Born in the southern province of Songkhla, Gen Prem was a professional soldier who climbed to the top of the military in 1978 when he was appointed army chief. His political career began in 1972 when he became a National Legislative Assembly member during the Thanom Kittikachorn regime. During his time, Gen Prem saw much political turbulence and was renamed prime minister in 1983 and again in 1986, following two House dissolutions. Throughout his life, Gen Prem lived by example and Gen Prayut and the regime would do well not to forget Gen Prem's wise decision to relinquish power before the tide turned against him. The regime has been accused of trying to hold on to power at any cost, which is at odds with the example set by Gen Prem.

Source: Bangkok Post May 26, 2019 22:41 UTC