Prem Tinsulanonda (1920– )

Thai general and politician, prime minister 1980–88. During the military administration of General Kriangsak Chomanam 1977–80, he served as deputy minister of the interior and, from 1979, as defence minister, before being appointed prime minister in March 1980. Prem formally relinquished his army office and established a series of civilian coalition governments. He withstood coup attempts in 1981 and 1985 and ruled in a cautious, apolitical manner, retaining the confidence of key business and military leaders.

Under his stewardship, Thailand achieved rapid annual economic growth rates in excess of 9%. He retired on ‘personal grounds’ in 1988.

Educated at the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, Bangkok, he began as a sub-lieutenant in 1941 and rose to become commander general of the 2nd Army Area in 1974 and assistant commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Army in 1977.