Direk Jayanama (, ; January 18, 1905 – May 1, 1967) was a Thai diplomat and politician. 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 Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram ( th, แปลก พิบูลสงคราม ; alternatively transcribed as ''Pibulsongkram'' or ''Pibulsonggram''; 14 July 1897 – 11 June 1964), locally known as Marshal P. ( th, จอมพล � ...

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 Thammasat University (Abbreviation, Abrv: TU th, มธ.; th, มหาวิทยาลัยธรรมศาสตร์, , ) is a public research university in Thailand with campuses in Tha Phra Chan area of Phra Nakhon District near the ...

Notability

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 The Court of St James's is the royal court for the Sovereign of the United Kingdom. All ambassadors to the United Kingdom are formally received by the court. All ambassadors from the United Kingdom are formally accredited from the court – & ...

( England), Germany and Finland. In 1947, he was appointed ambassador in London, but resigned a few months later as a result of the Phibunite coup. Chris Baker. Journal of the Siam Society 2009. Vol 97.
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The Negotiator with Allies Power

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.Chris Baker. Journal of the Siam Society 2009. Vol 97.
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The Thammasat University

In 1949, Direk also founded the

Faculty of Political Science. 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.

Family

Direk's younger brother was Pairote Jayanama, former Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs (who had 4 sons who eventually became ambassadors include

Asda Jayanama Asda Jayanama ( th, อัษฎา ชัยนาม; ) is a former career diplomat of the Kingdom of Thailand. He is noted for his criticisms of the Myanmar military regime, Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, and Former Thai Foreign Ministe ...

, 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 The Bank of Thailand (BOT) ( Abrv: ธปท.; th, ธนาคารแห่งประเทศไทย, ) is the central bank of Thailand. History The Bank of Thailand (BOT) was first set up as the Thai National Banking Bureau. The Bank ...

Notability

The Negotiator with Allies Power

The Thammasat University

Family

References

Further reading