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Kraisak Choonhavan
ไกรศักดิ์ ชุณหะวัณ
Kraisak Choonhavan 29 Feb 2008.jpg
Kraisak Choonhavan in 2008
Deputy Leader of the Democrat Party
In office
15 July 2008 – 16 August 2011
Personal details
Born (1947-08-08)8 August 1947
Bangkok, Thailand
Died 11 June 2020(2020-06-11) (aged 72)
Bangkok, Thailand
Political party Democrat Party
Spouse Tiankhai Choonhavan
Parents
  • Chatichai Choonhavan (father)
  • Boonruen Choonhavan (mother)
Alma mater
Profession Politician

Kraisak Choonhavan (Thai: ไกรศักดิ์ ชุณหะวัณ) was a well-known politician from Thailand. He was born on October 8, 1947, and passed away on June 11, 2020. Kraisak served as a member of the Senate, which is like a big group of elected officials who help make laws for the country. He represented Nakhon Ratchasima Province from 2000 to 2006.

Early Life and Education

Kraisak Choonhavan was the son of Chatichai Choonhavan, who was a former prime minister of Thailand. His mother was Than Phu Ying Bunruen Choonhavan.

Schooling and University

Kraisak went to school in Bangkok at Saint Gabriel's College. Later, he studied in the United States at Wilbraham & Monson Academy in Massachusetts. He earned a bachelor's degree in international relations from the George Washington University. This field of study is about how different countries work together. He then got his master's degree from the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London.

Teaching and Activism

After his studies, Kraisak taught political economy at Kasetsart University from 1976 to 1989. He also taught about the politics of countries in Southeast Asia. Besides teaching, he became an active supporter of human rights and worked to protect the environment.

Political Journey

Kraisak Choonhavan had a long and important career in politics. He held several key positions and worked on important issues for his country.

Early Political Roles

From 1989 to 1991, Kraisak was an adviser to the prime minister. During this time, he helped with peace talks related to Cambodia. After a change in government in 1991, he became a chief adviser to the Governor of Bangkok. In this role, he focused on reducing pollution in the city and promoting arts and culture until 1995.

Serving in the Senate

In 2001, Kraisak was elected as a senator. He became the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Senate. This committee deals with how Thailand interacts with other countries. He held this position until 2006.

Advocating for Change

While in the Senate, Kraisak was a key member of a group of 45 senators. This group worked to oppose problems like human rights violations and corruption in the government at that time. Because of his strong views, he was often interviewed by international news groups.

Later Political Work

After the general elections in 2007, Kraisak became a member of parliament for the Democrat Party, which was an opposition party. He was chosen as the deputy leader for the northeast region of Thailand. He also became the President of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Myanmar Caucus (AIPMC). This group brings together members of parliament from ASEAN countries who want to help bring freedom to Myanmar.

Passing Away

Kraisak Choonhavan was diagnosed with tongue cancer in 2015. He passed away in Bangkok at Siriraj Piyamaharajkarun Hospital on June 11, 2020.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Kraisak Choonhavan para niños

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