Direk Jayanama

Direk Jayanama
ดิเรก ชัยนาม
Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand
In office
24 August 1946  6 February 1947
Prime Minister Thawan Thamrongnawasawat
Minister of Foreign Affairs
In office
24 March 1946  6 February 1947
Prime Minister Pridi Banomyong
Thawan Thamrongnawasawat
Preceded by Seni Pramoj
Succeeded by Thawan Thamrongnawasawat
In office
20 October 1943  31 August 1944
Prime Minister Plaek Phibunsongkhram
Khuang Aphaiwong
Preceded by Luang Wichitwathakan
Succeeded by Srisena Sampatisiri
In office
22 August 1941  14 December 1941
Prime Minister Plaek Phibunsongkhram
Preceded by Plaek Pibulsongkram
Succeeded by Plaek Pibulsongkram
Minister of Finance
In office
1 September 1945  23 March 1946
Prime Minister Thawi Bunyaket
Seni Pramoj
Khuang Aphaiwong
Preceded by Leng Srisomwong
Succeeded by Phraya Srivisaravaja
Minister of Justice
In office
1 September 1945  18 September 1945
Prime Minister Thawi Bunyaket
Preceded by Chao Phraya Sridharmadhibes
Succeeded by Phraya Nararajwasuwat
Personal details
Born (1904-01-18)18 January 1904
Phitsanulok, Siam
Died 1 May 1967(1967-05-01) (aged 63)
Bangkok, Thailand
Nationality Thai
Political party Khana Ratsadon
Other political
affiliations
Free Thai Movement
Spouse(s) Pui Jayanama
Alma mater Thammasat University
Profession Diplomat, politician

Direk Jayanama (Thai: ดิเรก ชัยนาม, RTGS: Direk Chainam; January 18, 1905 – May 1, 1967)[1][2] was a Thai diplomat and politician.

He was one of the civilian Promoters of the Siamese Revolution of 1932 that changed the country's form of government from absolute to constitutional monarchy. He was closely associated with Pridi Banomyong. In the government of Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram he served as Minister of Foreign Affairs, but resigned when Phibunsongkhram led Thailand into World War II alongside Japan. Direk became a member of the Free Thai Movement (Seri Thai) alongside Pridi, who fought for the full sovereignty of Thailand and against collaboration with Japan. After the end of war, he served as Minister of Justice, Finance, Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister in several short-lived cabinets. From 1949 to 1952 he was the first dean of the Faculty of Political Science, Thammasat University.

Notability

Direk served in many important posts in the Thai government during the early years of constitutional rule. During World War II, he held the post of Foreign Minister to become the Ambassador to Japan. He also held the posts of Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister (multiple times), Justice Minister, and Finance Minister. He also served as the Thai Ambassador to the Court of St. James's (England), Germany and Finland.[2]

Direk also founded the Thammasat University Faculty of Political Science.[2]

Family

Direk's younger brother was Pairote Jayanama, former Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs (who had 4 sons who eventually became ambassadors include Asda Jayanama, Surapong Jayanama), and Am Jayanama, an Air Force General at the time.

He was married to Khunying ML Pui, member of the aristocratic Nopawongse royal bloodline, and had 4 sons with her. One son, Wattana Jayanama, became an important figure during the establishment phase of the Bank of Thailand.

References

  1. Sivaraksa, Sulak (2005). Conflict, culture, change: engaged buddhism in a globalizing world. Wisdom Publications. p. 125. ISBN 0-86171-498-9.
  2. 1 2 3 Asia Africa Intelligence Wire (December 26, 2004). "Direk Jayanama: Diplomat extraordinaire". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 10 December 2012.

Further reading

  • Direk Jayanama. Thailand and World War II (2008) 575pp;
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