Somchai Wongsawat

ModernPoliticianThailand1947 — ?

Brief Thai prime minister, Thaksin's brother-in-law.

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Quick Facts

Born

1947

Country

Thailand

Era

Modern

Occupation

Politician

Score Overview

Military (10%)11

Political (20%)28

Influence (20%)47

Legacy (20%)35

Leadership (15%)31

Strategy (15%)27

Total Score33.1

Somchai Wongsawat — Complete Timeline

2008 AD

Appointment as Prime MinisterPolitical Action◆ Major

Somchai Wongsawat, Thaksin Shinawatra's brother-in-law, became Prime Minister after Samak Sundaravej's disqualification. His appointment was seen as an attempt by the pro-Thaksin faction to retain power, but it faced immediate opposition.

Prime MinisterSuccessionThaksin Family

Impact: national

Escalation of Political Crisis and ClashesPolitical Action◆ Major

Somchai's tenure saw the intensification of Yellow Shirt protests, including the seizure of Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang Airport in November 2008. The protests paralyzed air travel and the economy, leading to a state of emergency.

ProtestsAirport SeizureCrisis

Impact: nationaldestructive

Disqualification and Dissolution of People's Power PartyPolitical Action◆ Major

The Constitutional Court dissolved the People's Power Party for electoral fraud, disqualifying Somchai from politics for five years. This ruling forced his resignation and led to the formation of a new coalition government under Abhisit Vejjajiva.

DissolutionCourt RulingPolitical Ban

Impact: national