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Pridi Banomyong (11 May 1900 - 2 May 1983) | Thai | Home
Throughout these turbulent years, Pridi never lost sight of what 'democracy as a way of life' meant He never tired of nurturing and protecting the infantile Thai democracy gurgling in its cradle. Unlike of his genteel contemporaries, Pridi never related to the masses with distrust and trepidation. On the contrary, he had great faith in them.
In the essay "Which direction should Thailand take in the future" , Pridi vividly and passionately reiterated his conception of participatory democracy, one that guide him all his life. He wrote, "Any system favoring a small section of a community will not last. In any community the majority must shape its future. The majority including the deprived people, poor farmer, low-budget entrepreneurs, and patriotic capitalists who place the public the public interest above their own...and who want a new social system which provides a better living standard to the majority of people...social injustice [must be] abolished or reduced".
Pridi realize that a society is more democratic to the extent that fewer people are denied human rights and opportunities. He knew that political freedom without socioeconomic opportunities is a devil's gift. He tried to reduce and eventually to remove hierarchies of reward, status, and power in order to improve the society. He wanted to foster solidarity and compassion among his compatriots, enabling them to develop themselves, come to care about, promote, and benefit from one another's well being as opposed to embarking on a cutthroat competition- a completely wasteful energy. Pridi envisioned a society where all citizens helped contribute to the enrichment of the lives of all.
As Pridi neatly put it, "A society exists because of the participation of its members, and a social system which enables most people to legally influence decisions and move society forward is a democracy." He added that since every society has political, economic, social, and cultural dimentions. It is essential for a democratic society to not only promote political democracy but also "Economic democracy" (e.g. fewer people are being denied economic opportunities) and democratic thinking (e.g compassion).
For instance, to promote economic well being, Pridi advocated the creation of local cooperatives to undertake economic activities for the benefits of their members. The people should have direct control over their livelyhood rather being dependent on the ruling circles charity or philanthropy, he believed. Not infrequently, magnificent philanthropy makd brutal economic exploitation and charity becomes a pretext for maintaining laws and social practices which ought to be changed in the interest of justice and fair play, Pridi implied.
Pridi and his colleagues deemed it necessary for the people to fully understand the system of democratic governance and to be aware of their new rights and, hence, responsibilities under hte newly-found system. As a result, in 1934 , Pridi, Minister of Interior, founded the University of Moral and Political Science. He was also appointed its first rector. Reflecting his ideals, Pridi, in the speech made at the University's opening, declared "...A university is, figuratively, an oasis that quenches the thirst of those who are in pursuit of knowledge. The opportunity to acquire higher education rightly belongs to every citizen under the principle of freedom of education...
Now that our country is governed by a democratic constitution, it is particularly essential to establish a university which will allow the people, and hence the public, to develop to their utmost capability. It will open up an opportunity for ordinary citizens to conveniently and freely acquire higher education for their own benefits and for development of our country..." Indeed Thammasart University has been a leading institution in helping to promote and protect democracy in Thailand.
On June 9, 1946, the King Ananda Mahidol or Rama VIII was found mysteriously dead in his chamber with a bullet in his forehead. After visiting the palace and the scene and having consulted with leading members of the Royal Family, as prime minister, Pridi publicly declared this an "accident". Intending to undermine his popurality and power, Pridi's political opponent opportunistically trumpeted that the late King was murdered and that Pridi was involved in the regicide.
On the night of 8 November 1947, a group of military leaders staged a coup d'etat, using the regicide as one of the pretexs to destroy Pridi. (Numerous court decisions had since proven Pridi innocent.) Their tanks stormed Pridi's residence in Bangkok, forcing him to flee to Singapore. On February 1949, Pridi, aided by a number of nava; officers and Thais who favored a democratic government, unsuccessfully staged a counter-coup
Once again, he was banished from Thailand this time never to return. Between 1949 -1970, Pridi resided in China. He then lived an ordinary life joined by his wife and daughters in Paris. There he died peacefully on 2 May 1983.
While in exile, he wrote profusely and gave numerous speeches, continuing to share with later generations his conceptions of democracy, peace and social justice. The seeds of democracy that Pridi planted in thailand more than six decades ago are beginning to sprout. Whether or not his tree of liberty will continue to grow and branch out, to some extent, depends on how the Thais apply and learn from his thinkings.
To commemorate the upcoming centenary of the birth of Pridi Banomyong, a cabinet resolution was issued on May 13, 1997, to submit the statesman's name to the UNESCO. Eventually on 16 November 1999, the 30th Session of the General Conference of UNESCO in Paris officially approved the nomination of Professor Dr.Pridi Banomyong to the list of Celebration of the Anniversaries of Great Personalities and Historic Events, 2000-2001. Pridi's become the ninth Thai and third commoner, to recieve such an honour.
- "Peace hath her victories no less renowned than war "
- "Every human being is indebted to one another. A man may turn poor through others deeds. A manual weaver may lose his job because of machinery. Wealth, on the other hand, may be reaped without the sweat of one's own labour...therefore, it is right to say that each of us is committed to one another, and collective social assurance is crucial."
Prof.Dr. Pridi Banomyong, Senior Statesman