Meechai Ruchuphan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Meechai Ruchuphan
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มีชัย ฤชุพันธุ์
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| President of the National Legislative Assembly | |
| In office 25 October 2006 – 28 January 2008 |
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| Preceded by | Bhokin Bhalakula (House of Representatives) |
| Succeeded by | Yongyuth Tiyapairat (House of Representatives) |
| President of the National Assembly of Thailand | |
| In office 28 June 1992 – 29 June 1992 |
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| Preceded by | Ukrit Mongkolnavin (Senate) |
| Succeeded by | Marut Bunnag (House of Representatives) |
| President of the Senate of Thailand | |
| In office 28 June 1992 – 21 March 2000 |
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| Preceded by | Ukrit Mongkolnavin |
| Succeeded by | Sanit Worapanya |
| Acting Prime Minister of Thailand | |
| In office 24 May 1992 – 10 June 1992 |
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| Monarch | Bhumibol Adulyadej |
| Preceded by | Suchinda Kraprayoon |
| Succeeded by | Anand Panyarachun |
| Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand | |
| In office 2 March 1991 – 22 March 1992 |
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| Prime Minister | Anand Panyarachun |
| In office 14 April 1992 – 9 June 1992 |
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| Prime Minister | Suchinda Kraprayoon Himself (acting) |
| Minister to the Office of the Prime Minister | |
| In office 21 March 1980 – 3 August 1988 |
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| Prime Minister | Prem Tinsulanonda |
| In office 9 August 1988 – 4 January 1990 |
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| Prime Minister | Chatichai Choonhavan |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 2 February 1938 Bangkok, Siam (now Bangkok, Thailand) |
| Spouse | Amphorn Ruchuphan |
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Meechai Ruchuphan (born February 2, 1938) is a well-known Thai legal expert and politician. He briefly served as the acting Prime Minister of Thailand in 1992.
Contents
Meechai Ruchuphan's Life and Career
Education and Early Career
Meechai studied law at Thammasat University in Thailand. He then earned a master's degree in comparative law from Southern Methodist University in Texas, USA. While in Texas, he took part in a special program about how laws are made.
After returning to Thailand, Meechai began working for the government. He joined the Office of the Council of State, where he helped write laws. He eventually became the head of the law drafting division. In 1973, he became a legal advisor to Prime Minister Sanya Dharmasakti. He was later assigned to work permanently in the Prime Minister's Office. In 1977, he became a member of the National Legislative Assembly and a deputy secretary-general to the prime minister.
Becoming a Cabinet Minister and Acting Prime Minister
In March 1980, Meechai was appointed as a minister in the Office of the Prime Minister. He served under Prime Minister General Prem Tinsulanonda for eight years. He continued in this role even when Chatichai Choonhavan became Prime Minister, staying until 1990. During this time, he was also a Senator from 1983 to 1989.
In April 1991, he became Deputy Prime Minister. He worked under Prime Minister Anand Panyarachun and then under General Suchinda Kraprayoon. Meechai also led the committee that wrote the 1991 Constitution.
In May 1992, General Suchinda Kraprayoon resigned as Prime Minister. This happened after public protests. Meechai then stepped in as the acting Prime Minister. He held this role until June 10, 1992, when Anand Panyarachun was appointed Prime Minister again.
Serving as Senate Speaker
After his time as acting Prime Minister, Meechai became a Senator again. He served as the Speaker of the Senate from 1992 to 2000. In this role, he oversaw important legal decisions.
Meechai had some concerns about the 1997 draft constitution. This constitution was created with a lot of public involvement. He felt some parts were too modern for Thai culture. For example, he thought a rule against all social discrimination might conflict with traditional customs. However, he eventually supported the constitution's approval. He hoped it would help avoid political problems during the Asian financial crisis.
Roles After 2006 and 2014 Events
After a change in government in 2006, Meechai was appointed President of the National Legislative Assembly. This assembly was chosen by the military. His appointment suggested that a more traditional constitution might be created. He believed the 1997 constitution was not right for Thailand.
Meechai also supported strict laws that protect the monarchy. He thought these laws were important because he believed the monarchy was facing challenges from different groups. He also favored having a Prime Minister and National Assembly who were appointed, not chosen by public vote.
As of 2011, Meechai was the chairman of Thailand's Law Reform Commission. After another change in government in 2014, Meechai was chosen as one of two civilians to join the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO). This group was in charge after the change. When an earlier draft constitution failed, the NCPO appointed Meechai to lead another committee to write a new constitution on October 5, 2015.
Family Life
Meechai was married to Khunying Amphorn Ruchuphan. They had two daughters together.
