Khuang Abhaiwongse

Major Luang Khuang Abhaiwongse (May 17, 1902 - March 15, 1968; Thai ควง อภัยวงศ์) was three times the prime minister of Thailand.

Khuang was born in Battambang now belonging to Cambodia as the son of the Siamese governor of the province Battambang, Chao Phraya Abhayabhubet. He visited the Debsirin school and the Assumption College, Bangkok, and studied engineering at the Ecole Centrale de Lyon in France. After his return to Thailand he worked in the telegraph department, finally becoming the director of the department.

During World War II he received the title Major, as he joined the guard of King Rama VII. This service also earned him the title Luang Kowitabhayawongse. In the governments of Phraya Phahol Pholphayuhasena and Plaek Phibunsongkhram he became minister, and was elected as prime minister on August 1, 1944, after Plaek's plans to move the capital to Phetchabun and to create the Phutthamonthon park failed to get enough approval from the parliament. On August 17, 1945 he resigned to make way for a new administration.

In 1946 he was one of the founders of the Democrat Party, and became its first leader. The fourth national elections on January 6, 1946 were won by the Democratic Party, which gained him a second term as prime minister starting on January 31. Only 45 days later, on March 24, his government lost an election in parliament and he resigned.

He became prime minister a third time on November 10, 1947 following a coup d'état led by Phin Chunhawan. However, the coup leaders were not pleased with the performance of Khuang's government and forced him to resign on April 8, 1948. This also ensured Plaek to become prime minister again. Khuang continued in politics as the opposition leader and leader of the Democratic Party.