Sanya Dharmasakti

Sanya Dharmasakti (Thai: สัญญา ธรรมศักดิ์, RTGS: Sanya Thammasak, pronounced [sǎn.jāː tʰām.mā.sàk]; 5 April 1907 – 6 January 2002) was a Thai jurist, university professor and politician. He served as the 12th Prime Minister of Thailand from 1973 to 1975.

Sanya Dharmasakti

MPCh MWM PCh NR
สัญญา ธรรมศักดิ์
President of the Privy Council
In office
5 December 1975 – 4 September 1998
MonarchBhumibol Adulyadej
Preceded byDej Snidvongs
Succeeded byPrem Tinsulanonda
Prime Minister of Thailand
In office
14 October 1973 – 26 February 1975
MonarchBhumibol Adulyadej
Preceded byThanom Kittikachorn
Succeeded bySeni Pramoj
Rector of Thammasat University
In office
1 April 1971 – 16 October 1973
Preceded byPrince Wan Waithayakon
Succeeded byAdul Wichiencharoen (acting)
President of the Supreme Court
In office
1 October 1963 – 1 October 1967
MonarchBhumibol Adulyadej
Preceded byPrawat Pattabongse
Succeeded byPrakob Hutasingh
Personal details
Born(1907-04-05)5 April 1907
Bangkok Yai, Thonburi, Siam
Died6 January 2002(2002-01-06) (aged 94)
Phaya Thai, Bangkok, Thailand
NationalityThai
Spouse(s)Pa-nga Dharmasakti (1912-2001)
Alma materThammasat University
Middle Temple
ProfessionLawyer
Signature

Sanya Dharmasakti was one of the most influential figures in the politics of Thailand. He served as the president of the Supreme Court (1968–1973) and was dean of the faculty of law and chancellor of Thammasat University during the democracy movement of October 1973. When the "three tyrants" fled, leaving the country leaderless, Sanya was appointed prime minister by royal command (establishing a precedent exercised only three times since for appointment of prime ministers.) Sanya served a second consecutive term by a House resolution for a combined total of 1 year, 124 days, during which he ordered the withdrawal of US forces in what was called Operation Palace Lightning. Sanya appointed a drafting committee for the 1974 constitution, served as vice-president of the constitutional congress, and was requested by the monarch to serve as the president of the privy council.

Family background

Sanya Dharmasakti was born on Friday, 5 April 1907 in Thonburi Province, in central Thailand. His father was the high ranking Buddhist scholar, Mahamtree, and abbot, Dhammasarnvetvisetpakdee Srisattayawatta Phiriyapaha or Thongdee Dharmasakti. His mother was Shuen Dharmmasarnvet. Sanya married Pa-nga Dharmasakti, also known as Phenchart, who died in 2001. They had two sons, named Chartsak and Jakatham. Sanya Dharmasakti died at Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok on 6 January 2002.

Education

Sanya Dharmasakti went to Assumption College in 1914 and finished high school, majoring in English in 1925. He went to the law school of the Ministry of Justice for three years, graduating in 1928. He got the highest score and received the Rapheeboonnithi scholarship. This scholarship allowed him to study law in England at the Middle Temple for three years. He was called to the English Bar in 1932.

Palace Lightning

Palace Lightning was the name given the plan by which the USAF withdrew its aircraft and personnel from Thailand. After the fall of the US-supported governments in both Phnom Penh and Saigon in the spring of 1975, the political climate between Washington and the government of Judge Sanya soured, and US military forces were ordered to withdraw by the end of the year.[1] Strategic Air Command units left in December 1975;[2] U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield, however, remained under US control until formally handed back to the Thai government on 13 June 1976.[3]

Royal decorations

Sanya received the following royal decorations in the Honours System of Thailand:

Foreign Honours

Academic rank
Political offices
Preceded by
Thanom Kittikachorn		 Prime Minister of Thailand
1973–1975		 Succeeded by
Seni Pramoj
Preceded by
Dej Snidvongs		 President of the Privy Council of Thailand
1975–1998		 Succeeded by
Prem Tinsulanonda

References
  1. "U.S. to begin pullout of troops from Thailand". Miami News. 5 May 1975. p. 2A.
  2. "Many Thais saddened by U.S. military withdrawals". Nashua Telegraph. UPI. 3 December 1975. p. 42.
  3. Dawson, Alan (21 June 1976). "U.S. out of Thailand". Beaver County Times. Beaver, Pennsylvania. UPI. p. A3.
  4. http://www.ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/DATA/PDF/2511/D/062/2022.PDF
  5. https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/46894286.pdf
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