Chai-Anan Samudavanija

Professor Chai-Anan Samudavanija (Thai: ชัยอนันต์ สมุทวณิช; rtgs: Chai-a-nan Samutthawanit) is a Thai political scientist, former director of Vajiravudh College, former president of the Royal Institute, former judge of the Constitutional Court, and former professor of political science at Chulalongkorn University. He was one of the key drafters of the 1997 Constitution of Thailand. During the 2005-2006 political crisis, he was a vocal critic of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. He was associated with Sondhi Limthongkul: he chaired IEC and was head of several of Sondhi's foundations. Chai-Anan supported the 2006 military coup that overthrew the Thaksin government.

After gaining the support of the military and 40 provincial millionaires, Chai-Anan helped found the Matchima political party.

References

• Short biography at the website of EGCO public company limited
• Bangkok Post, Chai-Anan ready to enter party politics, 30 June 2007
• The Nation, New party ready to launch, 26 June 2007