Direk Jayanama
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Direk Jayanama | |
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ดิเรก ชัยนาม | |
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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 | |
Preceded by | Seni Pramoj |
Succeeded by | Thawan Thamrongnawasawat |
In office 20 October 1943 – 31 August 1944 | |
Prime Minister | |
Preceded by | Luang Wichitwathakan |
Succeeded by | Srisena Sampatisiri |
In office 22 August 1941 – 14 December 1941 | |
Prime Minister | Plaek Phibunsongkhram |
Preceded by | Plaek Phibunsongkhram |
Succeeded by | Plaek Phibunsongkhram |
Minister of Finance | |
In office 1 September 1945 – 23 March 1946 | |
Prime Minister | |
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 | Phitsanulok, Siam | 18 January 1905
Died | 1 May 1967 Bangkok, Thailand | (aged 62)
Nationality | Thai |
Political party | Khana Ratsadon |
Other political affiliations | Free Thai Movement |
Spouse | Pui Jayanama |
Alma mater | Thammasat University |
Profession |
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Signature | ![]() |
Direk Jayanama (Thai: ดิเรก ชัยนาม, RTGS: Direk Chaiyanam; 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
[edit]From 1938 to 1947, 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]
In 1947, he was appointed ambassador in London, but resigned a few months later as a result of the Phibunite coup.[3]
The Negotiator with Allies Power
[edit]Direk’s account is especially good on the Franco-Thai conflict of 1940; The invasion by Japan in 1941; The delicate relationship with Japan over 1942–1943; Financial affairs in the immediate postwar period; and the negotiations to rehabilitate Thailand with the Allied Powers, including becoming a member of the United Nations.[4]
The Thammasat University
[edit]In 1949, Direk also founded the Thammasat University Faculty of Political Science.[2] It offers undergraduate and graduate studies in three majors, politics and government, public administration, and international affairs. Many Thai provincial governors, mayors, leaders, and activists are graduates from this faculty. He then taught law at Thammasat University, and wrote texts on diplomacy and foreign affairs.[3]
Family
[edit]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.
็Honours
[edit]National honours
[edit]Knight Grand Cordon of the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant
Knight Grand Cordon of the Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand
Knight Grand Commander of the Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom Klao
Dushdi Mala Medal Pin of Arts and Science (Civilian)
Medal for Service Rendered in the Interior (Franco-Thai War)
King Rama VIII Royal Cypher Medal, 1st Class
Foreign honour
[edit]Nazi Germany :
Order of the German Eagle with Star
France :
Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour
Japan :
Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun
USA :
Medal of Freedom With silver palm
Germany
Grand Cross 1st Class, Special Issue Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
References
[edit]- ^ Sivaraksa, Sulak (2005). Conflict, culture, change: engaged buddhism in a globalizing world. Wisdom Publications. p. 125. ISBN 0-86171-498-9.
- ^ a b c Asia Africa Intelligence Wire (December 26, 2004). "Direk Jayanama: Diplomat extraordinaire". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 10 December 2012.
- ^ a b Chris Baker. Journal of the Siam Society 2009. Vol 97.
- ^ Chris Baker. Journal of the Siam Society 2009. Vol 97.
Further reading
[edit]- Direk Jayanama. Thailand and World War II (2008) 575pp;
- Thai diplomats
- Members of the 1st House of Representatives of Thailand
- Members of the 2nd House of Representatives of Thailand
- Members of the 3rd House of Representatives of Thailand
- Members of the 4th House of Representatives of Thailand
- Members of the 5th House of Representatives of Thailand
- Ministers of finance of Thailand
- Ministers of justice of Thailand
- Ministers of foreign affairs of Thailand
- Deputy prime ministers of Thailand
- People's Party (Thailand) politicians
- Thai democracy activists
- Academic staff of Thammasat University
- Recipients of the Dushdi Mala Medal, Pin of Arts and Science
- Ambassadors of Thailand to Japan
- Ambassadors of Thailand to the United Kingdom
- Ambassadors of Thailand to Germany
- Ambassadors of Thailand to Finland
- Alumni of Assumption College (Thailand)
- 1905 births
- 1967 deaths