Chai-Anan Dies: Former Constitution Court judge and respected political scientist Chai-Anan Samudavanija has died, his family announced.
He died peacefully, reported Kia Samudavanija on his Facebook wall on Saturday morning, without giving further details.
Chai-Anan played a crucial role in various political changes in Thailand.
He was among the key drafters of the 1997 Constitution of Thailand. During the 2005-2006 political crisis, he was a vocal critic of then prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. He was associated with Sondhi Limthongkul, a leader of the now-defunct People’s Alliance for Democracy.
After gaining the support of the military and 40 provincial millionaires, Chai-Anan helped found the Matchima political party.
Chai-Anan also held several important posts, including director of Vajiravudh College, president of the Royal Institute and professor of political science at Chulalongkorn University.