Bangkok, Thailand, March 1, 2022: The Director General of the Olympic Council of Asia, Husain Al Musallam, has expressed his deepest condolences on the death of the former Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, H.E. Bhichai Rattakul, who passed away on Monday, February 28. He was 97.
“I am deeply saddened at the death of H.E. Bhichai Rattakul. He led the Organising Committee of the 1998 Asian Games in Bangkok and played an important role in its success,” the OCA Director General said in a statement.
Mr Al Musallam added: “He was a politician but his love for sport saved the Asian Games in 1998 by protecting the Asian Games Organising Committee from any direct political interference.
“We, on behalf of the Asian Olympic Movement, express our deepest sympathies to his family and share this difficult time with all Thai sports communities. May his soul rest in peace.”
Bhichai, who entered politics in 1958, served twice as Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, first from 1983 to 1990 and then 1997 to 2000. It was during his second term that Bangkok hosted the 13th Asian Games. He also served as parliament president.
