Thailand: Major Luang Khuang Abhaiwongse (1902-1968), Prime Minister of Thailand August 1, 1944 – August 31, 1945; January 31 - March 24, 1946; November 10, 1947 - April 8, 1948

Major Luang Khuang Abhaiwongse (May 17, 1902 - March 15, 1968) was Prime Minister of Thailand three times. During World War II he received the title Major after joining the guard of King Prajadhipok (Rama VII). In the governments of Phraya Phahol Pholphayuhasena and Plaek Phibunsongkhram he became a minister, and was elected as Prime Minister on August 1, 1944, after Plaek's plans to move the capital to Phetchabun and to create the Phutthamonthon park failed to get enough approval from Parliament. On August 17, 1945 he resigned to make way for a new administration.

In 1946 he was one of the founders of the Democrat Party, and became its first leader. The fourth national elections on January 6, 1946 were won by the Democrat Party, which gained him a second term as Prime Minister starting on January 31. Only 45 days later, on March 24, his government lost an election in Parliament and he resigned.

He became Prime Minister a third time on November 10, 1947 following a coup d'état led by Phin Chunhawan. However, the coup leaders were not pleased with the performance of Khuang's government and forced him to resign on April 8, 1948. This also ensured Plaek Phibunsongkhram would become Prime Minister again. Khuang continued in politics as the opposition leader and leader of the Democrat Party.

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