Nguyen Van Thieu

Nguyen Van Thieu (Nguyễn Văn Thiệu,Chu Nom: 阮文紹), (April 5, 1923 – September 29, 2001) was a former General and President of South Vietnam.

Political Career

He served as South Vietnam's ceremonial head of state in Prime Minister Nguyen Cao Ky's government from 1965 - 67.

Related Topics:
South Vietnam - Head of state - Nguyen Cao Ky - 1965 - 67

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In September 3, 1967, he ran successfully for the new executive presidency of South Vietnam earning 38% of the vote and held that position until the Fall of Saigon, South Vietnam's capital, became imminent in 1975.

Related Topics:
September 3 - 1967 - Presidency - Fall of Saigon - 1975

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Thieu's regime was accused of being far more corrupt than his predecessor. Unlike Ky, Thieu created a political party and greatly centralized political power in the executive branch at the expense of the elected congress. Close allies were placed in key ministerial and military posts in order to prevent threats to the president's leadership from emerging.

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In 1971, Thieu ran for re-election, but his rumoured reputation for corruption made his political opponents believe the race would be fixed, and declined to run. As the only candidate Thieu was thus easily re-elected.

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Just prior to the Communist victory, he resigned and absconded for Taiwan, quickly handing power to his readily available Vice President Tran Van Huong, who took over on April 21, 1975, nine days before South Vietnam unconditionally surrendered to the North Vietnamese on April 30, 1975.

Related Topics:
Tran Van Huong - 1975

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