From grocery delivery boy to Senate Speaker
The Sunday Nation

Surachai

BANGKOK: -- Surachai Liengboonlertchai, who was elected by fellow senators as the new Senate Speaker on Friday night, comes from a humble background. Born in a family that ran a small grocery store, he served as a "temple boy" during his school days.

He was born in Bangkok in January 1953. At that time, his father ran a small grocery store in the Thon Buri side of the capital. "I was taught the value of work and education. I delivered groceries by bicycle since I was young," Surachai said.

While studying at Wat Thawithapisek Elementary School, which is located in the compound of a Buddhist temple with the same name, Surachai served as a temple boy, helping wash alms bowls and cleaning the temple's ground. He later managed to pass an exam to study at Amnuay Silp School, which is considered a leading all-boys school.

When he was in the final year of high school, his family became destitute after their house was destroyed by fire. This personal disaster inspired Surachai to study law and become a lawyer.

"My family's crisis led me to know more about the legal system, particularly the laws about assistance to disaster victims. I wondered why our family had to suffer from a fire created by other people. We were left homeless and our family became penniless," he said.

Surachai finally managed to pass an entrance exam to study law at Thammasat University. There he learned a lot about political ideology and being an activist.

In his first year at the university, there was a student-led uprising against a dictatorial government in October 1973. Thammasat became a hotbed of street demonstrations. Three years later, when he was a senior student, there was a massacre of protesting students at the university in October 1976.

"I distributed leaflets at Thammasat University and made posters against the government at that time and called for freedom," he said.

After obtaining his degree in law, Surachai began his career as a junior lawyer apprentice at a law office. He later became a barrister-at-law after graduating from the Thai Bar Association's Institute of Legal Education. He focused his practice on tax and excise laws.

In 2000, he was part of a team of lawyers that won an election to run the Lawyers Council of Thailand.

After the coup in 2006, Surachai represented the lawyers' council in the committee set up to draft a new constitution. He managed to push for inclusion of a farmers' council in the 2007 Constitution.

Surachai later sought selection as an appointed senator, which he has been for two terms. He was picked by colleagues to become the first deputy Senate speaker.

He said that after completing his term in the next four years, he would leave politics for good and devote his time to teaching. "I can't stay idle. I like working, especially on something that benefits the country. This makes me proud and happy," he said.

-- The Nation 2014-05-11

Congrats Khun Surachai. Grocery boy to Senate speaker...an everyday person. More of what Thailand needs as their political leaders.

A Thai who grew up understanding the "value of work." He sounds like a thoughtful Thai. Too bad he announced his retirement already.

Australia had a police officer, become opposition leader then Governor General (Queen Elizabeth 2 rep), never became a billionaire though, onya Bill Haydon.

thats probably the best thing I have heard ever. They should come from normal working class people. Its better....just sayin

One of the most powerful jobs in the country and elected by nobody. Appointed by the ruling elite as a sop to the poor, but he will toe the line and back the wishes of the Elite.

Shame that he has gone from leading an uprising against a dictatorial government to being in cahoots with an aspiring one.

I have always claimed the only people with power or money in Thailand are either born into it, or criminals. I am glad to see I stand corrected.

Sounds like the right man for a PM job

He has the right background for this job. Lets hope he can tread the middle ground without being a lacky.

There are many here when someone who really understands the needs and wants of the Thai people

They instantly become agressive and pull his character down

How can we complain about decisions of Thais

when Farlangs have the same failings

Like crabs we pull down any one that look like the can get us out of this mess

Seems to me great politicians start from grocery shops.......prime example, Margaret Thacher.

Seems to me great politicians start from grocery shops.......prime example, Margaret Thacher.

If he's anything like the wicked witch of the south then Thailand has even more problems,discord and antagonistic politics coming its way. Something I thought was impossible.

When are we going to get a

''Dislike this'' button?

There are various posts I'd like to use it on, I'm sure others will agree.

When are we going to get a

''Dislike this'' button?

There are various posts I'd like to use it on, I'm sure others will agree.

Ha....to your dismay, there isn't one and will never be.

So, eat your heart out.

When are we going to get a

''Dislike this'' button?

There are various posts I'd like to use it on, I'm sure others will agree.

