Wrote to Thai PM Prayut Chan-o-Cha to express my condolences on the passing of former Thai PM and President of the Privy Council, General Prem Tinsulanonda.
A capable and immensely respected leader, General Prem served Thailand with great distinction. As PM, he steered Thailand through a period of democratic development. Later he was appointed to the Privy Council, and was a trusted source of advice and counsel to the late King Bhumibol, and successive military and civilian governments.
His leadership also benefited the region. His time as PM coincided with the ASEAN members (then five of us) coming together to oppose Vietnam’s invasion of Cambodia and the Cambodian government that replaced the Khmer Rouge. Thailand was on the frontline, facing Vietnamese forces across its border with Cambodia. General Prem was resolute in not accepting this fait accompli, and worked with ASEAN partners to oppose the Vietnamese occupation in international forums. This prevented the military invasion and regime change from being legitimised. It protected the security of other Southeast Asia countries, and decisively shaped the course of the region.
General Prem was a good friend of Singapore. Mr Lee Kuan Yew worked closely with him and had deep respect for him as a statesman. He strengthened relations between Singapore and Thailand, forming a strong and enduring partnership.
I met General Prem several times. When I called on him in Bangkok in 1999 and 2000, he was gracious with his hospitality and counsel.
General Prem will be greatly missed by the people of Thailand and all who knew him. – LHL
(General Prem meeting SM Lee Kuan Yew at the Istana in 1998. Ministry of Information and the Arts Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore)
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