BACKGROUND: POTE SARASIN - - PROVISIONAL PREMIER OF THAILAND

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP79R00890A000900010003-4
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: C
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 12, 2016
• Document Release Date: April 30, 1999
• Sequence Number: 3
• Publication Date: September 21, 1957
• Content Type: BRIEF

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BAMOROUND:
21 Sept*
BR OF ThA 11AD
The sel ion of Pate Sarasin, former ambassador to the United
State. and now SEATO secretary-general, to be Thailand's provisional
premier vas a clever move on the part of the Sarit are; group and the
Besides being highly competent, Pots has the political asset
of having been out of the country since 1952. He thus did not have to
take sides in the bitter factional strife Which tinnily led to the
overthrow of the Phibun regime. Additionally, because of Potess close
Identification with sum and his firm friendship for the United States
his appointment is of great synbo iota utility in emphasizing the
continuity of Thailand's pro-Western position despite the change it
regimes. Pot. has had wide experience in international affairs, which
makes him the ideal man to pave the way for international recognition
of the new constitutional government which the regime has promised will
he formed after the December elections.
Pots is a lawyer by pneession. Born in 1904, he received his
secondary education at Wilbraham" Academy in Massachusetts and his legal.
training in Bangkok and London. He speaks fluent English and in
regarded for his intelligence, ability and efficiency. He was a well-
known and successful businessman in Bangkok before he entered govetnment
service in 1948 as deputy minister of foreign *Mats, which he held
until 1950. Later he served as Thai representative to the UN Comaesion
for the Unification and Rehabilitation of Korea and in 1952 became Thai
ambassador to the United States. Pete served in this post until Itly
1957, during which tine he frequently served as a delegate under
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In July, he took over as SEATO secretary-general. SIATO memba.s
are reported to be highly impressed with the energy, verve and
enthusiasm which he had already begun to put into his work with SIO
CIA,
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