29 February 1980

Prem is prime minister, Kriangsak Chomanand resigns from top post

Kriangsak Chomanand resigned as prime minister less than three years after seizing power in a coup, paving the way for army chief Gen Prem Tinsulanond to become premier, a position he would retain for eight years.

Refusing to face a no-confidence vote, Kriangsak stepped down following pressure from Parliament to stem the threat of mob violence over rising oil prices.

Prem was voted in by Parliament on March 3 by an overwhelming margin and his appointment received royal approval that evening. Prem negotiated with Social Action Party leader and former Prime Minister MR Kukrit Pramoj to form a ‘non-partisan’ coalition government.

Inflation and rising petrol and diesel prices had dominated politics in the months leading up to Kriangsak’s resignation. The Siam Democracy Party withdrew its support for Kriangsak earlier in February due to rising economic hardships. Kriangsak purged the cabinet in February in a bid to get a better grip on the economic problems facing the kingdom.

To deal with the crisis, Prem filled his cabinet with bankers, but found limited success. He was able to maintain his important position within the military after Parliament passed a bill on September 19 allowing him to extend his post as army commander-in-chief for another year.

29 February 1980

Prem is prime minister, Kriangsak Chomanand resigns from top post

Kriangsak Chomanand resigned as prime minister less than three years after seizing power in a coup, paving the way for army chief Gen Prem Tinsulanond to become premier, a position he would retain for eight years.

Refusing to face a no-confidence vote, Kriangsak stepped down following pressure from Parliament to stem the threat of mob violence over rising oil prices.

Prem was voted in by Parliament on March 3 by an overwhelming margin and his appointment received royal approval that evening. Prem negotiated with Social Action Party leader and former Prime Minister MR Kukrit Pramoj to form a ‘non-partisan’ coalition government.

Inflation and rising petrol and diesel prices had dominated politics in the months leading up to Kriangsak’s resignation. The Siam Democracy Party withdrew its support for Kriangsak earlier in February due to rising economic hardships. Kriangsak purged the cabinet in February in a bid to get a better grip on the economic problems facing the kingdom.

To deal with the crisis, Prem filled his cabinet with bankers, but found limited success. He was able to maintain his important position within the military after Parliament passed a bill on September 19 allowing him to extend his post as army commander-in-chief for another year.