In this biography
Quick facts
- Born
- 11 May 1900
- Died
- 2 May 1983
- Birthplace
- Ayutthaya, Thailand
- Country
- Thailand
- Nationality
- Thai
- Known for
- The 1932 revolution, Thammasat University and the Free Thai movement
- Profession
- Jurist and professor
- Office
- Prime Minister of Thailand, 1946
- Institution founded
- Thammasat University
- Wartime role
- Civilian leader of the Free Thai movement
Why this life matters
Pridi’s career connects constitutional change, mass education, wartime resistance and the political conflicts that shaped twentieth-century Thailand.
Timeline
Key moments
Born in Ayutthaya
Born on 11 May into a family of merchants and farmers.
Helped change the political system
Joined the People’s Party revolution that ended absolute monarchy.
Founded Thammasat University
Established a university centred on law, politics and public access.
Served as prime minister
Led the government briefly before later political exile.
Constitutional reformer
After legal study in France, Pridi joined other young Siamese in forming the People’s Party. Its 1932 revolution replaced absolute monarchy with a constitutional system.
He drafted reforms, held cabinet office and founded Thammasat University in 1934 to widen education in law and political science.
Resistance, office and exile
During the Second World War, Pridi served as regent and led the civilian Free Thai network opposing the Japanese alliance. He became prime minister in 1946.
The 1947 coup forced him from political power, and he spent much of his later life abroad. His constitutional ideas and contested political legacy continue to animate Thai scholarship and public debate.
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions about Pridi Banomyong
- Who was Pridi Banomyong?
- Pridi Banomyong was a statesman, jurist and prime minister. Pridi’s career connects constitutional change, mass education, wartime resistance and the political conflicts that shaped twentieth-century Thailand.
- What is Pridi Banomyong best known for?
- Pridi Banomyong is best known for the 1932 revolution, Thammasat University and the Free Thai movement.
- When and where was Pridi Banomyong born?
- Pridi Banomyong was born on 11 May 1900 in Ayutthaya, Thailand.
- When did Pridi Banomyong die?
- Pridi Banomyong died on 2 May 1983.
Sources and further reading
How this biography was checked
Core dates and offices are checked against the sources below. This profile was last reviewed on 8 September 2026.
