Chamlong, Srimaung

Chamlong, Srimaung (1935- ), Thai politician, leader of the Palang Dharma Party, appointed Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand in October 1994. Chamlong graduated from the Chulachomklao Military Academy in 1960, becoming leader of its Class 7 association and distinguishing himself in military service. He was also associated with the "Young Turks" group of military reformers and, in 1980, joined the office of the new Prime Minister, Prem Tinsulanond, as Secretary-General. He left Prem's staff in 1981 and rose to become a member of the Armed Forces Supreme Command before retiring in 1985.

Chamlong's political career then began in earnest. He ran for the governorship of Bangkok as an independent candidate, won the post, and achieved considerable popularity with reforms to improve the city. He was re-elected as governor in 1990 but resigned to fight the March 1992 elections as leader of the Palang Dharma (Force of Spirit) Party, which won the overwhelming majority of seats in Bangkok. The party has campaigned on an anti-corruption platform, giving Chamlong a reputation as the "Mr Clean" of Thai politics. When the military claimed the prime ministership after the elections, Chamlong began a hunger strike which became the focus of opposition to military-led rule. Although his hunger strike ended peacefully, violent protests broke out when the government reneged on promises of constitutional reform, and Chamlong was arrested. Some people blamed him for having led demonstrators to their deaths by appearing to march on the royal palace. The confrontation ended only when he and the military commander were both brought before the king and told to put an end to it.

Chamlong subsequently stood down as leader of the Palang Dharma Party and renounced any ambitions to become prime minister. His party nevertheless increased its number of seats in the September 1992 elections and continues to press for more open government. In October 1994 Chamlong joined the reconstituted government of Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai as Deputy Prime Minister. He was one of the most controversial figures in contemporary Thai politics, something accentuated by his membership of the ascetic Santi Asoke (Peace and No Sorrow) Buddhist sect. In May 1995 he withdrew his support for Chuan Leekpai's government, forcing a general election, and immediately afterwards announced his retirement from national politics. He stood as Palang Dharma candidate in elections for the governorship of Bangkok in June 1996, but was defeated.