Wan Waithayakon

Prince Varna Vaidayakara (full title: His Royal Highness Prince Varna Vaidayakara, the Prince Naradhip Bongsaprabandha), known in the West as Wan Waithayakon (1891–1976), was a Thai royal prince and diplomat. He was President of the Eleventh Session of the United Nations General Assembly (1956–1957) while serving as Thailand's Permanent Representative to the United Nations. He was a grandson of King Mongkut (Rama IV).

Early life and education Prince Wan was born on 25 August 1891 in Bangkok. He began his education at Suan Kularb School and Rajvidyalai (King's College) before continuing his education in England, where he earned a degree with honours in History from Balliol College, Oxford . In 1956, he was the president of the Eleventh Session of the United Nations' General Assembly. He also served as Thailand's foreign minister from 1952 to 1957 and again in 1958.

Language Prince Wan's expertise in languages ranged from English and Pali to Sanskrit. He coined Thai words from English that are in use today. They include prachathipatai (democracy), ratthathammanoon (constitution), thanakarn (bank), and songkram (war). His proficiency in languages led to his being made president of the Royal Society of Thailand, the national arbiter of the Thai language.

Academic rank Professor of Chulalongkorn University