Bhichai Rattakul, a past Rotary International president and an accomplished businessperson and politician, died on 28 February 2022. He was 95.

Rattakul, who was Rotary’s first president from Thailand, achieved success in business and government. Known for his modesty, integrity, and diplomatic skills, he rose from humble beginnings, which shaped his outlook on life. He joined Rotary in 1958 as a charter member of the Rotary Club of Dhonburi, Thailand’s second club and the first to conduct its business in Thai. As 2002-03 RI president, Rattakul encouraged Rotary members to determine their own goals and programs, saying that grassroots members know what’s best for their own clubs and communities.

Prior to becoming RI president, Rattakul had a distinguished career in government, serving as Thailand’s deputy prime minister twice, from 1983 to 1990 and from 1997 to 2000, and as foreign minister. He was a member of the Thai parliament for nine terms and held the posts of speaker of the House of Representatives and president of the National Assembly. He retired from government in 2000.

During his years in politics, he served as head of Thailand’s Democratic Party. He led a number of Thai delegations to the United Nations, and he was decorated by heads of state including the king of Thailand, the emperor of Japan, and presidents of Austria, Italy, Korea, Nicaragua, the Philippines, and Venezuela. He held honorary degrees in law and political science from universities in Korea, Thailand, and the United States.

As chair of the organizing committee for the 13th Asian Games in 1998, Rattakul served as a mediator, bringing together several fractious groups to organize and host the competition in Bangkok. In recognition, the International Olympic Committee honored him with the Olympic Order, the committee’s highest honor for individuals, in 1999.

Rattakul, who was the president of a pharmaceuticals manufacturing company in Bangkok, also served as president of the Thai Pharmaceuticals Manufacturers Association for more than 10 years.

Rattakul and his wife, Charoye, were Rotary Foundation Major Donors and Benefactors. He received the Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious Service and Distinguished Service Award. He is survived by two sons and one daughter.