I've a feeling it could lead to a certain degree of disharmony.

One of the most powerful jobs in the country and elected by nobody. Appointed by the ruling elite as a sop to the poor, but he will toe the line and back the wishes of the Elite.

He was elected by fellow senators. So stop spreading your lies.

When are we going to get a

''Dislike this'' button?

There are various posts I'd like to use it on, I'm sure others will agree.

I've a feeling it could lead to a certain degree of disharmony.

We use to have it but its gone, its too bad it would show the red cheerleaders a bit about how popular they are. For me its still hard to believe that there are foreigners with education supporting the reds. I know a few of them are the real deal not paid ones like many of the newbies.

Australia had a police officer, become opposition leader then Governor General (Queen Elizabeth 2 rep), never became a billionaire though, onya Bill Haydon.

You seem to be implying that Surachai Liengboonlertchai is a billionaire. Is this true? I can't find a declaration of his assets online (poor search skills?).

A Thai who grew up understanding the "value of work." He sounds like a thoughtful Thai. Too bad he announced his retirement already.

Senators can only sit one term to avoid professional politicians to sit there forever.

Surachai has done well for himself in his career. I admire self-made people.

Too bad he didn't learn anything about democracy though in that time. He was only to happy to participate in the dismantling of an elected government following the military coup, contribute to a new constitution designed to further suppress democracy, and become part of an unelected portion of an institution to assure abortion of any future democratic system. Surachai sadly can be counted as part of the Thai elitist society that has little penchant for equality with the masses.

There are many here when someone who really understands the needs and wants of the Thai people

They instantly become agressive and pull his character down

How can we complain about decisions of Thais

when Farlangs have the same failings

Like crabs we pull down any one that look like the can get us out of this mess

You do not know who this gentleman is do you? You have relied on a laudatory fluff piece, upon which you make the assumption that he is the greatest thing since sliced white bread. Do you know what his legal background is and what he specialized in? He was a tax lawyer. Do you know what tax lawyers do? They help their clients minimize paying taxes by exploiting tax loopholes. They help wealthy people who import expensive items circumvent the excise taxes. I do not criticize him for that as it was his job to represent his clients, just as it is Mr. Amsterdam's job to represent his clients. However, I find it odd that many of the people who are quick to hurl abuse at Mr. Amsterdam for taking on some fundamental human rights and international cases, that these same people look the other way when a lawyer who made his living helping people avoid paying taxes is made senate speaker. I respect the gentleman for his legal skills and success and do not criticize him for carrying out his obligation to represent his clients. However, in a time where so much is made of needing to have people who will do the right thing, it begs the question as to whether a man who made his living helping people avoid paying taxes is the appropriate person for the job.

When he served on the bar administrative council, why didn't he introduce transparency and accountability regulations when that council redrafted them? Are you aware of any lawyers who are under sanction or have complaints? If you are you would be making history, because the bar association will not provide full disclosure as do bars in other countries. I am not blaming him for that, but I believe he shared the majority view of his peers who did not think it necessary to have such disclosure to the public. And therein lies another of my concerns. He is not a reformer and has no history of such. All of the detractors of the government say reform is needed. Fine. Then why get all giddy over a man who has no history as a reformer?

And now this brings us to the appointed senator. I find it laughable that some on this thread call him a man of the people. He did not present himself to the people for validation did he? What charities is he active in? He's like any other successful Thai, and it is no secret that very few of Thailand's establishment, whether Democrat or PTP or any other political affiliation, give back to society in the same way one sees such people do in the West or Japan or Hong Kong. So much for the people. I offer that there are probably a few TVFers with their limited means who have given more to Thai society than the typical Thai senator.

The very fact that the 40 ultra right wing senators promoted him as their candidate speaks volumes. That is why I am disturbed by his selection. He is part of the old guard who wish to block any movement forward, but who wish to remain in the past. I want to believe that he may be a decent and kind hearted gentleman. I also want to believe that he is charitable and honest. Unfortunately, his record as a senator does not suggest that he is capable of moving any reforms forward or of even being able to negotiate a settlement to the current impasse. He's a tax lawyer, not a labour mediator.

Surachai has done well for himself in his career. I admire self-made people.

