Bhichai Rattakul


Bhichai Rattakul was a Thai politician who served as the deputy prime minister from 1983 to 1990 and 1997 to 2000, speaker of the House of Representatives, and president of the National Assembly. He was also leader of the Democrat Party between 1982 and 1990, and the world president of Rotary International from 2002 to 2004.

Early life and education

Bhichai Rattakul was born on 16 September 1924 into a Thai Chinese family. He graduated from Bangkok Christian College and St Stephen's College in Hong Kong.

Political career

He served as the deputy prime minister between 1983 and 1990 and between 1997 and 2000, the speaker of the House of Representatives and the president of the National Assembly, the leader of the Democrat Party between 1982 and 1990, and the world president of Rotary International between 2002 and 2004.
He was a past president of Rotary International, serving from 2002 to 2004, as well as an advisor and member of Rotary Club of Bangkok, the first Rotary Club in Thailand.

Personal life

He was married to Khunying Jaruay Rattakul and had two sons and one daughter, whose names are Bhichit Rattakul, the former governor of Bangkok between 1996 and 2000, Anatchai Rattakul and Khunying Patchari Wongphaitoon.

Death

Bhichai died of lung cancer at Siriraj Hospital, on 28 February 2022, at the age of 97.

Honours