok
, ) 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 his studies in Law. He graduated in 1953 and in 1958 was called to the Bar at Gray's Inn
.
Tanin is a highly respected lawyer in Thailand. His involvement with Thai politics did not begin until after the student massacre on the campus of Thammasat University
and the following military coup on 6 October 1976. The military named Tanin to be prime minister on 8 October 1976. His administration ruled for just one year, until 20 October 1977, when he was deposed by the military. His was the most right-wing administration in Thai history and perpetrated attacks on left-wing activists, communist sympathizers and progressive students due to the fear of communism, which had gained some popularity due to Communist Party of Thailand
actions. The victory of communists in the neighboring countries of Laos, Cambodia and South Vietnam gave further reason to be concerned.
Tanin's cabinet was the 39th to be appointed by Royal decree and had the first two women to hold ministerial titles in a Thai government, Mrs. Wimolsiri Chamnarnvej and Thanpuying Lursakdi Sampatisiri.
Tanin at present is one of the 18 members of the Privy Council
to the King of Thailand
, the most respected position Thai commoners can hold in the court of the monarch.
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...
, ) was the prime minister 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...
between 1976 and 1977. Tanin is a son of Hae and Pa-ob Kraivixien, and is of Chinese-Thai
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...
descent. Tanin studied law
Law
Law is a system of rules and guidelines which are enforced through social institutions to govern behavior, wherever possible. It shapes politics, economics and society in numerous ways and serves as a social mediator of relations between people. Contract law regulates everything from buying a bus...
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...
, graduating in 1948. He then went to the London School of Economics
London School of Economics
The London School of Economics and Political Science is a public research university specialised in the social sciences located in London, United Kingdom, and a constituent college of the federal University of London...
to continue with his studies in Law. He graduated in 1953 and in 1958 was called to the Bar at Gray's Inn
Gray's Inn
The Honourable Society of Gray's Inn, commonly known as Gray's Inn, is one of the four Inns of Court in London. To be called to the Bar and practise as a barrister in England and Wales, an individual must belong to one of these Inns...
.
Tanin is a highly respected lawyer in Thailand. His involvement with Thai politics did not begin until after the student massacre on the campus of 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 the following military coup on 6 October 1976. The military named Tanin to be prime minister on 8 October 1976. His administration ruled for just one year, until 20 October 1977, when he was deposed by the military. His was the most right-wing administration in Thai history and perpetrated attacks on left-wing activists, communist sympathizers and progressive students due to the fear of communism, which had gained some popularity due to Communist Party of Thailand
Communist Party of Thailand
The Communist Party of Thailand - CPT was a Marxist-Leninist, Communist political party in Thailand, active from 1942 until the 1990s. Initially known as Communist Party of Siam the party was founded officially on the 1st of December 1942, although communist activism in the country began as early...
actions. The victory of communists in the neighboring countries of Laos, Cambodia and South Vietnam gave further reason to be concerned.
Tanin's cabinet was the 39th to be appointed by Royal decree and had the first two women to hold ministerial titles in a Thai government, Mrs. Wimolsiri Chamnarnvej and Thanpuying Lursakdi Sampatisiri.
Tanin at present is one of the 18 members of the Privy Council
Privy Council (Thailand)
The Privy Council of Thailand is a body of appointed advisors to the Monarch of Thailand: King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand. The Council, as the Constitution of Thailand stipulates, must be composed of no more than eighteen members...
to the King of Thailand
Bhumibol Adulyadej
Bhumibol Adulyadej is the current King of Thailand. He is known as Rama IX...
, the most respected position Thai commoners can hold in the court of the monarch.