He underwent heart bypass surgery last November but developed a lung infection two weeks ago. His condition improved, and he was discharged. He was readmitted on January 3 with complications but did not respond to treatment.

Royal bathing rites will be held at 3.30pm today at Wat Debsirin.

Born on June 1, 1936, Pramarn graduated from Thammasat University's Faculty of Law and received post-graduate degrees from Yale and Pepperdine universities in the United States.

Pramarn rose through the ranks to become the chief judge in Region 5 and Region 9. He went on to become permanent secretary of the Justice Ministry during the rule of the National Peacekeeping Council when the Judiciary was beset by internal conflict. In 1992, he rose to Supreme Court president, retiring four years later.

Pramarn established the Judicial Training Institute, initiated management courses for high-ranking members of the judiciary and increased the retirement age of judges from 60 to 65.

Pramarn founded the Pramarn Chansue Foundation to assist administrative and judicial officials who wanted to further their education.

He also financed the construction of the Judiciary Hospital in Nakhon Pathom, which treats children and youths from Juvenile Observation and Protection Centres.

As ministry permanent secretary from 1991 to 1992, Pramarn called for an end to government interference through reshuffles of judges following the Anand Panyarachun government's attempts to iron out conflicts between two judiciary factions.

One was led by Pramarn and the other by Sawat Chotephanich. They quarrelled over reshuffles. Pramarn was later backed by then-Justice Minister Prapasna Uaychai to become Supreme Court president.

During his tenure, high-profile architect Rangsan Torsuwan and four others were charged with his attempted murder in front of his home in Yan Nawa district. The case is still before the courts.

Pramarn is survived by his wife, Ampansri; one son, Police Lt-Colonel Ekkapap; and one daughter, Parama.