Former House speaker Chai Chidchob dies at age of 92
Former House speaker Chai Chidchob passed away peacefully at his home in Buri Ram province yesterday morning. He was 92.
Chai, a Bhumjaithai Partylist MP, who had a long and colourful career in politics, died about 8am.
Born in tambon Phiaram in Surin province, Chai completed his high school education at Surawittayakharn School in Muang district. He later earned a bachelor’s degree in political science at Ramkhamhaeng and Sukhothai Thammathirat Open universities.
Chai began his career in politics in 1957, becoming kamnan of tambon Isarn in Buri Ram’s Muang district. His family ran the Silachai rock quarry.
He first entered parliament as an independent in 1969 and served many terms as a Buri Ram MP, during which time he switched parties on several occasions. He also served as a senator for Buri Ram.
In 2008, Mr Chai was appointed House speaker.
He leaves behind six children by his wife La-ong Chidchob — five sons and a daughter.
One of his son’s is Newin Chidchob, chairman of Buriram United Football Club, while another is Saksayam Chidchob, the current transport minister and secretary-general of the Bhumjaithai Party. House Speaker Chuan Leekpai expressed regret over Chai’s passing, saying he had known Chai well since they both first became MPs in 1969.
Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said Chai was an experienced politician with a good intellect, who could hold his own when discussing topics with academics.
Chai was also famous for his sense of humor which helped ease tensions during some contentious parliamentary meetings, many political observers said about him.
His seat in parliament will now pass to Swap Laoprathan who is next in line on Bhumjaithai’s party list.
Royally-sponsored bathing rites for Chai will take place at his home today. Members of the public wishing to pay their respects can do so from tomorrow until Friday from 10am onwards.
The royally-sponsored cremation ceremony will take place on Feb 1, the family said.
The family is not accepting wreaths, and asks those wishing to make merit to commemorate Chai can make a donation to Buri Ram Hospital via a Krungthai Bank account number — 308-0-70047-3.