Srettha Thavisin | |
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เศรษฐา ทวีสิน | |
![]() Srettha in 2023 | |
30th Prime Minister of Thailand | |
In office 22 August 2023 – 14 August 2024 | |
Monarch | Vajiralongkorn |
Deputy | See list
|
Preceded by | Prayut Chan-o-cha |
Succeeded by | Phumtham Wechayachai (acting) |
Minister of Finance | |
In office 1 September 2023 – 27 April 2024 | |
Prime Minister | Himself |
Preceded by | Arkhom Termpittayapaisith |
Succeeded by | Pichai Chunhavajira |
Personal details | |
Born | Bangkok, Thailand | 15 February 1962
Political party | Pheu Thai (since 2022) |
Spouse | |
Children | 3 |
Education | |
Occupation |
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Signature | ![]() |
Nickname | Nid (นิด) |
Srettha Thavisin MPCh MVM (Thai: เศรษฐา ทวีสิน, RTGS: Settha Thawisin, pronounced [sèːt.tʰǎː tʰā.wīː.sǐn] ; born 15 February 1962) is a Thai businessman and politician who served as the 30th Prime Minister of Thailand from 2023[1] until his dismissal from the position by the Constitutional Court on 14 August 2024.[2][3] He was previously the chief executive and president of Sansiri, one of the largest real estate developers in Thailand.[4]
Srettha, originally from Bangkok, obtained a degree in civil engineering after high school. He furthered his education in the United States, where he gained a master's degree in business administration. Following his academic pursuits, he embarked on a professional career starting with a four-year tenure as an assistant product manager. In 1998, he co-founded Sansiri, a venture that propelled him to become a billionaire and a leading real estate tycoon within his country.[5] Under his leadership, Sansiri experienced growth, even during challenging periods such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This period of his business career came to a close when he decided to move into politics, which involved transferring all his shares in the company.
Prior to the 2014 coup, Srettha had connections with two Thai prime ministers from the Shinawatra family. In late 2022, he announced his intention to join the Pheu Thai Party and was subsequently considered one of its prime ministerial candidates. He led the party to form a coalition government, following an unsuccessful attempt by the Move Forward Party. Consequently, the parliament elected him as the prime minister and his coalition government included the two parties that were linked to the 2014 .
Srettha's tenure encompassed a range of domestic and international initiatives. On the domestic front, his administration prioritised agricultural productivity, stimulating economic recovery, developing infrastructure, revitalising tourism, education reforms, and implementing a digital wallet scheme that has sparked debate. Additionally, the government actively engaged in the electric vehicle sector, the regulation of cannabis, and gun control measures. He was also proactive in attracting foreign investments, including discussing with Elon Musk on Tesla's involvement in Thailand's electric vehicle industry. Under his leadership, Thailand demonstrated a dedication to sustainable development and addressing climate change challenges.
He was criticized by media and the opposition as a "puppet prime minister", under the control of the powers behind the throne such as Thaksin Shinawatra,[6] the military,[7] and the Pheu Thai Party itself.[8] He was removed following his appointment of a cabinet minister who had served time in jail for bribery of government officials.
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