Chaophraya Yommarat (Pan Sukhum)

Pan Sukhum, taken circa 1920

Pan Sukhum(Thai:ปั้น สุขุม), better known by the noble titleChaophraya Yommarat(เจ้าพระยายมราช,1862 – 30 December 1938), was regent to the King Rama VIII of Thailand and a civil servant who helped lead Thailand's development into the modern era. He served in several high-ranking roles, including as the Minister of Interior, under the governments of kingsChulalongkorn(Rama V) andVajiravudh(Rama VI).

Born inSuphan Buri,Pan was raised as a novice Buddhist monk inBangkokand left the monkhood to join government service around the age of 21, becoming a teacher at the royal palace school and then a tutor to Chulalongkorn's children studying in England, where he served as a diplomat for 11 years. He then became commissioner ofMonthon Nakhon Si Thammaratunder the newmonthonadministration system for 12 years, and was later appointed to several successive ministerships in the reformed government system: those of Public Works, Metropolitan Affairs, andInterior.He oversaw various modernizing public works projects, including the introduction of electricity and waterworks in the capital and the establishment of a modern police force, and also established the country's first cement factory (nowSiam Cement Group). He was elevated to the highest noble rank ofchaophraya,receiving the titleYommarat,in 1908. He retired from public office in 1926, but was later appointedregentto the young KingAnanda Mahidol(Rama VIII) in 1935, holding the position until his death in 1938.

Chao Phraya Yommarat Hospital,the main hospital of Suphan Buri Province is named after him.