Ledership of General Prem Tinsulanonda under Royal Patronage (1980-1988)

Abstract

This research emphasizes two aspects as follows: 1. General Prem Tinsulanonda, the 16th Prime Minister of Thailand, remained the Prime Minister for eight years and five months during 1980-1988 owing to his leadership and integrity character, administrative performance as well as his excellence in mutual benefit cooperation among the political network. As a politically acknowledged figure, he is a model of high loyalty to the Thai royal institution. His image is so publicly recognized that he has been protected and supported by the Thai royal institution; consequently, he is considered the Prime Minister under the “Royal Patronage” as noticed from the case of “new information” stating the 1-year extension of his office term as the Royal Thai Army Commander in 1980 and the case of the coup d’état on April 1-3 in 1981.

2. The patronage of the royal institution empowered by the love of Thai subjects remains powerful even though the institution encountered the national revolution from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy in 1932 escalating into Boworadet rebellion and the dethroning of King Rama VII. In fact, the revolution was not aimed to have the royal institution terminated but have the public take part in the national administration and be eligible for the election of the national government. The effects of the revolution resulted in a tremendous change in the national administrative form to the democratic nation. This change, however, gradually strengthened and stabilized the royal institution though there were times when the royal institution encountered difficulties and crises. Amidst the society of coup d’états or democracy, the royal institution always survived with great contributions of the royal patronage. Consequently, owing to the royal support, General Prem Tinsulanonda held the Prime Minister title for many terms of office.