A Thai economist and politician who served as Minister of Finance, known for implementing economic reforms and stabilizing the country's economy during the 1997 Asian financial crisis.
Pridiyathorn Devakula is a distinguished Thai economist and statesman, best known for his leadership roles in the country's financial sector, including serving as the Governor of the Bank of Thailand from 2001 to 2006. He has also held various positions in the government, including Minister of Finance and Deputy Prime Minister, making him a prominent figure in Thai politics.
Pridiyathorn was born on July 15, 1947, to Prince Priditheppong Devakula, making him a grandson of Prince Devawongse Varopakarn and a great-grandson of King Rama IV, Mongkut. He was educated at Saint Gabriels College, where he consistently ranked first in his studies, and later pursued a degree in economics at Thammasat University.
He furthered his education at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, earning an MBA in 1970. This strong educational foundation laid the groundwork for his successful career in finance and economics.
Pridiyathorn's career spanned over four decades, during which he held various leadership positions in the financial sector. He worked for the Thai Farmers Bank from 1971 to 1990, rising through the ranks to become senior executive vice president.
In 1990, he became the official spokesman for Prime Minister Chatichai Choonhavan, and later served as deputy minister of commerce in the governments of Anand Panyarachun and Suchinda Kraprayoon from 1991 to 1992.
He was appointed a member of the Thai Senate from 1992 to 1993 and later became the president of the Export-Import Bank of Thailand in 1993.
Pridiyathorn's tenure as the Governor of the Bank of Thailand from 2001 to 2006 was marked by significant reforms and policy changes. He played a crucial role in stabilizing the country's financial system and implementing measures to prevent a repeat of the 1997 Asian financial crisis.
Following the 2006 Thai coup d'état, Pridiyathorn served as Minister of Finance and Deputy Prime Minister in the interim civilian government led by Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont.
He was later appointed as a deputy prime minister in the first military-appointed cabinet under General Prayut Chan-o-cha in 2014, following the 2014 Thai coup d'état.
Pridiyathorn has also served as the chairman of the board of Post Publishing PLC, the publisher of the Bangkok Post, Thailand's leading English-language newspaper.
He is a former chairman of the NIST International School and has been involved in various other educational and charitable initiatives throughout his career.
Pridiyathorn has been a strong advocate for economic reforms and has emphasized the importance of fiscal discipline and prudent management of the country's financial resources.
He has also stressed the need for transparency and accountability in governance, highlighting the importance of good governance in promoting economic stability and growth.
Pridiyathorn Devakula's contributions to Thai finance and politics have been significant, and his legacy continues to shape the country's economic landscape. His commitment to economic reforms and good governance has inspired a new generation of economists and policymakers.
As a statesman, he has demonstrated a deep understanding of the complexities of Thai politics and has worked tirelessly to promote economic stability and growth.
Through his remarkable career, Pridiyathorn Devakula has left an indelible mark on Thai history, earning him a place among the country's most respected and accomplished individuals.
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