Pao Sarasin
Pao Sarasin (c. 1929 – March 7, 2013) was a Thai politician and former police officer. Sarasin served as the Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, as well as the country's Interior Minister, in 1992.[1][2]
Sarasin was the son of former Prime Minister of Thailand Pote (Poj) Sarasin and his wife, Thanpuying Siri Sarasin.[2] He was one of three brothers, including Pong Sarasin and Arsa Sarasin. Pao Sarasin graduated from Vajiravudh College, a boarding school in Bangkok.[2] He then moved to the United States, where he received a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Johns Hopkins University and a second bachelor's degree from the University of California in criminology.[2]
Sarasin enlisted the Royal Police Thai in 1954, rising to the rank of police general during his career.[2] He served as the Chief of the force's Office of the Narcotics Control Board from 1978 until 1983.[1] In 1987, he became the Chief of the Royal Thai Police.[1][2][2]
In 1992, Sarasin briefly held the posts of Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister under the Royal Thai Army military junta and the post-coup government of former Prime Minister Anand Panyarachun.[1][2]
During his later life, Sarasin served as the council presidents of both Mae Fah Luang University in Chiang Rai province and Khon Kaen University in Khon Kaen province.[1]
Pao Sarasin died at Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok after a month-long hospitalization for a blood infection on March 7, 2013, at the age of 83.[1] A royal bathing rite ceremony for Sarasin was held at the Wat Benchamabophit with Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn in attendance representing the royal family.[1][2] He was survived by his wife, Thapuying Tawika Sarasin, and three sons, including Thai television host, Kanit Sarasin.[1]