Sanya Dharmasakti

Professor Sanya Dharmasakti สัญญา ธรรมศักดิ์ MPCh MWM PC NR PrC
President of the Privy Council of Thailand
In office December 5, 1975 – September 4, 1998
Preceded by	Det Sanitwong
Succeeded by	Prem Tinsulanonda
12th Prime Minister of Thailand
In office October 14, 1973 – February 26, 1975
Monarch	Bhumibol Adulyadej
Preceded by	Thanom Kittikachorn
Succeeded by	Seni Pramoj
Personal details
Born	5 April 1907(1907-04-05) Thonburi, Thailand
Died	6 January 2002(2002-01-06) (aged 94) Bangkok, Thailand
Nationality	Thai
Spouse(s)	Pa-nga Dharmasakti
Profession	Lawyer
Signature

Sanya Dharmasakti (Thai: สัญญา ธรรมศักดิ์, RTGS: Sanya Thammasak, pronunciation: [sǎn.jaː tʰam.má.sàk], 5 April 1907 - 6 January 2002) was the 12th Prime Minister of Thailand.

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. Sanya appointed a drafting committee for the 1974 constitution, served as vice president of the constitutional congress, and was requested by his Majesty to serve as the president of the Privy Council.

Family background

Sanya Dharmasakti was born on Friday the 5th of 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. They had two sons, named Chartsak and Jakatham. Sanya Dharmasakti died at Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok on the 6th January 2002.

Education

Sanya Dharmasakti went to Assumption College in 1914 and finished high school while 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 graduated there as a Barrister at Law in 1932.

Royal decorations

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

• 1940 - Commander (Third Class) of The Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand
• 1941 - Commander (Third Class) of the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant
• 1948 - Knight Commander (Second Class) of The Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand
• 1950 - Chakrabarti Mala Medal
• 1954 - King Rama IX Royal Cypher Medal, 3rd Class
• 1954 - Knight Grand Cross (First Class) of the Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand
• 1956 - Knight Grand Cross (First Class) of the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant
• 1957 - Knight Commander (Second Class, lower grade) of The Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom Klao
• 1959 - Knight Grand Cordon (Special Class) of The Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand
• 1961 - Knight Grand Cordon (Special Class) of the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant
• 1962 - Knight Grand Commander (Second Class, higher grade) of the Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom Klao
• 1968 - Knight Grand Cross (First Class) of The Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom Klao
• 1969 - Dushdi Mala - Civilian
• 1971 - King Rama IX Royal Cypher Medal, 1st Class
• 1996 - Knight of The Ancient and Auspicious Order of the Nine Gems

Preceded by Thanom Kittikachorn	Prime Minister of Thailand 1973-1975	Succeeded by Seni Pramoj
Preceded by Det Sanitwong	President of the Privy Council of Thailand 1975-1998	Succeeded by Prem Tinsulanonda