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Somchai WongsawatPrime Minister of Thailand from 18 September to 2 December 2008.
Date of Birth: 31.08.1947
Country:  Thailand |
Content:
- Somchai Wongsawat: Prime Minister of Thailand
- Political Career
- Prime Ministership
- Resignation
- Personal Life
Somchai Wongsawat: Prime Minister of Thailand
Early Life and CareerSomchai Wongsawat, a lawyer by profession, spent many years serving in the Thai judiciary. He held positions as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Labor. In 2006, he retired from civil service due to his advanced age but soon re-entered politics.
Political Career
In 2007, Somchai became Deputy Leader of the People's Power Party (PPP). The following year, he was appointed First Deputy Prime Minister.
Prime Ministership
During Thailand's political crisis, which led to the resignation of Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, Somchai served as Acting Prime Minister from September 2, 2008. On September 17, 2008, the National Assembly elected him as the new Prime Minister. King Bhumibol Adulyadej appointed him to the position on September 18, 2008.
Resignation
Despite facing ongoing protests from the opposition, Somchai Wongsawat initially remained in power. However, after the Constitutional Court ruled that he could not hold public office for five years and banned the PPP, he was forced to resign on December 2, 2008.
Personal Life
Somchai Wongsawat's wife is the sister of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
