Former House speaker Chai Chidchob passed away peacefully at his house in Buri Ram province on Friday morning. He was 92.
He had a long and colourful role in politics.
Chai, a Bhumjaithai Party-list MP, died about 8am. The bathing rite will be held at his home in Buri Ram province.
Born in tambon Phiaram of Surin province, the veteran politician completed his high school education at Surawittayakharn School in Muang district of the northeastern province. He later earned bachelor’s degrees in political science at Ramkhamhaeng and Sukhothai Thammathirat Open universities.
Chai began his career in politics in 1957, becoming kamnan of tambon Isarn in Muang district of Buri Ram province. His family ran the Silachai rock quarry on the edge of Muang district.
He entered national-level politics under the banner of the Democrat Party. He served many terms as a Buri Ram MP, moving to other political parties and also being elected. He also served as a senator for Buri Ram.
In 2008, Mr Chai was appointed House speaker.
He had six children by his wife La-ong Chidchob - five sons and a daughter. His son Newin Chidchob is chairman of Buriram United Football Club. Another son, Saksayam Chidchob, is the transport minister and secretary-general of the Bhumjaithai Party.