Pridi Banomyong Male
Politician
May 11, 1900
Ayutthaya, Siam (now Thailand)0
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Pridi Banomyong (born 1900-05-11, died 1983-05-02) was a Thai politician, statesman, and intellectual who played a central role in transforming Thailand from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional one. Born in Ayutthaya, Siam (now Thailand), he was educated at the Faculty of Law, University of Paris, where he developed strong democratic ideals that later guided his political philosophy.
Returning to Siam in the 1920s, Pridi Banomyong co-founded the People's Party (Khana Ratsadon), which orchestrated the 1932 Siamese Revolution that ended absolute monarchy and introduced democratic governance. As Minister of Finance and later Regent of Thailand, he championed economic modernization and social reform. His "Pridi Plan" laid out a vision for national economic development focused on education, equality, and welfare.
During World War II, Pridi established the Free Thai Movement (Seri Thai), resisting Japanese occupation and aligning with the Allied forces. After the war, he briefly served as Prime Minister in 1946 but went into exile following political turmoil and accusations regarding King Ananda Mahidol's death. He spent his later years teaching and writing abroad, leaving a profound legacy as one of Thailand's most influential modern reformers. Pridi Banomyong remains celebrated for his enduring contributions to democracy, education, and social justice in Thailand.
Latest news about Pridi Banomyong
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The Nation Thailand
Pridi Banomyong Institute Condemns Move Forward Party Dissolution
The Pridi Banomyong Institute publicly criticized the Constitutional Court's decision to dissolve the Move Forward Party, calling it an overreach that undermines legislative authority and voter rights. The institute framed the ruling as a breach of democratic principles and called for protection of parliamentary autonomy. The institute is named after Pridi Banomyong to honor his legacy of democratic reform.
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The Nation Thailand
Thanathorn Purchases Pridi Banomyong's Former Paris House as Memorial
Thai political figure Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit announced his acquisition of the French home once occupied by Pridi Banomyong, intending to preserve it as a historical memorial. The house in Antony, a southern suburb of Paris, was bought from a Vietnamese owner, and Thanathorn plans renovation in cooperation with Pridi's family. The move is part of a broader effort to revive public memory of the 1932 revolution.
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South China Morning Post
Author Seeks Reopening of King Ananda Mahidol Death Case Linked to Pridi
An author in Thailand is pushing to reopen investigation into the 1946 death of King Ananda Mahidol, a case historically associated with Pridi Banomyong as prime minister. Early police reports had implicated Pridi in a conspiracy, though he was never definitively proven guilty and was later exonerated. The renewed interest reflects ongoing tensions in Thai political memory and historiography.
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Thai PBS / Thaipbs World
Fire Erupts in Bangkok Building Named Pridi Banomyong Road
A fire occurred in a building on Pridi Banomyong Road (Sukhumvit 71, Soi 15) in Bangkok's Wattana district, though no injuries were reported. Firefighters managed to contain the blaze swiftly. The location's naming highlights how Pridi's name remains embedded in Bangkok's urban geography.
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Thai Enquirer
"Pridi Documents" Revisited: Legacy Still Contested in Thailand
An article analyzes newly surfaced documents relating to Pridi Banomyong's political legacy, arguing that debates over his contributions and controversies persist in Thai public discourse. The piece explores how competing historical narratives continue to frame Pridi either as a democratic hero or as a divisive figure. It underscores the enduring resonance of his ideas in modern Thai politics.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pridi Banomyong
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Who was Pridi Banomyong?
Pridi Banomyong was a Thai politician, statesman, and reformer who led the 1932 Siamese Revolution, helping transform Thailand from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional one.
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When was Pridi Banomyong born?
Pridi Banomyong was born on May 11, 1900, in Ayutthaya, Siam, which is now part of modern Thailand.
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What was Pridi Banomyong's role in Thai history?
Pridi Banomyong played a key role in ending absolute monarchy through the 1932 revolution and was instrumental in shaping Thailand's democratic institutions and education system.
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What is the 1932 Siamese Revolution?
The 1932 Siamese Revolution, co-led by Pridi Banomyong, was a bloodless coup that transitioned Thailand from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy.
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What was the Pridi Economic Plan?
The Pridi Economic Plan of 1933 was Pridi Banomyong's proposal to modernize Thailand's economy through social welfare, education, and equitable land reforms.
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What was Pridi Banomyong's connection to Thammasat University?
Pridi Banomyong founded Thammasat University in 1934 to promote legal and political education rooted in democratic values.
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How did Pridi Banomyong contribute during World War II?
During World War II, Pridi Banomyong led the Free Thai Movement, a resistance group that opposed Japanese occupation and supported the Allied forces.
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Was Pridi Banomyong ever Prime Minister of Thailand?
Yes, Pridi Banomyong served briefly as Prime Minister of Thailand in 1946 before political unrest forced him into exile.
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Why did Pridi Banomyong go into exile?
Pridi Banomyong went into exile after being accused, without evidence, of involvement in King Ananda Mahidol's mysterious death in 1946.
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Where did Pridi Banomyong die?
Pridi Banomyong died in exile in Paris, France, on May 2, 1983, after many years dedicated to education and political writing.
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What was the Free Thai Movement?
The Free Thai Movement, founded by Pridi Banomyong, was an underground resistance that fought against Japanese control during World War II and supported Allied intelligence.
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What were Pridi Banomyong's main political beliefs?
Pridi Banomyong advocated for democracy, social justice, education, and the modernization of Thailand's economy and governance.
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When was Pridi Banomyong born?
Born on May 11, 1900
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What is Pridi Banomyong best known for?
Pridi Banomyong is known as a Politician from Thailand.
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How old is Pridi Banomyong?
Pridi Banomyong is 82 years old.