Too bad he didn't learn anything about democracy though in that time. He was only to happy to participate in the dismantling of an elected government following the military coup, contribute to a new constitution designed to further suppress democracy, and become part of an unelected portion of an institution to assure abortion of any future democratic system. Surachai sadly can be counted as part of the Thai elitist society that has little penchant for equality with the masses.

There was no elected government at the time for the coup, only a caretaker government clinging on to the jam jar as now.

A Thai who grew up understanding the "value of work." He sounds like a thoughtful Thai. Too bad he announced his retirement already.

Senators can only sit one term to avoid professional politicians to sit there forever.

Really? Why does the Nation Media state the following;

Surachai later sought selection as an appointed senator, which he has been for two terms

As did Margaret Thatcher who came from a grocery shop owner family. I just hope that he does not follow in her footsteps.

There are many here when someone who really understands the needs and wants of the Thai people

They instantly become agressive and pull his character down

How can we complain about decisions of Thais

when Farlangs have the same failings

Like crabs we pull down any one that look like the can get us out of this mess

You do not know who this gentleman is do you? You have relied on a laudatory fluff piece, upon which you make the assumption that he is the greatest thing since sliced white bread. Do you know what his legal background is and what he specialized in? He was a tax lawyer. Do you know what tax lawyers do? They help their clients minimize paying taxes by exploiting tax loopholes. They help wealthy people who import expensive items circumvent the excise taxes. I do not criticize him for that as it was his job to represent his clients, just as it is Mr. Amsterdam's job to represent his clients. However, I find it odd that many of the people who are quick to hurl abuse at Mr. Amsterdam for taking on some fundamental human rights and international cases, that these same people look the other way when a lawyer who made his living helping people avoid paying taxes is made senate speaker. I respect the gentleman for his legal skills and success and do not criticize him for carrying out his obligation to represent his clients. However, in a time where so much is made of needing to have people who will do the right thing, it begs the question as to whether a man who made his living helping people avoid paying taxes is the appropriate person for the job.

When he served on the bar administrative council, why didn't he introduce transparency and accountability regulations when that council redrafted them? Are you aware of any lawyers who are under sanction or have complaints? If you are you would be making history, because the bar association will not provide full disclosure as do bars in other countries. I am not blaming him for that, but I believe he shared the majority view of his peers who did not think it necessary to have such disclosure to the public. And therein lies another of my concerns. He is not a reformer and has no history of such. All of the detractors of the government say reform is needed. Fine. Then why get all giddy over a man who has no history as a reformer?

And now this brings us to the appointed senator. I find it laughable that some on this thread call him a man of the people. He did not present himself to the people for validation did he? What charities is he active in? He's like any other successful Thai, and it is no secret that very few of Thailand's establishment, whether Democrat or PTP or any other political affiliation, give back to society in the same way one sees such people do in the West or Japan or Hong Kong. So much for the people. I offer that there are probably a few TVFers with their limited means who have given more to Thai society than the typical Thai senator.

The very fact that the 40 ultra right wing senators promoted him as their candidate speaks volumes. That is why I am disturbed by his selection. He is part of the old guard who wish to block any movement forward, but who wish to remain in the past. I want to believe that he may be a decent and kind hearted gentleman. I also want to believe that he is charitable and honest. Unfortunately, his record as a senator does not suggest that he is capable of moving any reforms forward or of even being able to negotiate a settlement to the current impasse. He's a tax lawyer, not a labour mediator.

Bottom line: He advises his clients how to minimize their taxes while complying with the law. And you find this disturbing? "Avoiding taxes" would be working off the books, failing to report, claiming false information, such as keeping employees on the payroll to get tax credits after the employee quit work. "Avoiding taxes" is a criminal act. I would say that in this post you have defamed this individual.

A Thai who grew up understanding the "value of work." He sounds like a thoughtful Thai. Too bad he announced his retirement already.

Senators can only sit one term to avoid professional politicians to sit there forever.

Really? Why does the Nation Media state the following;

Surachai later sought selection as an appointed senator, which he has been for two terms

Thailand's Constitution of 2007

Section 117

The term of the Senate is six years as from the election day or the day of announcement of the

selection result by the Selective Committee for selected senators, as the case may be. Senators shall

not serve for consecutive terms.

