Direk Jayanama

Political career

From 1938 to 1947, Direk served in many important posts in the Thai government during the early years of constitutional rule. During World War II, he held the post of Foreign Minister to become the Ambassador to Japan. He also held the posts of Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister (multiple times), Justice Minister, and Finance Minister. He also served as the Thai ambassador to the Court of St. James's (England), Germany and Finland.

In 1947, he was appointed ambassador in London, but resigned a few months later as a result of the Phibunite coup.

Direk's memoir Thailand and World War II was first published in 1966. Direk's account is "especially good on the Franco-Thai conflict of 1940, the invasion by Japan in 1941, the delicate relationship with Japan over 1942–1943, financial affairs in the immediate postwar period, and the negotiations to rehabilitate Thailand with the Allied Powers, including becoming a member of the United Nations".

Thammasat University

In 1949, Direk also founded the Thammasat University Faculty of Political Science. It offers undergraduate and graduate studies in three majors, politics and government, public administration, and international affairs. Many Thai provincial governors, mayors, leaders, and activists are graduates from this faculty. He then taught law at Thammasat University, and wrote texts on diplomacy and foreign affairs.

Family

Direk's younger brother was Pairote Jayanama, former Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs (who had 4 sons who eventually became ambassadors include Asda Jayanama, Surapong Jayanama), and Am Jayanama, an Air Force General at the time.

He was married to Khunying ML Pui, member of the aristocratic Nopawongse royal bloodline, and had 4 sons with her. One son, Wattana Jayanama, became an important figure during the establishment phase of the Bank of Thailand.

Honours

National honours

• [[File:Order of the White Elephant - Special Class (Thailand) ribbon.svg|80x80px]] Knight Grand Cordon of the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant
• [[File:Order of the Crown of Thailand - Special Class (Thailand) ribbon.svg|80x80px]] Knight Grand Cordon of the Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand
• [[File:Order of Chula Chom Klao - 2nd Class upper (Thailand) ribbon.svg|80x80px]] Knight Grand Commander of the Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom Klao
• [[File:Dushdi Mala - Civilian (Thailand).svg|80x80px]] Dushdi Mala Medal Pin of Arts and Science (Civilian)
• [[File:Medal for Service in the Interior - Indochina (Thailand) ribbon.svg|80x80px]] Medal for Service Rendered in the Interior (Franco-Thai War)
• [[File:King Rama VIII Royal Cypher Medal (Thailand) ribbon.svg|80x80px]] King Rama VIII Royal Cypher Medal, 1st Class

Foreign honours

• Nazi Germany :

  • [[File:DEU Deutsche Adlerorden 1 BAR.svg|80x80px]] Order of the German Eagle with Star

• France :

  • [[File:Legion Honneur GO ribbon.svg|80x80px]] Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour

• Japan :

  • [[File:JPN Kyokujitsu-sho 1Class BAR.svg|80x80px]] Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun

• USA :

  • [[File:Medal of Freedom stripe sølvpalme.svg|80x80px]] Medal of Freedom with Silver Palm

• Germany

  • [[File:GER Bundesverdienstkreuz 8 Grosskreuz bes Ausf.svg|80x80px]] Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, Grand Cross 1st Class, Special Issue

References

References

1. Asia Africa Intelligence Wire. (December 26, 2004). "Direk Jayanama: Diplomat extraordinaire". [[Bangkok Post]].
2. [https://www.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/pub_jss/article/download/158286/114669/ Chris Baker. Journal of the Siam Society 2009. Vol 97.]
3. Baker, Chris. "Direk Jayanama, Thailand and World War II, revised English edition, edited by Jane Keyes. Chiang Mai, Silkworm Books, 2008, xxxiv+566 pp., Bt 995 ISBN 978-974-9511-33-6". [[Journal of the Siam Society]].