Dates in Office

Assembly XXIX: February 9, 1959 - December 8, 1963

Biography

Field Marshal Sarit Dhanarajata was born in Bangkok, on June 16, 1908, son of Major Luang Ruangdejanan (Thongdee Dhanarajata) and Mrs. Chanthip Dhanarajata.

He received his formal education first in Mukdaharn Province. Then, he continued his study at Wat Mahanaparam School and Army Cadet Academy. Upon graduation, he received the title of Second Lieutenant and served in the Infantry Battalion I, Infantry Regiment II, the King's Own Guard.

In 1941, Field Marshal Sarit Dhanarajata served in the Great War of Asia-Pacific, as Commander of Infantry Regiment XXXIII, and was thus granted the title of Colonel, Commander-in-Chief of Infantry Regiment XIII and Commander of Lampang Military Province, on April 1, 1945, for the act of bravery.

Afterwards, he was promoted to General, in 1952, and was finally promoted to Field Marshal, on June 23, 1954.

Field Marshal Sarit Dhanarajata was appointed Prime Minister on February 9, 1959, succeeded Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn, who was forced out of office, due to state administration disorder.

During his term, Field Marshal Sarit had greatly devoted to social reforms. He decreed Act of Opium Prohibition, Act of Bully Annihilation, Act of Prostitution Prevention and, most notably, First Economic Development Plan, which laid foundations for the drafting of successive Economic and Social Development Plans, up to present.

Field Marshal Sarit Dhanarajata passed away, on December 8, 1963, at the age of 55. He was the only Prime Minister deceased while in office.