13 Facts About Siddhi Savetsila

Siddhi Savetsila was the president of the united nations security council in 1985 with Mom Luang Birabhongse Kasemsri.

Siddhi Savetsila's father was a high-ranking official in the royal government.

Siddhi Savetsila's mother was an offspring of the influential Bunnag family.

Siddhi Savetsila is a direct descendant of Somdet Chao Phraya Borom Maha Prayurawongse.

Siddhi Savetsila collected data for the US foreign-intelligence agency OSS and was temporarily detained by the Japanese.

Siddhi Savetsila holds honorary doctorate degrees from the University of the Philippines, the National University of Singapore and five universities in Thailand.

Siddhi Savetsila then served in the Royal Thai Air Force and rose up to the rank of air chief marshal.

Siddhi Savetsila kept this position when Prem Tinsulanonda took over the premiership a few months later.

In 1983, Siddhi Savetsila was elected member of parliament and in 1985 he took over the leadership of the Social Action Party following the retirement of Kukrit Pramoj.

The party did well in the 1986 election and Siddhi Savetsila additionally became deputy prime minister for a short time.

Siddhi Savetsila's SAP was in great difficulties during the late 1980s and, in September 1990, Siddhi Savetsila gave up his leadership.

Siddhi Savetsila died on 5 December 2015 at the age of 96.

Siddhi Savetsila was decorated with the Order of Chula Chom Klao, the Order of the White Elephant and the Order of the Crown of Thailand, as well as foreign decorations from 14 countries.