Bhichai Rattakul facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Bhichai Rattakul
พิชัย รัตตกุล
Bhichai at a funeral in 2010
Speaker of the House of Representatives and President of the National Assembly of Thailand
In office 30 June 2000 – 9 November 2000
Prime Minister	Chuan Leekpai
Preceded by	Wan Muhamad Noor Matha
Succeeded by	Uthai Pimchaichon
Leader of the Opposition in House of Representatives of Thailand
In office 9 December 1990 – 23 February 1991
Prime Minister	Chatichai Choonhavan
Preceded by	Narong Wongwan
Succeeded by	Chavalit Yongchaiyudh
Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand
In office 14 November 1997 – 28 June 2000
Prime Minister	Chuan Leekpai
In office 30 April 1983 – 9 December 1990
Prime Minister	Prem Tinsulanonda Chatichai Choonhavan
Minister of Foreign Affairs
In office 21 April 1976 – 6 October 1976
Prime Minister	Seni Pramoj
Preceded by	Chatichai Choonhavan
Succeeded by	Upadit Pachariyangkun
In office 21 February 1975 – 17 March 1975
Prime Minister	Seni Pramoj
Preceded by	Chatichai Choonhavan
Succeeded by	Jaroonpan Isarangkul Na Ayuthaya
Leader of the Democrat Party
In office 4 April 1982 – 20 January 1989
Preceded by	Thanat Khoman
Succeeded by	Chuan Leekpai
Chairman of the Bangkok Asian Games Organizing Committee
In office 1994–1999
Leader	Sheikh Ahmed Al-Fahad Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah
Personal details
Born	(1924-09-16)16 September 1924 Bangkok, Siam
Died	28 February 2022(2022-02-28) (aged 97) Bangkok, Thailand
Nationality	Thai
Political party	Democrat Party
Spouse	Jaruay Rattakul
Children	Bhichit Rattakul
Signature

Bhichai Rattakul (Thai: พิชัย รัตตกุล; 16 September 1924 – 28 February 2022) was an important Thai politician. He held many big jobs in the government. He was a Deputy Prime Minister twice. He also served as the Speaker of the House of Representatives. This means he led the main meetings of the Thai government. Bhichai was also the leader of the Democrat Party, a major political group in Thailand. Later in his life, he became the World President of Rotary International, a global service organization.

Early Life and School

Bhichai Rattakul was born on 16 September 1924 in Bangkok, Thailand. His family was Thai Chinese. He went to school at Bangkok Christian College. He also studied in Hong Kong at St Stephen's College.

A Career in Politics

Bhichai Rattakul had a long and active career in Thai politics. He served as the Deputy Prime Minister for two different periods. This role is like being a top assistant to the Prime Minister, helping to lead the country.

He was also the Speaker of the House of Representatives. This important job means he was in charge of the main meetings of the government's elected members. He made sure debates ran smoothly and rules were followed.

From 1982 to 1990, Bhichai was the leader of the Democrat Party. This is one of Thailand's oldest and most well-known political parties. Leading a party means guiding its goals and actions.

Beyond Politics: Rotary International

Even after his main political career, Bhichai Rattakul continued to serve. He became the World President of Rotary International from 2002 to 2004. Rotary is a global group of volunteers who work to solve problems around the world. They focus on things like peace, fighting disease, and providing clean water. Bhichai was also an advisor for the Rotary Club of Bangkok, which was the first Rotary Club in Thailand.

Family Life

Bhichai Rattakul was married to Khunying Jaruay Rattakul. They had three children together. Their son, Bhichit Rattakul, also became a well-known public figure. He served as the Governor of Bangkok from 1996 to 2000. Bhichai also had another son named Anatchai Rattakul and a daughter named Khunying Patchari Wongphaitoon.

Later Years and Passing

Bhichai Rattakul passed away on 28 February 2022. He was 97 years old. He died in Bangkok, Thailand, at Siriraj Hospital.

Images for kids

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  Ribbon of the Order of the White Elephant

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  Ribbon of the Order of the Crown of Thailand