Meechai Ruchuphan facts for kids

Meechai Ruchuphan (Thai: มีชัย ฤชุพันธุ์) was born on February 2, 1938. He is a Thai legal expert and politician. He served as the acting Prime Minister of Thailand for a short time in 1992.

Meechai Ruchuphan's Life and Career

Meechai Ruchuphan has had a long and important career in Thai politics and law. He is known for his work in government and for helping to write laws.

Education and Early Government Work

Meechai studied law at Thammasat University in Thailand. Later, he earned a master's degree in law from Southern Methodist University in Texas, USA. He also took part in a special program about how laws are made in Texas.

After returning to Thailand, Meechai started working for the government. He joined the Office of the Council of State, which is a group that helps write laws. He became the head of the team that drafts new laws. In 1973, he became a legal advisor to Prime Minister Sanya Dharmasakti. He then worked permanently in the Office of the Prime Minister.

In 1977, during a time when the military was in charge, Meechai became a member of the National Legislative Assembly. This group helps create laws for the country. In the same year, he became an assistant to the prime minister's main helper.

Serving as a Cabinet Minister and Acting Prime Minister

In March 1980, Meechai was chosen to be a minister in the Office of the Prime Minister. He worked under General Prem Tinsulanonda, who was the Prime Minister for eight years. Meechai kept this job even when Chatichai Choonhavan became Prime Minister in 1988, staying until 1990. During this time, he was also a Senator from 1983 to 1989.

In April 1991, he became a Deputy Prime Minister. He served under Prime Minister Anand Panyarachun and then under General Suchinda Kraprayoon. Meechai also led the group that wrote the new Constitution in 1991.

In May 1992, Prime Minister Suchinda Kraprayoon resigned because of public protests. Meechai then stepped in as the acting Prime Minister. He held this role from May 24 to June 10, 1992, until a new Prime Minister, Anand Panyarachun, was appointed again.

Role as Senate Speaker

After his time as acting Prime Minister, Meechai became a Senator again. He was the Speaker of the Senate from 1992 to 2000. As Speaker, he led a special court that decided if a government order was legal. This order had pardoned those responsible for shooting protesters during the 1992 events.

Meechai had some concerns about the 1997 draft constitution. This constitution was created after a long process with many people involved. He thought some parts were too modern for Thai culture. For example, he disagreed with a rule that said it was wrong to treat people differently based on their background. He felt this did not fit with traditional Thai customs, like showing respect to the King. However, he eventually supported the constitution's approval. He hoped it would help avoid political problems during the Asian financial crisis.

Leading the National Legislative Assembly and Drafting Constitutions

After the military takeover in 2006, Meechai was chosen to be the President of the National Legislative Assembly. This group was appointed by the military. His appointment suggested that the new constitution would be more traditional and focused on law and order.

Meechai believed the 1997 constitution was not right for Thailand. He compared it to a fancy car that couldn't be used to work in a rice field. He also said that the Thai monarchy was facing threats from different groups. Because of this, he believed that the strict lèse-majesté law, which protects the monarchy, should stay in place and be strongly enforced. Meechai also supported the idea of having a Prime Minister and a Parliament chosen by appointment, rather than by public vote.

In 2011, Meechai was the head of Thailand's Law Reform Commission. This group works on changing and improving laws. After another military takeover in 2014, Meechai was one of two non-military members appointed to the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), which was the ruling military group. When the first group's draft constitution failed, Meechai was chosen by the NCPO to lead a new committee to write another constitution on October 5, 2015.

Family Life

Meechai was married to Khunying Amphorn Ruchuphan. They had two daughters together.