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Surapong Tovichakchaikul
MPCh MWM
สุรพงษ์ โตวิจักษณ์ชัยกุล
Surapong Tovichakchaikul and Hillary Rodham Clinton November 16, 2011 (cropped).jpg
Surapong Tovichakchaikul in 2011
Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand
In office
28 October 2012 – 7 May 2014
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra
Minister of Foreign Affairs
In office
9 August 2011 – 7 May 2014
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra
Preceded by Kasit Piromya
Succeeded by Thanasak Patimaprakorn
Personal details
Born (1953-05-01)1 May 1953
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Died 20 May 2020(2020-05-20) (aged 67)
Bangkok, Thailand
Political party Pheu Thai Party
Spouse Anchalee Tovichakchaikul (div.)
Relations Thaksin Shinawatra (cousin in-law)
Children
  • Nuttapong Tovichakchaikul
  • Supisara Tovichakchaikul
Alma mater
Profession
Signature

Surapong Tovichakchaikul (1 May 1953 – 20 May 2020) was an important Thai politician. He served as a Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Thailand. He held these roles from 2011 to 2014. Surapong was also a Member of Parliament (MP) and a leader in the Pheu Thai Party.

Early Life and Family

Surapong Tovichakchaikul was born on May 1, 1953, in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. His family had connections to other well-known Thai figures. For example, he was a cousin-in-law to Thaksin Shinawatra, another famous politician.

Surapong had two children, Nuttapong Tovichakchaikul and Supisara Tovichakchaikul. He studied engineering and earned a Bachelor's degree from Khon Kaen University.

Journey into Politics

Surapong began his political career when he was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Chiang Mai Province. This happened in the 1996 general election, when he was part of the Democrat Party. He also became an executive member of the party.

Later, Surapong changed political parties. In 2006, he joined the Thai Rak Thai Party. After a big change in the government in 2006, the Thai Rak Thai Party was no longer active. Surapong, along with many others, then joined the People's Power Party. He was elected as an MP for Chiang Mai again in 2007.

In 2009, Surapong supported a request for a former leader, Thaksin Shinawatra. He later joined the Pheu Thai Party and became a deputy leader in 2010. In the 2011 election, he was elected as an MP for the Pheu Thai Party. He was then chosen to be the Minister of Foreign Affairs in the government led by Yingluck Shinawatra. Surapong also became a Deputy Prime Minister. His time in government ended in May 2014 due to another change in government.

Later Life and Passing

Surapong Tovichakchaikul passed away on May 20, 2020. He was 67 years old. He died from liver cancer at Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok.

Royal Awards

For his service to Thailand, Surapong received important royal awards. These awards are part of the Honours System of Thailand. They recognize people who have done great things for their country.

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