Kukrit Pramoj
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Maj. Gen. M.R. (Mom Rajawong) Kukrit Pramoj (Thai คึกฤทธิ์ ปราโมช) (April 20, 1911 - October 9, 1995) was a Thai politician. He was the thirteenth Prime Minister of Thailand, serving in office from 1975-1976.
He is considered by many to be one of the great statesmen of Thailand, often compared to the likes of Winston Churchill. Of aristocratic birth, he was a loyalist and served the monarchy till his death. He had a polymathic range of interests from Thailand's classical dance to literature. Most famous for his literary works, he earned the title of "National Artist" in 1985. His works encompass many subjects from humour to drama. He wrote passionately for Siam Rath, the newspaper that he founded. His unique sense of humour offered a satirical view of his age and he was often arrested for offending the powerful.
As a scholar, he also wrote many non-fiction ranging from history, astrology and religion. Most notable, however, are many of his epics and short stories portraying many aspects of life and documenting contemporary history. Two of his works that have been translated into English are Four Reigns (ISBN 9747100665 ) and Many Lives (ISBN 9747100193).
Biography
- Born on April 20,1911 at Sing Buri Province
- Son of Prince Khamrob and Mom Daeng (Bunnag) and younger brother of M.R. Seni Pramoj
- Married to M.R. Pakpring Thongyai
- Two Children, a son and daughter
- Died October 9, 1995
Education
- Suan Kularb Vidhayalai School
- Studied at Queen's College, Oxford University with B.A(Hons) in 1933 and M.A(Oxon) in 1982
Achievements
- M.R. Kukrit founded the Progress Party, the first political party in Thailand in 1945-1946.
- Appeared on screen with Marlon Brando in the movie The Ugly American (1963), in which he played Prime Minister Kwen Sai.
- Established diplomatic ties with China in 1975.
- Named National Artist in Literature 1985.
| Preceded by: Seni Pramoj | Prime Minister of Thailand 1975–1976 | Succeeded by: Seni Pramoj |