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Direk Jayanama

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Direk Jayanama (Thai: ดิเรก ชัยนาม, RTGS: Direk Chaiyanam; January 18, 1905 – May 1, 1967)[1][2] was a Thai diplomat and politician.

Direk Jayanama
ดิเรก ชัยนาม
Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand
In office
24 August 1946 – 6 February 1947
Prime MinisterThawan Thamrongnawasawat
Minister of Foreign Affairs
In office
24 March 1946 – 6 February 1947
Prime Minister
Preceded bySeni Pramoj
Succeeded byThawan Thamrongnawasawat
In office
20 October 1943 – 31 August 1944
Prime Minister
Preceded byLuang Wichitwathakan
Succeeded bySrisena Sampatisiri
In office
22 August 1941 – 14 December 1941
Prime MinisterPlaek Phibunsongkhram
Preceded byPlaek Phibunsongkhram
Succeeded byPlaek Phibunsongkhram
Minister of Finance
In office
1 September 1945 – 23 March 1946
Prime Minister
Preceded byLeng Srisomwong
Succeeded byPhraya Srivisaravaja
Minister of Justice
In office
1 September 1945 – 18 September 1945
Prime MinisterThawi Bunyaket
Preceded byChao Phraya Sridharmadhibes
Succeeded byPhraya Nararajwasuwat
Personal details
Born(1905-01-18)18 January 1905
Phitsanulok, Siam
Died1 May 1967(1967-05-01) (aged 62)
Bangkok, Thailand
NationalityThai
Political partyKhana Ratsadon
Other political
affiliations		Free Thai Movement
SpousePui Jayanama
Alma materThammasat University
Profession
  • Diplomat
  • politician
Signature

He was one of the civilian Promoters of the Siamese Revolution of 1932 that changed the country's form of government from absolute to constitutional monarchy. He was closely associated with Pridi Banomyong. In the government of Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram he served as Minister of Foreign Affairs, but resigned when Phibunsongkhram led Thailand into World War II alongside Japan. Direk became a member of the Free Thai Movement (Seri Thai) alongside Pridi, who fought for the full sovereignty of Thailand and against collaboration with Japan. After the end of war, he served as Minister of Justice, Finance, Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister in several short-lived cabinets. From 1949 to 1952 he was the first dean of the Faculty of Political Science, Thammasat University.

Notability

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From 1938 to 1947, Direk served in many important posts in the Thai government during the early years of constitutional rule. During World War II, he held the post of Foreign Minister to become the Ambassador to Japan. He also held the posts of Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister (multiple times), Justice Minister, and Finance Minister. He also served as the Thai Ambassador to the Court of St. James's (England), Germany and Finland.[2]

In 1947, he was appointed ambassador in London, but resigned a few months later as a result of the Phibunite coup.[3]

The Negotiator with Allies Power

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Direk’s account is especially good on the Franco-Thai conflict of 1940; The invasion by Japan in 1941; The delicate relationship with Japan over 1942–1943; Financial affairs in the immediate postwar period; and the negotiations to rehabilitate Thailand with the Allied Powers, including becoming a member of the United Nations.[4]

The Thammasat University

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In 1949, Direk also founded the Thammasat University Faculty of Political Science.[2] It offers undergraduate and graduate studies in three majors, politics and government, public administration, and international affairs. Many Thai provincial governors, mayors, leaders, and activists are graduates from this faculty. He then taught law at Thammasat University, and wrote texts on diplomacy and foreign affairs.[3]

Family

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Direk's younger brother was Pairote Jayanama, former Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs (who had 4 sons who eventually became ambassadors include Asda Jayanama, Surapong Jayanama), and Am Jayanama, an Air Force General at the time.

He was married to Khunying ML Pui, member of the aristocratic Nopawongse royal bloodline, and had 4 sons with her. One son, Wattana Jayanama, became an important figure during the establishment phase of the Bank of Thailand.

Honours

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National honours

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Foreign honour

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References

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  1. ^ Sivaraksa, Sulak (2005). Conflict, culture, change: engaged buddhism in a globalizing world. Wisdom Publications. p. 125. ISBN 0-86171-498-9.
  2. ^ a b c Asia Africa Intelligence Wire (December 26, 2004). "Direk Jayanama: Diplomat extraordinaire". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 10 December 2012.
  3. ^ a b Chris Baker. Journal of the Siam Society 2009. Vol 97.
  4. ^ Chris Baker. Journal of the Siam Society 2009. Vol 97.

Further reading

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  • Direk Jayanama. Thailand and World War II (2008) 575pp;
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