Sanya Dharmasakti

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.

Professor Sanya Dharmasakti was one of the most influential political figures in Thailand. He served as the president of the Supreme Court (1968-1973), dean of the faculty of law and chancellor of the Thammasat University, vice president of the constitutional congress, prime minister for two terms, and was requested by his Majesty to serve as the president of the privy council.

Family background

Professor 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 Mr.Thongdee Dharmasakti. His mother was Lady Shuen Dharmmasarnvet. Professor Sanya Dharmasakti married Lady Pa-nga Dharmasakti, also known as Phenchart. They had two sons, named Mr. Chartsak Dharmasakti and Dr.Jakatham Dharmasakti. Professor Sanya Dharmasakti died at Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok on the 6th January 2002.

Education

Professor Sanya Dharmasakti went to Assumption College in 1914 and finished high school while majoring in English in 1925. Sanya Dharmasakti 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