Really? Why does the Nation Media state the following;

Surachai later sought selection as an appointed senator, which he has been for two terms

I think The nation meant two years.

There are many here when someone who really understands the needs and wants of the Thai people

They instantly become agressive and pull his character down

How can we complain about decisions of Thais

when Farlangs have the same failings

Like crabs we pull down any one that look like the can get us out of this mess

You do not know who this gentleman is do you? You have relied on a laudatory fluff piece, upon which you make the assumption that he is the greatest thing since sliced white bread. Do you know what his legal background is and what he specialized in? He was a tax lawyer. Do you know what tax lawyers do? They help their clients minimize paying taxes by exploiting tax loopholes. They help wealthy people who import expensive items circumvent the excise taxes. I do not criticize him for that as it was his job to represent his clients, just as it is Mr. Amsterdam's job to represent his clients. However, I find it odd that many of the people who are quick to hurl abuse at Mr. Amsterdam for taking on some fundamental human rights and international cases, that these same people look the other way when a lawyer who made his living helping people avoid paying taxes is made senate speaker. I respect the gentleman for his legal skills and success and do not criticize him for carrying out his obligation to represent his clients. However, in a time where so much is made of needing to have people who will do the right thing, it begs the question as to whether a man who made his living helping people avoid paying taxes is the appropriate person for the job.

When he served on the bar administrative council, why didn't he introduce transparency and accountability regulations when that council redrafted them? Are you aware of any lawyers who are under sanction or have complaints? If you are you would be making history, because the bar association will not provide full disclosure as do bars in other countries. I am not blaming him for that, but I believe he shared the majority view of his peers who did not think it necessary to have such disclosure to the public. And therein lies another of my concerns. He is not a reformer and has no history of such. All of the detractors of the government say reform is needed. Fine. Then why get all giddy over a man who has no history as a reformer?

And now this brings us to the appointed senator. I find it laughable that some on this thread call him a man of the people. He did not present himself to the people for validation did he? What charities is he active in? He's like any other successful Thai, and it is no secret that very few of Thailand's establishment, whether Democrat or PTP or any other political affiliation, give back to society in the same way one sees such people do in the West or Japan or Hong Kong. So much for the people. I offer that there are probably a few TVFers with their limited means who have given more to Thai society than the typical Thai senator.

The very fact that the 40 ultra right wing senators promoted him as their candidate speaks volumes. That is why I am disturbed by his selection. He is part of the old guard who wish to block any movement forward, but who wish to remain in the past. I want to believe that he may be a decent and kind hearted gentleman. I also want to believe that he is charitable and honest. Unfortunately, his record as a senator does not suggest that he is capable of moving any reforms forward or of even being able to negotiate a settlement to the current impasse. He's a tax lawyer, not a labour mediator.

Thought there were also tax lawyers advising people about their rights, and tax lawyers serving in agencies trusted with uncovering tax offenses. He said something about getting a teaching position when he quit politics (oh, yeah....some tax lawyers teach, forgot about that).

I do not know anything about the man's career or business affiliations, and therefore do not cheer. He sounds alright, but this could be a PR thing. Then again, unless you have specific knowledge regarding his practice, I'll take most of the above as baseless assumptions.

On the same note, while I do concur that many Thais (and if one insists, well to do Thais) are not in the habit of giving something back to society, other than temple donations, well documented donations and tax breaks - that by no means includes anyone and everyone. Again, no idea about the man's charitable contributions and activities or if, indeed, there are any. Just saying that concluding anything along these lines from your post would be hard to do.

His candidacy was indeed supported by the so called group of 40, but they were not the only one supporting him, or else he would not have been chosen. If one wished to denounce any candidate voted for by these 40 senators, that is basically saying there could be only candidates identified with the other side. If there was an overwhelming support for the rival candidate, there were still enough votes for him to win, even without these 40.

If one wants to point a possible flaw in the man's character, one could just mention he is a lawyer

This is what the next generation of thai politicians should be made of.

Hardworking humble people, not the politicians with a wealthy background, from corrupt families.

I say Let the army remove all ill-politicians from all parties and start the country from zero